Meet Our Team
We’d like to introduce our friendly Rivermede Court team who are determined to be the difference in senior care.
Candice O’Neill
General Manager
Candice O’Neill
General Manager
What I Do:
I’m so proud to be the leader of a successful team where everyone puts their heart and soul into everything they do in their day-to-day duties, making a real difference to the lives of people who live at Rivermede Court. We all share the common goal of putting our residents first and ensuring the highest level of care.
My Experience:
I have worked in the care industry since 1998 and been a registered manager in different settings supporting people with varied needs since 2004, with a background in working with the elderly and in dementia care.
Before starting at Cinnamon I was the registered manager of a residential home which had received an Outstanding CQC rating twice in a row.
About Me:
I believe that being part of something so special is a true privilege and I relish the opportunity to deliver exceptional person-centred care in a beautiful luxury home.
Manon James-Mallinger
Deputy Manager
Manon James-Mallinger
Deputy Manager
What I do:
I started work at Rivermede Court last year as a Team Leader and have recently been promoted to Deputy Manager. I am enjoying my new role and all the challenges it brings. I am looking forward to growing the fantastic team at Rivermede Court and in helping to deliver excellent person centred care.
My experience:
Originally from Luxembourg, I came to the UK in 2006 and have worked in the care sector ever since I started as a Care Assistant and I have worked my way up from Carer to Senior Carer to Care Manager. I have worked in different care settings mostly homes that provided nursing care. My passion lies within the care sector and my ambition is to make a positive difference in people‘s lives.
About me:
I have recently gotten married. It only took 14 years but we got there in the end. In my spare time I like to meet with friends, have coffee and watch the world go by. I also enjoy reading a good book.
Ruby Clark
Home Admissions Advisor
Ruby Clark
Home Admissions Advisor
What I do:
I am absolutely delighted to be a part of the Rivermede team here at Cinnamon care. As the Home Admissions Adviser, it is a privilege to help families find a perfect solution for their loved ones during the later stages of their life.
My Experience:
I have over eight years’ experience working within the care sector, supporting families throughout the journey, from their initial call, throughout the move in process, and getting to see them on a regular basis when they visit family within the home. Care homes give people the chance for a relaxed, stress free and enriched life and it’s lovely to see our new residents settle in, make friends and become happier enjoying what each day’s activities can bring to them.
About Me:
I love nature and animals. I live in a cottage and have four dogs that require plenty of attention and exercise. I enjoy short breaks abroad and love to see and create art where possible. My family are all artistic including an illustrator, painter, calligrapher and children’s book writer.
Rose Strutt
Head housekeeper
Rose Strutt
Head housekeeper
What I do:
My main role is to support the housekeeping team and to provide the highest standards of cleanliness in Rivermede Court for the residents.
Experience:
I have been Head Housekeeper for 15 years in the care industry and have now come to Cinnamon Care. I feel very privileged to be working with such a professional team.
About me:
In my spare time I enjoy decorating, walking my dogs and spending time with my family, especially my 8 grandchildren.
Hanka Vlhova
Activity Co-Ordinator
Hanka Vlhova
Activity Co-Ordinator
What I Do:
I’m the Activity Co-Ordinator at Rivermede Court and my role is to compose activities and events for our residents that are inclusive, enjoyable and exciting. As well as organising events within the home I also like to arrange visits to local attractions and events. This helps to promote a social network for our residents. My role includes activity plans based on wellbeing, mental stimulation, physical well -being and of course the most important ingredient fun.
My Experience:
I am a qualified hairdresser, however for the past 20 years I have been working with children, starting as an au-pair all the way to teaching assistant and cub scout leader. I am a great believer in being part of the community and have helped out with organising events and fundraising in the local area.
About me:
I am family-oriented person. I love spending time with my two lovely children and my partner enjoying adventures, trips or just staying home playing board games – I love playing board games and I am up for any challenge! My hobbies are cooking, baking, any types of craft, gardening and scouting.
Jose Oca
Head Chef
Jose Oca
Head Chef
What I Do:
I am the head chef at Rivermede Court and I have been working at Rivermede since October 2023.
My Experience:
I have been working as a chef for over 20 years and have been in the UK living and working as a chef for more than 15 years.
About me:
I am Spanish and I am a passionate, confident, and creative chef. I love to create delicious and nutritious menus using fresh seasonal ingredients from the local area.
Chris Docwra
Maintenance Manager
Chris Docwra
Maintenance Manager
What I do:
I am the maintenance manager here at Rivermede, basically if its broken I will fix It. I also like to play a big part in putting smiles on the faces of all residents and team members.
My experience:
This is my first job in the care sector, previously I was a manager in UK kitchen supply company. I originally started as maintenance assistant back in May 2024,then progressed to the manager’s position in October.
About me:
I’m easy going and like to get on with everyone. I have two Staffordshire bull terriers which I call my kids ,I am also involved with a local boxing club where we develop and help youngsters to build confidence In themselves.
Sharon Smith
Administrator
Sharon Smith
Administrator
What I do
I am the administrator for the home and I deal with a variety of tasks including recruitment, HR admin, payroll to name just a few. I also manage and support the reception team.
My Experience
This is my first role in a care setting, but I have had many years of experience in administration roles. I have been working at Rivermede Court for 8 weeks and I absolutely love my job. It feels like a privilege to be able to come to work in such beautiful surroundings and to be met by so many smiling faces every morning.
About me
I have 2 daughters and a Jackapoo called Bella. I love music and can be found dancing with the residents when we have musical entertainers in the home!
If you’re seeking care for yourself or a loved one, why not get in touch for a chat? We’re here to help you!