Our Team

Hello I am the General Manager of Oakham Grange. I am a registered adult nurse, I began my career in nursing in medical and surgical, community nursing, health visiting, then I became a deputy manager in a care home and moved on to being a home manager of a nursing home and a commissioning manager.

I always wanted to be nurse from being very young and although it took a few years I finally got there.

I enjoy helping people to their best and even in a call centre, I would always go an extra mile, customer service is very important to me and I endeavour to ensure that any service I provide is one which I would like to receive. I am very excited to lead such a talented team at Oakham Grange and our aim is deliver the best care we can possibly provide.

Likes: kindness, spending time at home, holidaying in my touring caravan

Dislikes: Rudeness, apathy, and the winter

Hello, my name is Jesamy, and I am the Deputy Manager here at Oakham Grange. I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse, having qualified at Robert Gordon’s University in 2007. I began my career working in Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen, in a functional assessment ward for those over 65 years of age who were experiencing acute mental health issues. I then moved on to working in a dementia assessment ward, and following that a challenging behaviour ward for gentlemen over the age of 65. Upon my return from maternity leave, I worked in a variety of settings, and then made the move back home to Rutland where I took up a position as a nurse in a care home. I gained the experience and knowledge required to become the Clinical Lead nurse, which I absolutely loved.

I am so proud to be able to say that I work at Oakham Grange, having been born in Oakham (back when Rutland Memorial Hospital still had a maternity unit and Dr Brentnall was in charge) and bought up in Uppingham. I am passionate about ensuring that we provide the highest standard of care possible to the people of Rutland and beyond. I believe that people should be treated with the same love and care that I would like to see my own family treated with, and strive to make sure that this is the case for all our residents at Oakham Grange.

Likes: Holidaying in Norfolk with my partner and children, baking, learning to crochet and embroider

Dislikes: Meaness and rudeness, diets, dishonesty, racism and homophobia”

At the age of 17 I started my Dip H E in adult nursing at Leeds University. I qualified in 1999 and started my first job in nursing on Ward 15 at Glenfield hospital, which was a rehabilitation ward.

I worked here for 18 months while waiting for a community nursing post to come up as this is what I really wanted to do. I started as a community nurse in April 2001, and this is where I have spent the last 19 years of my career, all be in in different guises. I was a triage nurse for 18 months for the community and latterly from 2014 worked for a service called ICS. This service was rolled out to provide a multidisciplinary team approach to enable people at home, rather than being admitting to hospital. I met my 2 colleagues Liz and Chrissy working here approximately 12 years ago and now a new adventure begins for the 3 of us as nurse practitioners working together to provide nursing care at Oakham Grange. This is very exciting!! To be able to work as a professional with friends who you have the utmost trust and belief in is very special.

My aim as a nurse practitoner at Oakham Grange is to provide autonomous, person centred care for our residents.

Likes: Food, the odd weekend away, an alcoholic beverage, friends and my dog Bella

Dislikes: Cooking, exercise and dishonesty

From leaving school I worked as a Care Assistant in several residential homes in Leicestershire, eventually working my way up to Senior Carer. At the age of 26 I commenced my nurse training at Charles Freer School of Nursing, De Montfort University and successfully qualified as an Adult General Nurse in 2010. Since then I have predominately worked within the NHS as a Community Nurse, Prison Nurse and Practice Nurse. From a young age I always wanted to be a nurse, now I am there is nothing else I would want to be doing, working at Oakham Grange is my dream job!

Likes: Prosecco, horse racing and dogs

Dislikes: Diets, avocado and liars

I studied BSC (Hons) Adult Nursing at East Anglia Polytechnique, I’d loved my student placements in the community working with the District Nurses and knew that this was what I wanted to do. Once qualified I took a job at Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry, I worked on an assessment unit for the elderly for a year before taking a job in a Community Nursing team in Leicestershire, that’s where I stayed for fourteen years before moving to the Intensive Community Support team in 2015.

I’ve worked with both Cat and Liz for over twelve years and we have a great working relationship with a wealth of experience that we can bring to Oakham Grange

Likes: Reading and my two dogs.

Dislikes: Racism and spicy food.

My Name is Deepu Stephen, a Chef with over 22 years of experience in creating different cuisine (English, continental, Chinese and Indian etc.). My aim at Oakham Grange is to cook exciting and new things for our residents to enjoy every day. I have worked in some of the most prestigious hotels in the world including; Burj Al Arab Dubai, Jumeirah Beech Hotel Dubai, Hilton Bahrain, InterContinental Bahrain and Taj Hotels in Indian. I was awarded Chef of the year Middle East 2006 and a Gold Medal in the Blackbox competition in Australia. I have worked with some of the most well-known chefs around the world including Chef Garry Rhodes and Chef Paul Bocuse to name just a few. I like to spend time with my wife and three children in my spare time and I also run a cooking channel on YouTube.

Likes: playing Cricket and cooking for family and friends.

Dislikes: Fighting, negativity or a poor work ethic.

I am so pleased to have recently joined Oakham Grange as Head Housekeeper. My previous role was in Housekeeping for 11 years at a Therapeutic residential school, for boys and girls with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Although this is a change in a work environment for myself, I bring to this role, enthusiasm, care, compassion and high standards. I will endeavour to work alongside this great team we have and support the working ethics of Oakham Grange.

Likes: - looking after my many animals and camping trips away with the family.

Dislikes:- Animal cruelty and disrespect to others.

Hello, my name is Rachel Hynds and I am the Administration Manager at Oakham Grange. This rewarding and extremely varied role gives me the opportunity to get involved in many interesting aspects of our home. Whether administrative, family liaison or reception management no two days are ever the same, which certainly keeps me on my toes!

Prior to Oakham Grange I have worked in several schools in both administrative and special needs support. Also, a local authority as support officer for heads of service, an ancestral home as a wedding and visits coordinator, and in several customer service front line roles. Having worked in many previous areas has allowed me to see just what a special place Oakham Grange is.

Caring for residents, families and staff members is key to what we do here at Oakham Grange, and I will always strive to do this to the best of my abilities.

Likes: Cats & Dogs, Gardening, Arts and Crafts, lighthouses

Dislike: Animal cruelty, unkindness, not indicating at roundabouts!

I joined Oakham Grange as an Activities Coordinator during the summer of 2021. I really enjoy my time working here with our residents, as no two days are the same.

Now days I have my feet firmly planted on the ground, as previously I worked as a Long Haul, First Class Flight Attendant for Australia’s International Airline. To say I am an experienced traveller is an understatement!

I have travelled the world and have lived in various countries. Travel certainly broadens the mind. Experiencing different cultures and traditions is wonderful and let’s not forget the exquisite foods.

I like to cook, my favourite food being Thai cuisine. I produce quite a few Indian curries too. I had the pleasure of learning how to cook a traditional Indian Curry from my Grandmother, with recipes passed down from my Great Grandmother, who had lived in India for many years.

In my spare time I have a passion to paint using water colours. I studied History of Art which gave me knowledge of beautiful art works and architecture. I apply such details into many of my paintings.

Using the art of visual concepts is very important, particularly useful for those who are hard of hearing. I had the pleasure of teaching basic sign language in Amsterdam a few years ago. Sign language is a great asset, of which I am learning more about with further courses to study.

I dislike early winter mornings, I’m always longing for the spring and summer months to enjoy the great outdoors in a temperature more suited to me. Rutland is a beautiful county one of which I’m proud to call my home here in the UK.

I am a lifelong learner and have studied social and health care, horticultural therapy and life coaching to degree level. I am an NVQ assessor and a health and social care trainer and mentor to level 5.

I have worked as an independent health advocate, a support worker in domiciliary care for people with learning disabilities living independently, as an OT assistant, activities coordinator and as a horticultural therapist.

Horticultural therapy is where my heart lies and I want to engage our residents with activities such as taking cuttings of plants, making lavender bags or our own jam and marmalade.

I am excited about working at Oakham Grange, supporting all the staff to ensure the residents have a fulfilling and happy life.

Likes: I love growing unusual plants from seed, especially succulents.

Dislikes: Injustice and butter!

I was previously a receptionist for the Veterinary industry for over ten years before the pandemic hit and I revalued life and decided to gain a better work life balance. I feel privileged to be part of Oakham Grange and the care we endeavour to deliver. I am here to ensure all our residents and their families feel supported , communicated with and taken care of no matter how small the request. We have a fantastic team on reception and I feel this is reflected in how much we love our job and how hard we work to support our residents and their families.

On a personal level I have one daughter who is now 21 and also a carer, both of us deciding to work particularly in the care sector after taking care of our Grandfather. Family and friends are hugely important to us and we spend lots of time with them. We both love animals , particularly dogs and horses and we have recently , now we have more time together started horse riding again.

Likes: Food, fresh air and people who stand up for what they believe in.

Dislikes: coffee and disorganisation.

I was previously an Office Manager at a SEMH school for 12 years before joining Oakham Grange as Receptionist, as I wanted to take a step back to gain a more even work life balance while staying in a caring environment. I’m here to support residents and their families however I can; from ordering the morning papers, booking transport, family visits, Hairdressers appointments etc.

On a personal level I love spending time with my horses and tending my vegetable garden.

I’ve been married for 30 years to my husband Nick who I’ve known since I was 12 as we were at school together. I have one daughter who is a Teacher and has been married herself for 7 years. I am also the ‘Mother’ of 2 horses, 2 ducks, 3 chickens and 2 cats

Likes: Meeting new people. Kindness and people who spread a little love and happiness.

Dislikes: People who lack compassion, dishonesty and of course Brussel sprouts!!!!

Hi, my name is Chris Potter.

I’m a time served carpenter of some 40 years, the last few being dedicated to working within the care sector. It’s my responsibility to carry out maintenance and regular testing to make Oakham Grange a safe and pleasant place to live. I’m here to make the home personalised and homely for each resident we support.

I live with my partner in Oakham, we moved here 3 years ago to allow us to enjoy life in a rural setting; Oakham gives us all of this and more. We also have an allotment plot where we enjoy growing various things.

Likes: walking, running and cycling around the area.

Dislikes: poor attitude to work.

Hello my name is Brabham and I am a Qualified PAT Dog (Pets As Therapy).

My role here is to spend time with residents, their family and friends and staff, offering unconditional affection. There is nothing I like better than being patted, stroked and hugged by all who wish to meet me. The special moments for me are when I bring back happy memories of past pets, or a smile to the face of someone who finds communication difficult. I have an interesting pedigree being half Saluki and half Standard Poodle, which makes me a 'Salukidoodle'.

I’m named after Sir Jack Braham’s F1 racing cars, as it has been said that I’m fast in a straight line, but suffer from understeer going round corners!