A Decade of Leadership: The Story of Anavo’s Longest-Serving Home Manager

From housekeeping and laundry to care, leadership and management, Michelle has done almost every job that makes up a care home.

That hands-on experience has shaped the way she leads today. Having worked her way through each role, she understands the pressures, the responsibilities and the pride that come with them. For Michelle, every role matters, and every person plays a vital part in creating a home for residents.

As Anavo Group’s longest serving Home Manager of Berehill House, she brings 10 years of experience and that perspective into everything she does. Her journey hasn’t followed a straight line, but it has always been rooted in one belief: treat people as you would want your own family to be treated.

How did your career in care begin?

It might sound cliché, but I always wanted to work in care. My mum has photos of me dressed up as a nurse when I was little. Looking after people just felt natural to me.

After leaving school, I completed a two-year health and social care course at college. We did a variety of placements, in schools, disability services and elderly care. At 17, I was convinced I wanted to work with children and wasn’t particularly keen on elderly care. I think when you’re young, you don’t always see what it can offer.

Life then took a different turn. I became a mum at 19, and a couple of years later I had my second son. While raising them, I worked part-time jobs before my own mum, who had worked in care for many years, told me there was a housekeeping job going at a local care home just two minutes from my house. It was perfect as I could walk to work and still be there for my children.

I started my career with The Orders of St John Care Trust as a housekeeper, but I’ve always had a drive to grow and progress in my career. I’d look at the next role up and think, I want to do that.

I worked in housekeeping, the laundry and the kitchen before moving into care. I completed my NVQs, became a Team Leader, then Deputy Manager, and eventually achieved my Level 5 in Leadership and Management.

Ten years ago, I was offered the opportunity to manage Berehill House. It’s a 35-bed residential home with a wonderful history, once a private residence and even used during the war to rehabilitate soldiers.

When I first walked in, it just felt different. There was something special about it, and I still feel that today. This year marks my 11th year here, and I’m incredibly proud to be the longest-serving manager in the Anavo group.

Why is creating a “home” so important to you?

When I first arrived, the home was quite structured and routine-based. But I’ve always believed this is people’s home.

If someone wants to go to bed later, have a lie-in, put their feet up on the sofa or choose the colour of their walls, they should be able to. It’s their life and their home.

It’s not about what I want as a manager, it’s about what our residents want. Over the years, we’ve built a strong, loyal team. Some of the staff who joined me in the early days are still here now. I think that’s because we genuinely work as one team.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a housekeeper, chef, nurse or manager, every role is equally important. The home doesn’t function without all of us.

What do you love most about working in elderly care?

Without question, it’s listening to residents’ stories. I’ve heard what it was like during the war, what it felt like watching the 1966 World Cup, stories about holidays, marriages and family life. That’s the privilege of working in care, you get to know someone’s life story while they’re still here to tell it.

With 35 residents, I know every single person personally. I know many of their families too. I didn’t want this to just be a job, I wanted to give 100% of myself and genuinely know the people I care for.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I always try to lead by example and I have always had an open-door policy, anyone can come and talk to me at any time.

I’ll step in wherever I’m needed, whether that’s supporting a shift, helping with activities or even putting a wash on. I’ve done nearly every role in a care home, so I understand the pressures that come with them.

During my time here, I’ve also supported neighbouring Wessex Lodge, overseeing both homes at points in my career. That was challenging, but it helped me grow in confidence and leadership.

Berehill has always remained my constant, though. Coming back full-time feels like coming home.

What would you say to someone considering a career in care?

It’s not for everyone and that’s okay. But if you’re passionate about people and genuinely care, it’s an incredible career.

My guiding principle has always been simple: treat residents how you would want your own mum or dad to be treated.

Some days are challenging, and it can feel thankless because caring becomes so natural, it’s just what you do. But when a family thanks you for looking after their loved one, that’s when you realise the impact you’ve had.

Care isn’t just a job to me. It’s about compassion, community and connection. At Berehill House, my aim is to make sure every resident feels safe, valued and truly at home and that every member of staff feels supported to grow and thrive.

After more than a decade here, I still wouldn’t choose to do anything else.

If Michelle’s inspiring journey has sparked your interest in a career in care or encouraged you to take the next step in your own progression, click here and explore our current opportunities and discover how you could begin your journey with us here.