Meet Our Team
We’d like to introduce our friendly Sunnybank House team who are determined to be the difference in senior care.
Gillian Irish
General manager
Gillian Irish
General manager
What I do:
I joined Cinnamon as the General manager of Sunnybank House in December 2020. I instantly liked the atmosphere and the positive relationship the team have with the residents. It feels like a very special place.
As General Manager I am responsible for all aspects of running Sunnybank House. The team are dedicated to providing the best possible care suited to each individual’s needs. From the first contact with the resident and family, we aim to make the process of moving into Sunnybank as smooth as possible – we understand what a difficult time it can be.
My experience:
After training as a nurse at the Westminster Hospital I worked in the NHS for 20 years. Roles at Southampton General Hospital included managing wards and teaching clinical skills. I left the NHS to work in the independent sector, initially as a regional manager for complex care services in the community and for the last ten years as a nursing home manager.
About me:
I live near Romsey with my family and Basil the dog. I enjoy travelling both within the UK and abroad and always have a good book to read.
Sarah Gillett
Home Admissions Advisor
Sarah Gillett
Home Admissions Advisor
What I do:
I joined Cinnamon in November 2017. In my role I help to support families through the transition into residential care. Choosing the right care can be a difficult decision for all involved, but my job is to help this process run as smoothly as possible by guiding our new residents and their family members through this life changing move with support, great understanding and empathy.
My experience:
I have over 8 years’ experience of working in the care sector starting my career as a Domiciliary Carer looking after elderly people in their own homes in the local community and a few years later becoming the Office Manager. After a break to raise my family and help with the family business I feel so lucky to have come back to a job doing the things I am passionate about.
About me:
In my spare time, I like to spend time with my friends and family, my two young daughters keep me very busy. I enjoy shopping, going to cinema and eating out. I am a real foodie so I also enjoy cooking and throwing dinner parties.
Nicki Reeves
Activities Coordinator
Nicki Reeves
Activities Coordinator
What I do:
I am part of the activities team at Sunnybank House. I help to provide fulfilling, varied and stimulating activities for our residents.
My experience:
I have worked in the care industry for 27yrs covering all aspects of care within the Private sector, the community and the NHS.
I have worked in mental health, end of life and emergency care as a care assistant/ senior care assistant.
About Me:
I enjoy running and paddle boarding in my spare time. I also love spending time with my friends and family!
Russell Theron
Head Chef
Russell Theron
Head Chef
What I do:
I have worked for cinnamon for over 3 years, I enjoy the warm and friendly feel about the home and being part of the cinnamon family. I feel strongly about the high standard of food and service we offer, and all dishes made by myself and my talented team use the highest quality ingredients, ensuring all our residents’ nutritional needs are met. For myself, it is also equally important that all our residents enjoy all their meals and actively have a say about what they would like to see on the menu. Getting to know our residents and what they like to eat is as important as the food we cook.
My experience:
I have worked in hospitality for over 20 years in various roles in the hotel industry up to running my own pub in Hampshire. More recently I have worked as a fine dining chef, cooking at events such as Royal Ascot, Chelsea Flower show and Henley Royal Regatta. I love food and being experimental with new dishes and recreating the old classics.
About me:
I live in Romsey with my husband and our dog Holly, a Hungarian Vizla. When I am not working I am looking after Foster children who we regularly have staying with us or taking part in musical theatre with my local amateur dramatic society.
Oliver Rivera
Head Of Housekeeping
Oliver Rivera
Head Of Housekeeping
What I do:
My role is to lead and supervise the housekeeping staff. We provide a high standard of cleaning and laundry within the home.
My experience:
I have worked before in a hotel and another care home as a housekeeper. I was a housekeeper before here in sunny bank house before I became a head housekeeper.
About me:
I like spending time with my family going in outdoor activities like camping and mountain biking.
Ross Hatton
Maintenance Manager
Ross Hatton
Maintenance Manager
What I do:
I am conscience about keeping Sunnybank House well maintained and safe for our Residents. There are a lot of hidden checks and Statutory inspections that I like to keep up to date. The most satisfying part is helping the residents with making their rooms personal to them whether being hanging pictures or organising their room to their liking. Having worked at Sunnybank for 7 years all the residents know me well and I have a great relationship with all of them.
My Experience:
I worked in the construction industry for 30 years and found experience gained invaluable in my current role. I was the first employee at Sunnybank House and was responsible for overseeing the handover of the building in 2014.
About Me:
I like watching my local premier league and cricket teams live and attending concerts. My two daughters and dog keep me busy.