Meet the Hilderstone Hall Care Home Team

From nurses and carers to chefs and housekeepers, staff in our home are here to deliver high quality care and services to those we support. Check below to meet some of the friendly faces you are likely to see when visiting our home:

Melanie Fenton

General Manager

Hi, my name is Melanie and I am the General Manager here at Hilderstone Hall.  Welcome to our website!

Thank you for taking the time to look further into what we have to offer to you or your loved one. Here is an opportunity to look at some of our staff team in the home, who all play a vital role in day-to-day life.

I have a wealth of experience within Social Care. I endeavour to ensure high standards are implemented to ensure that the home operates above the essential standards of quality and safety that respect dignity and protect individual rights.  I am passionate about making a difference to the residents who live with us, and that the home is run in the best interests of the residents.

I commenced employment in the Care Sector in 1987. During this time I have worked in a variety of roles.  I started my career in Care as a Care Assistant, working my way up from a Care Assistant to the Registered Home Manager. I have been registered with the Care Quality commission since 2000. I have longevity of employment only having two employers for the last 30 years.

Myself and my team look forward to welcoming you to our home.

Charlotte Lownds

Deputy Manager

Hello, I'm Charlotte, the Deputy Manager at Hilderstone Hall.  I joined the home in early 2024, initially as a Bank Nurse before progressing into the post of Deputy Manager.

I had previously visited Hilderstone Hall when working for the NHS as a Community Nurse and Practice Nurse and I was delighted to have the opportunity to work here.  The home is stunning, I was drawn to the beautiful countryside setting and the Residents and staff here are remarkable.  

I am a Registered General Nurse and have additional qualifications alongside my nursing degree in disease management, specialising in diabetes and respiratory conditions.  I am passionate about encouraging and promoting high standards for delivery of person-centred holistic care.

Outside of work I am kept busy with my family, my two pooches and I am a lover of holidays - I always make sure the next one is in the planning!

Cheznath Montero

Registered General Nurse

Hi there, my name is Cheznath and I am a Registered General Nurse at Hilderstone Hall.

I am originally from the Philippines, qualified as nurse in 2013 and spent my earlier career on medical wards.  Prior to joining Hilderstone Hall in October 2023 I worked in South Africa for three years, but then started to explore options for my next move and a new challenge.

I love my job, the home, Residents and staff, building relationships and trust is vital to delivering the best quality of care. 

When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my friends and cooking traditional Filipino food.

Tess Harris

Registered General Nurse

Hi I’m Tess and I am a Registered Nurse here at Hilderstone Hall. I recently joined the team and I love working here and bonding with the residents. I am always happy to help and enjoy chatting to the residents about themselves as I do my nursing. I have many years of experience in the nursing industry and have a background in acute medicine.

Carrie-Anne Howard

Home Administrator

Hello, my name is Carrie, I have been in the care sector as a Home Administrator since 2006.

I joined Hilderstone Hall in April 2023, with a wealth of experience in administration role including completing a NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration.

My duties are the day to day running of the home, payroll, invoicing and contracts.  I enjoy meeting and greeting relatives, residents and professionals, making time for everyone as I have an open door policy.  

The staff at Hilderstone Hall are all very welcoming and strive to give the best possible care of which I am very proud to be a part of.

Ellie Robinson

Activities Co-ordinator

Hi, my name is Ellie and I am the Activities Co-ordinator here at Hilderstone Hall.

I joined the team in November 2024 having previously worked in hospitality and event planning.  I am not new to working in healthcare - earlier in my career I trained and worked as a Care Assistant and obtained my NVQ Level 2 and Higher Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care.

I bring bags of energy and enthusiasm and I enjoy spending time with Residents, getting to know them individually, their personalities, likes and dislikes.  Ultimately, this enables me to plan and deliver a tailored activities programme to suit their wants and needs.

I am also a qualified florist, which supports the creativity involved in the role and I can inspire Residents to participate in regular and new activities and events.

Outside of work, I am a Mum to my young Son, which keeps me busy! In my spare time my family and I enjoy getting out in the the fresh air for walks and there is usually a coffee and cake stop too!

Rodney Buultjens

Head Chef

Hi, I'm Rodney and I have been the Head Chef at Hilderstone Hall since September 2023.

I bring bags of experience and of course recipes from my expansive career as a Chef.  I qualified from The Guildford College London in 2003 and spent time perfecting my craft in care home kitchens.  I enjoy taking suggestions from Residents and making sure we are providing them with the food of choice as well as ensuring they have a healthy, balanced diet. 

My favourite meal to cook is a good old fashioned roast dinner with all the trimmings.

I have been married for many years, I attribute this to my excellent cooking!  When I am not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, I enjoy food shopping and tinkering with electronics.

Lyle Mitchell

Head of Maintenance

Hi, my name is Lyle and I joined the team at Hilderstone Hall in 2022 as Head of Maintenance.  Most of all I love the interaction and variety my role provides and I feel privileged to be able to make a difference in people’s lives by ensuring their home is maintained and presented to a high standard. Prior to joining the Hilderstone team I worked in the theatre world.

Tania Lane

Head Housekeeper

Hi, my name is Tania Lane, I joined Barchester in 2016. I started as a housekeeper and worked my way up to the position of Head Housekeeper.  I take great pride in my work, I am so happy when residents really like how their rooms look and feel.  I also love to talk to the residents while I’m cleaning their rooms. I aim to help residents remain as independent as possible. I also especially enjoy facilitating new families and future residents' show arounds so that they can experience the home prior to move in.

Sarah Gregory-Haynes

Administration Assistant

Hello my name is Sarah and I am the Admin Assistant and Receptionist at Hilderstone Hall; I joined the team here in November 2023. I previously worked in administration in a SEN School for 10 years and came to Hilderstone for a new adventure with a passion to provide support to vulnerable people.

The team here have been wonderful and welcoming; Hilderstone feels like a true home from home. It has been a pleasure to bond with the residents and their families and get to know everyone. In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors and going for walks with my children, my partner and our dog.

David Birks

Senior Care Assistant

Hi I’m Dave and I am a Senior Care Assistant here at Hilderstone Hall. I have worked in the care sector since 2009 and I am qualified in Level 5 Management and Leadership.

Brenda Jones

Senior Care Assistant

Hi my name is Brenda.  I have worked at Hilderstone Hall for 2 and a half years on memory lane. I have worked in the care industry for 30 years in a range of different sectors. My hobbies include gardening, which I encourage the residents every year to plant seeds and grow veg. I also enjoy sewing, making bags, aprons and attend local craft fairs. I have 3 grown up children and many grandchildren.

Jacqui Fleary

Senior Care Assistant

Hi I’m Jacqui and I am a senior carer here at Hilderstone Hall. I have been in the health profession for over 30 years in all aspects from manager to cook to pot washer!

I came to Hilderstone in January 2023 after following my Nan who worked here over 30 years ago as a cook and passed away 5 years ago after choosing to spend her last few weeks here.

I am very bubbly, chatty and always singing and I have a passion for sewing and fast cars.

Sarah Turner

Senior Care Assistant

Sarah joined the team working at Hilderstone Hall in 2021 as a senior Carer. Sarah enjoys her role within the care team and takes pride in her work. Sarah enjoys the challenges of her job and ensures people’s day to day life routines are followed.

Joanne Macari

Hospitality / Hostess

Hi, my name is Joanne and I joined the home in 2014.  Within my role as a Hospitality Host I strive to create a stimulating environment for our residents so that we can give them the all-round care and support they deserve.

We want our homes to be warm and welcoming with interesting events and first-class hospitality. As a Hospitality Host, we have an important part to play in making sure that happens. In particular, we provide a friendly, engaging and helpful service in our dining room and bar areas. It’s a fulfilling role that will gives a real opportunity to enhance the lives of all our residents and one in which I enjoy!

Sam Cowie

Second Chef

My name is Sam and I am a Chef at Hilderstone Hall. I am bubbly and happy and always chat to the residents I cook for. I enjoy travelling with my Husband and I have been to many beautiful places across the world. Recently I have been sharing home-made family recipes with the residents who have given me plenty of inspiration!

Claire Smith

Kitchen Assistant

Hi, my name is Claire and I joined Barchester in September 2019 as part of the Housekeeping Team before transferring over to the Kitchen in 2022.  I enjoy working within the hospitality team talking to residents and making sure they are happy. I enjoy helping to serve the nutrient menu to all of our residents. I want to help residents remain as independent as possible.  I work hard to ensure that the home maintains Barchester's high standards and that they work to create a relaxed, personal atmosphere for residents, relatives and staff.

Lesley Stirzaker

Housekeeping and Laundry Assistant

Housekeeping and Laundry Assistant Lesley Stirzaker began working at Hilderstone Hall in 2001

Lesley is dedicated to her work and exudes a positive attitude in all that she does for residents every day.  Lesley's long service is very much appreciated by all residents and colleagues