19/03/2026
Meet the Team – Jess, Manager of Glendale Lodge
Jess is our Manager here at Glendale Lodge, but in many ways this role feels like things coming full circle. Glendale was Jess’s very first job straight out of school, and more than 15 years later she has come back to lead the home that has always been such a big part of her story.
Care and Glendale life run deep in Jess’s family. Her mum, Jackie, has been with us for nearly 30 years, so Glendale has never just been a workplace – it has always been something much closer to home.
Jess first joined us as a carer, working weekends while studying at university to become a Registered Nurse. From the very beginning she showed that determination to work hard, keep learning and always push herself further. After qualifying, she spread her wings and gained experience away from Glendale, working with the District Nursing team and later as part of the Community Prescribing team. She even went back to university again, because Jess has always been someone who wants to grow, develop and better herself. Although, truth be told, we thought she was pretty wonderful anyway.
As life has gone on, Jess has become many things all at once – a nurse, a leader, a busy mum to scarlet and several step-daughters, and someone who somehow seems able to manage a whirlwind of chaos with the tiniest wiggle of her nose. She brings that same calm capability into her work too. Jess has a very reassuring presence, the kind that helps people feel settled, supported and safe. She is hands-on, approachable and never afraid to muck in, which means she leads with both strength and heart.
Taking on the role of Manager at Glendale Lodge is no small thing. There is a huge responsibility in carrying forward Carole’s legacy, and that comes with real weight. But Jess has stepped into this new chapter with courage, commitment and a clear love for the home and the people in it. She understands Glendale, she understands the residents, and she understands the importance of preserving what makes this place special while also helping it move forward.
In less than a year back with us, Jess has already done so well. She has introduced shift leads to help support the running of the home and to make sure both residents and staff continue to get the time, attention and leadership they need. She trusts her team, shares responsibility well and welcomes being hands-on, which says a lot about the kind of manager she is. Strong leadership is not about doing everything yourself – it is about building people up around you – and Jess has really embraced that.
One of the loveliest things about Jess returning is that so many of your loved ones already know her. She is a familiar face to many, and that sense of continuity means a lot. There is comfort in seeing someone come back, not just with qualifications and experience, but with genuine affection for the home and the people in it.
Outside of work, Jess has plenty to keep her busy too. She has an upcoming wedding that we are all very excited about, and yes, there has been plenty of buzz about the cake. She loves a song, a dance, and is slowly learning to embrace a little downtime when she can – something we all know she deserves.
Jess has come such a long way, and we are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved. From her first days here as a young carer, to coming back as the Manager of Glendale Lodge, her journey is one of hard work, loyalty, growth and heart.
We are so glad she came back to us.
