Meet Our Team

Gayle Burn

Deputy Manager

Background, qualifications and experiences.
Once I finished school, I went straight into my nursing career. Initially, I completed my General Nursing and Midwifery diploma and then went on to complete my psychiatric nursing diploma. From the day I started nursing I realised that this is what I love to do and my career is more of a hobby than a job. I also worked on a mobile intensive care ambulance for a couple of years, in theatre for 5 years and in Occupational Health. In 1999 we moved from South Africa to the UK. My first job in the UK was a six month contract in school nursing. In 2000 I joined the BMI Health Group and worked in outpatients and Health screening. I opened several nurse led clinics in outpatients. A wonderful opportunity arose to assist with the design and build and commissioning of a private clinic in London. I remained working at this clinic for 5 years as the Director of Nursing and Director of Infection Control and then had to return to South Africa to care for my mum who was unwell. To keep up my practice I volunteered to work one day a week at a HIV/AIDS hospice. On return to the UK, we decided to move out of London to Lyndhurst. I applied to Hartwood House as a bank nurse and when the opportunity arose applied for the Deputy Manager Role and here I am!

Passions.
People are my passion.
I love every aspect of my job, from residents and relatives to the staff. I enjoy training the staff to understand and reach their goals in their roles. I also enjoy the freedom of the forest and the wonderful outdoor life.

Proudest achievement.
My proudest achievement is climbing Table Mountain in Cape Town. My niece insisted I could do it and at the time I thought, “Oh my word!”. We set off on a hot day (33 degrees) up the front of the mountain (which is the steepest aspect), using the Platteklip Gorge route. This is a rocky gully on the north eastern face that forms a natural staircase right to the top of Table Mountain. Armed with plenty of fluids and a mindset, “if I do this, I can do anything” – up we went. Scrambling up, trying to keep up with my very fit niece, we took an hour and a half ascending 2 Kilometres. Once we reached the summit we enjoyed the most spectacular view. And, Yes, we took the cable car back down!

Ellie Peters

Homes Admissions Advisor

What I do:
My role is to support families who are exploring residential care options, introducing them to our wonderful home, team and explaining all about life here at Hartwood. Looking into care options can often be overwhelming, for someone who may not have any experience in residential care. Therefore, I am on hand to offer help, support, and information, ensuring the individual is listened to and their preferences, likes and interests are our priority.

My experience:
I started working in residential care settings at 17 years old, starting in a part time position whilst studying, this is where I found my passion for helping others. I then decided to join the activities team as this is where I could really make a difference, supporting residents to enjoy life in residential care setting, achieving wishes and goals in a creative way. I was then promoted into a support managerial role, where it was my responsibility to recruit, induct and manage teams of activity organisers across several homes. This role included creating and leading on initiatives and projects across the group, from events held in our homes to community led engagement, for the residents to take part in and enjoy. I was responsible for supporting the Marketing team to keep relatives and the local community updated. I was with my previous employer for just over 11 years, when I decided to join the wonderful Cinnamon family. I strongly believe in enjoying life at any age and love to see residents blossom at Hartwood House, supported by our amazing team.

About me:
I live in Lymington with my partner Matt and our two dogs, Denzil & Lux. I am a very sociable person, I enjoy meeting new people and learning what interests them. Out of work, I like to socialise with family and friends. Together, Matt and I enjoy going on holiday, travelling to new destinations, watching live music and spending time at the beach.

Daniel Bree

Head Chef

What I do

I ensure we prepare, cook and consistently serve delicious, nutritionally balanced food here at Hartwood House using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I’ve continued to enjoy my position for the past two and a half years and I love the working here. What keeps me keen is sharing my love for food, as I understand the importance for our residents and staff to enjoy great meals!

My experience

I have now been a Chef for fifteen years, working in most industries from private, fine dining to large corporate contracts, gastro pubs and outside catering environments. In 2016, I was proud to be nominated and included in the top five for food in the Care Sector Awards. I also have NVQ Level 3 advanced apprenticeship in professional cookery.

About me

I love food, enjoy playing football and listening to music. My little boy keeps me busy and my wife runs her own baby swimming business. I often take our son along to her classes.

Demie Arnold

Activities Lead

What I do:
My role is to organise various activities within the home to suit our resident’s needs. It is my aim to bring as much fun and enjoyment to Hartwood as much as possible.

 My experience:
I have worked in care for 10 years now, I was previously working as a Health care assistant in a nursing home, supporting people with Dementia and mental health conditions. I’ve always loved doing care work, to make a positive difference to someone’s life is a gift within itself.

About me:
I spend most of my weekends at wedding venues as a bridal makeup artist – I love make up and art, to me it is a form of self-expression. In my free time I love spending time with friends and family.

Owen Southwell

Maintenance Manager

My role:
As maintenance manager my role is too keep the residents and staff in a safe and healthy environment so they can enjoy their daily activities

My experience:
Before working at Hartwood House I spent 10 working as a site manager for a local infant school and 13 years in aviation

About me:
In my spare time I enjoying gardening, spending time with my family and going on holidays to the Caribbean!

Rachael Crosbie

Administrator

What I do:
I deal with all admin duties at Hartwood House from Invoices to Recruitment. I really enjoy working here at Hartwood House, the atmosphere with colleagues and residents is what I love most.

My experience:
I come from a private Children’s home company where I did very similar work. Before this I ran my own business and worked in schools and customer service roles.

About me:
I am a Mum to four boys and two cats. I enjoy paper crafting and spending time with friends and family.

Vanessa Balme

Admin Assistant

What I do:
I am the receptionist for the home, I answer the phone and greet visitors. I assist Rachael the administrator with HR, and I help all the residents, staff, and visitors with anything they may need.

My experience:
I have worked in the care sector since 2007. I started off as a care assistant and eventually became a deputy manager.

About me:
I have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. I moved to Southampton in May 2023 to be near my daughters and grandchildren. I am originally from Leeds and spent the last 6 years living in Grantham, Lincolnshire.