Manon James-Mallinger

What I Do

As General Manager at Rivermede Court, with over five years of dedicated service and a strong foundation in leadership, I am committed to fostering a compassionate, high-performing environment for both residents and staff. Having progressed from Deputy Manager to General Manager, I bring a hands-on understanding of our community’s needs and a deep-rooted passion for delivering exceptional care.

In my role, I lead with integrity, empathy, and a focus on continuous improvement. I work closely with my team to cultivate a culture of respect, open communication, and professional development, ensuring every team member feels supported and empowered. My approach is centred on building strong, trust-based relationships—with staff, residents, and their families—while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.

My Experience

I moved to the UK from Luxembourg in 2006, starting a new life. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to working in the care industry, a field that I hold close to my heart. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various care settings, but my primary focus was in nursing care.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work alongside incredible teams and support individuals from all walks of life. Each experience has reinforced my passion for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, whether it’s providing compassionate care, supporting families, or improving the well-being of those who rely on us.

With years of hands-on experience in the care industry, I remain deeply committed to my mission of making a difference and look forward to continuing my journey in this rewarding field.

About Me

I am someone who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. When I’m not immersed in my professional pursuits, you’ll likely find me lost in a good book, enjoying the company of family and friends, or savouring a cup of coffee at a cozy café, watching the world go by.

Robyn Sheppard

What I Do

As a dedicated Home Admissions Advisor with five years of experience in the care industry, I specialise in guiding families and individuals through the process of finding the right care solutions. With a compassionate and professional approach, I support prospective residents and their loved ones from initial inquiry through to move-in, ensuring a smooth, respectful, and personalized transition into care.

My background in the care sector has given me a deep understanding of both the emotional and practical challenges families face when considering long-term care options. I work closely with clinical, administrative, and hospitality teams to ensure every resident’s needs are met with dignity, sensitivity, and a focus on quality of life.

My Experience

With over 15 years of experience at British Airways, I developed exceptional customer service skills and a strong ability to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life. For the past 5 years, I have worked in a care home setting, where I’ve continued to build on my passion for helping others.

About Me

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and two children. We are always looking for fun activities to do together locally like going to the park, swimming , and cinema.

I enjoy spending time with friends and hosting BBQs. I enjoy shopping and eating out and listening to music.

Hanka Vlhova

What I Do

As the Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coordinator at Rivermede Court, my role is to create a vibrant and inclusive activities programme that brings joy, stimulation, and connection to our residents. I design and lead a variety of events and experiences that support emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing—with fun being the most essential ingredient.

In addition to organising meaningful activities within the home, I also arrange regular outings to local attractions and community events. These excursions help residents maintain social connections and enjoy new experiences outside the home. Every activity I plan is centred on enriching daily life, encouraging engagement, and ensuring every resident feels valued and involved.

My Experience

Although I am a qualified hairdresser by trade, my true passion has always been working with people—and for the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to doing just that. My journey began as an au pair and evolved into roles such as teaching assistant and Cub Scout leader, where I developed a deep appreciation for nurturing wellbeing, creativity, and community spirit.

I’ve been part of the Rivermede Court team since 2019, bringing with me a wealth of experience in planning, organising, and leading engaging activities. I’m a strong believer in the power of community and have been actively involved in organising local events and fundraising efforts. My background helps me create meaningful, inclusive experiences for our residents that support not only their wellbeing, but also their sense of connection and joy.

About Me

I’m a family-oriented person who loves spending quality time with my partner and our two wonderful children—whether we’re off on an adventure, exploring new places, or simply enjoying a cosy day at home playing board games (which I never shy away from—I love a good challenge!).

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, crafting, gardening, and staying active through my involvement in scouting. These hobbies reflect my creative, hands-on approach to life and naturally influence the energy and enthusiasm I bring to my role at Rivermede Court.

Jose Oca

What I Do

As the Head Chef at Rivermede Court since October 2023, I take great pride in creating nutritious, seasonal, and delicious meals tailored to the individual tastes and dietary needs of our residents. With a strong focus on quality, presentation, and fresh ingredients, I strive to make every mealtime a highlight of the day. My approach blends culinary creativity with a deep understanding of care home dining, ensuring each dish not only nourishes but also brings comfort and enjoyment. At Rivermede Court, my goal is to deliver a dining experience that feels both personal and exceptional.

My Experience

With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to my role as Head Chef at Rivermede Court. Originally beginning my career in restaurants, I later found a true calling in care home dining, where I could combine my love for food with a commitment to the wellbeing of others. For more than 15 years, I’ve been living and working in the UK, honing my skills in both fine dining and specialist care catering.

About Me

I am a passionate, confident, and creative chef originally from Spain, with a deep love for food and people. My background and culture inspire much of my cooking, bringing vibrant flavours and fresh ideas to every dish I create. Beyond the kitchen, I enjoy connecting with residents and team members—sharing stories, laughter, and the joy that good food can bring.

When I’m not working, I love to relax, unwind, and enjoy a good conversation. Whether it’s experimenting with new recipes or simply kicking back on my days off, I believe balance and joy are key ingredients in both life and cooking.

Rose Strutt

What I Do

As Head Housekeeper at Rivermede Court, my main role is to support and oversee the housekeeping, laundry, and front-of-house teams to ensure we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, comfort, and customer service. I am committed to creating a welcoming, well-presented environment that residents are proud to call home.

By working closely with each department, I help ensure that every detail—no matter how small—is taken care of with care and professionalism. Supporting residents’ day-to-day comfort is at the heart of what I do, and I take pride in contributing to the warm and homely atmosphere that makes Rivermede special.

My Experience

I bring over 15 years of experience as a Head Housekeeper in the care industry and have recently joined Cinnamon Care with great pride. Before transitioning into the care sector, I worked in the hospitality industry and also ran my own sandwich shop—an experience that gave me a strong foundation in customer service, attention to detail, and team leadership.

Throughout my career, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the importance of cleanliness, comfort, and a well-maintained environment, especially in a care setting. I feel truly privileged to be part of such a dedicated and professional team at Rivermede Court, where delivering exceptional service and care is always the top priority.

About Me

In my spare time, I enjoy home decorating, taking long walks with my dogs, and most of all, spending quality time with my family—especially my ten wonderful grandchildren. Family means everything to me, and the joy they bring inspires the care and attention I put into my work every day. Whether at home or at Rivermede Court, creating a warm, welcoming environment is something I truly value.

Chris Docwra

What I Do

As Head of Maintenance  at Rivermede Court, I’m responsible for ensuring that everything in the home runs smoothly and safely. Whether it’s fixing a fault, carrying out routine checks, or responding quickly to unexpected issues, I take pride in keeping the building in top condition for our residents, staff, and visitors.

But my role goes beyond repairs—I believe in creating a positive environment, and I always aim to bring a smile to the faces of those around me. Whether through a helping hand or a friendly chat, I enjoy being part of the daily life of the home and contributing to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Rivermede Court so special.

My Experience

This is my first role in the care sector, and it’s one I’ve embraced with great enthusiasm. I began my journey at Rivermede Court in May 2024 as a Maintenance Assistant and was proud to step into the role of Maintenance Manager in October 2024. Prior to joining the team here, I worked as a manager in a UK kitchen supply company, where I developed strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach that I now apply daily in a care home setting.

The transition into the care environment has been incredibly rewarding. I take great satisfaction in knowing that the work I do behind the scenes helps create a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained home for our residents and team.

About Me

I’m an easy-going person who enjoys building positive relationships with everyone I work with. Outside of Rivermede Court, I’m a proud owner of a 14 year old staffy  and I have 3  grandchildren —who keep me on my toes! I’m also actively involved with a local boxing club, where I help support and mentor young people as they build confidence, discipline, and self-belief through the sport.

Whether at work or in the community, I’m passionate about making a difference and bringing out the best in others.

Sharon Smith

What I Do

As the Home Administrator at Rivermede Court, I play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the home’s daily operations. My responsibilities cover a wide range of areas including recruitment, HR administration, payroll, and general office management. I also oversee and support our reception team, ensuring that every visitor and resident is welcomed with warmth and professionalism.

With strong organisational skills and attention to detail, I take pride in creating a supportive and well-structured environment for both staff and residents. My goal is to help maintain a high standard of care by providing reliable administrative support across all departments.

My Experience

I have been the Home Administrator at Rivermede Court since June 2021, bringing with me a wealth of experience from a variety of administrative roles, including several years in the fitness industry. While this is my first role in a care setting, it has quickly become one of the most rewarding chapters of my career.

At Rivermede Court, I manage a wide range of responsibilities including HR administration, payroll, and general office coordination. I also lead and support our reception team, ensuring every visitor and resident receives a warm and professional welcome.

Working in such beautiful surroundings, alongside a dedicated team and our wonderful residents, is a true privilege. The positive atmosphere and friendly faces I encounter each day make Rivermede Court  not just a workplace, but a place I genuinely enjoy being part of.

About Me

Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to two daughters and have a real love for music. One of my favourite parts of the day is when we have musical entertainers in the home—you’ll often find me dancing and enjoying the moment alongside our residents. It’s a joy to share those special experiences and help create a lively, uplifting atmosphere in the home. I believe that connection, laughter, and a good song go a long way in making every day meaningful.