As people around the world celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women this International Women’s Day, Hartford Care highlights the career successes of just some of its female employees.
Lisa Sellens, Regional Operations Manager at Hartford Care, has been with the company for over 16 years and is testament to the career progression on offer, having started with Hartford as a kitchen assistant. She says: “After being referred by a friend, I started work at Boulters Lock in Maidenhead. After working in the kitchen, I undertook a housekeeping role and as soon as I turned 18, I became a Care Assistant. After being promoted to Senior Care Assistant, I then moved to Woodlands House in Southampton in 2014 as Head of Care. I’ve since worked as Home Manager across The Laurels and Pine Lodge in Poole and Woodlands House and West Cliff Hall in Southampton, before taking on my current role of Regional Operations Manager.”
Lisa’s job is to support the Home Managers across seven care homes. She says: “I am the support network and role model for our Home Managers. Hartford Care has believed in me and provided the support needed to achieve my career goals. Despite years of service and experience, I still face new challenges every day which continues to strengthen my ability to help others. I love seeing our residents leading fulfilled lives and our team members happy at work, achieving their own career aspirations.”
Aga Gierek-Tan, who joined Hartford Care in 2014, has just been promoted to Regional Support Manager. Aga’s new role will be to support the teams and Home Managers to achieve outstanding care for their residents. She says: “I started my journey with Hartford Care as Head of Care at Woodlands House in Southampton, I then worked as Home Manager across Bethel House in Barton on Sea, Belford House in Alton and most recently West Cliff Hall in Southampton.”
Aga continues: “I aim to inspire the team to achieve the best for our residents and I care for our residents in the same way I would care for my own family. I love spending time with our residents, learning about all the exciting things they have done in the past, and I want to see them living their lives to the fullest. I am looking forward to this new and exciting chapter as Regional Support Manager.”
Abbey Doyle has just taken up the role of Home Manager for 59-bedroom care home, West Cliff Hall in Southampton. Abbey has worked for Hartford for nearly 11 years, starting her journey with the company as a Care Assistant. Working her way up through the ranks of Senior Care Assistant, Head of Care and Deputy Manager before becoming Home Manager, Abbey has even stepped in as a chef on occasion!
Abbey says: “I started out working with children in the early years setting, however I soon decided it wasn’t the right path for me. Having always been close to my grandparents, I thought I’d try out a new direction in caring for our elderly generation. I feel incredibly privileged that I’ve been able to care for those who served in World War II, it’s something we won’t have the opportunity to do again.”
Previously, Abbey was Home Manager at 31-bedroom Bethel House care home in Barton on Sea, and she is looking forward to the challenge of working in a larger home. She says: “I really enjoyed my time as Home Manager at Bethel House and I’m very much ready for my next challenge at West Cliff Hall. I thrive on expanding my knowledge and ensuring our residents live the best life they can in our care.”
Hartford Care’s philosophy is to provide a safe and comfortable lifestyle for its residents and carers in a high quality home setting. Its head office is based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Established in 2003, its current 16 care homes are in Bristol, Berkshire (Burnham and Maidenhead), Devon (Sidmouth), Dorset (Poole), Hampshire (Barton-on-Sea, Four Marks, Hythe, Portsmouth, Winchester and Woodlands), Isle of Wight (Bembridge, Ryde and Shanklin), Oxfordshire (Witney) and Wiltshire (Downton). Two further care homes in Aldershot and Swindon are due to open their doors this year.
