Careers in Care: Ann’s Journey into Nursing and Learning & Development

Inspired by a natural instinct to care for others from a young age, Ann’s journey into Nursing and now into Learning and Development it was always more than just a career choice, it was a calling. From growing up in Kenya to building a career in the UK, her path has been shaped by bold decisions, hard work and a deep passion for both care and education.

Now working in Learning and Development at Anavo, Ann plays a key role in shaping the future of care by supporting teams to grow, develop, and deliver the highest standards for our residents, while creating environments where colleagues feel valued, supported, and inspired.

We sat down with Ann to talk about her career journey, the challenges that shaped her, and why learning never stops in care.

You didn’t start your career in nursing; how did your journey begin?

Interestingly, I started with an accounting qualification, but that was more because of family expectations than my own choice.

Growing up in Kenya, education and career paths were often guided by what parents felt would give you the best future. In my case, that meant accounting, as it was seen as a stable and successful profession.

I completed the qualification because I felt it was my responsibility to do so. Once I had done that, I knew I needed to follow my own path. That’s when I made the decision to move into nursing, which is what I had always wanted to do.

What was it about nursing that inspired you?

Even when I was a young girl, I was always the one pretending to be the nurse when we played. I remember being fascinated by how nurses cared for people, reassured them, and stayed by their side.

For me, it was never about titles, it was about that human connection. Nurses were the people I saw making a real difference day-to-day, offering comfort and support when people needed it most.

That stayed with me, and as I grew older, I realised that was exactly the kind of role I wanted, to care for people in a meaningful way.

How did your career develop once you qualified?

I trained and worked in Kenya, starting in paediatrics, which I really loved. Working with children was incredibly rewarding, they’re resilient, and once they trust you, that connection is very special.

Alongside that, I discovered a passion for teaching. I found myself really enjoying supporting new staff, showing them how things worked, and helping them build confidence in their roles.

That led to an opportunity to help set up a training school for care assistants, which was quite new at the time. I was involved in building it from the ground up, while also working as a matron in the hospital.

It was a busy time, but it really shaped my interest in combining care with education.

What led you to move to the UK?

I reached a point where I wanted to grow further, both professionally and academically.

At that time, there weren’t many opportunities in Kenya to study while continuing to work. If I wanted to progress, I would have had to leave my job completely.

I knew that in the UK there were more flexible options, where I could work and study at the same time. I made the decision to move, with the intention of developing my skills and qualifications further.

You experienced redundancy early on in your UK career, what impact did that have?

At the time, it was very challenging. I had built up strong experience in paediatrics, but because I didn’t have a specific UK qualification in children’s nursing, I was made redundant.

After that, I struggled to find another role. Adult nursing roles required different experience, and paediatric roles required qualifications I didn’t yet have.

It was frustrating, but looking back, it was also a turning point. It forced me to stop and reflect. I realised that although I had planned to study and develop when I came to the UK, I had fallen into just working to keep up with everyday life. That moment gave me the push I needed to refocus.

How did that decision shape your career?

That’s when I asked myself an important question, what else am I passionate about? The answer was teaching. I then enrolled on a teaching qualification and started working in a care home at the same time. That experience introduced me to elderly care, which I hadn’t focused on before and I found a new passion there as well.

From there, I moved into training roles, then into a Learning and Development Manager position, and continued studying alongside my work. I completed a postgraduate teaching qualification and later started a Master’s.

It was a busy period, but it allowed me to build a career that brought together all my interests.

You’ve taken some bold steps in your career, what’s driven that?

I’ve always believed that if you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s possible.

There have been moments where I’ve taken risks, like applying for a university lecturer role before finishing my Master’s or leaving a role without having another one lined up.

Those decisions weren’t easy, but they came from a place of knowing I wanted more for myself and my career.

Sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone to move forward.

What motivates you in your role today?

For me, it’s about making a real impact. I’m very passionate about ensuring that learning is meaningful. It’s not just about completing training, it’s about making sure people understand it, can apply it, and feel confident in their roles.

I also find it incredibly rewarding to support people in their development. Seeing someone grow, gain confidence, and progress in their career is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.

What are you currently working on within Learning and Development at Anavo?

There’s a lot happening at the moment, which is really exciting. We’re introducing regional trainers who will focus on supporting homes directly, delivering face-to-face training and ensuring consistency across teams.

We’re also improving the induction process so that new starters receive the right training from day one, rather than waiting to get started.

Another key focus is apprenticeships, creating clear pathways for colleagues across different roles, including care and kitchen teams, so they can gain qualifications and progress.

We’ve also launched a new learning management system to make training more structured, accessible, and easier to track.

All of these changes are about making development more meaningful and accessible for everyone at Anavo.

What makes working at Anavo different for you?

For me, it’s the culture. I feel supported, listened to, and trusted. I can bring ideas forward and know they will be considered.

There’s also a genuine focus on staff development, not just in terms of compliance, but in helping people build long-term careers.

That makes a huge difference, and it’s why I feel so positive about being here.

You’ve balanced your career with raising a family, what are you most proud of?

I did all of this while raising two children as a single mother, which wasn’t easy.

There were times when I was working full-time, studying in the evenings, and still managing everything at home. It required a lot of discipline and resilience.

Looking back, I’m proud that I kept going and didn’t give up on my goals. I also hope that my journey has shown my children that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in care?

Care is a career that requires compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to help others.

It’s not something you can do just for financial reasons, you have to care about people and want to make a difference in their lives.

It’s also a career with so many opportunities. If you’re willing to learn, develop, and put yourself forward, there is a lot you can achieve.

Thinking About a Career in Care?

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real difference, continue learning, and be part of a supportive team, a career in care at Anavo could be for you.

Explore opportunities on our careers page and start your journey today.