The Team
Tanya
Director and Registered Manager
With over 30 years of experience in the Care sector Tanya has a wealth of knowledge and skills when it comes to supporting People with additional needs. Tanya started work helping people with Mental Health issues in 1991 at the age of 16. In 1998 she changed jobs, supporting people with Autism and Learning Disabilities at a National Autistic Society (NAS) school, working her way from support worker to Team Leader.
In 2007 Tanya left the NAS to become the registered manager of a specialist residential care home for adults with learning disabilities, Autism and Mental Health difficulties. She remained in this role until January 2022 when she started the process of founding Thornery Care Ltd.
Being a full time manager as well as a full time mum requires a huge amount of drive, passion and organisation. Since opening Thornery Care in March 2022, the company has gone from strength to strength, and more importantly, so have the people using our support services!
Alongside this, Tanya has also raised over £25,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK through running marathons and organising local charity events. Those who know Tanya can vouch for her sheer determination when it comes to getting things done, and making sure they are done properly.
Jesse
Director
Jesse started his career in care at the same National Autistic Society (NAS) school as Tanya in 1997, starting as a support worker and working his way up to be a unit manager, working with young people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health difficulties. The 8 years spent in this setting provided a huge insight into the needs of people leaving education and the gap in positive support placements for adults with additional needs.
Upon Leaving the NAS, Jesse set his sights on improving the quality of care provided in the local area.
He firstly managed a home specifically for those with mental health needs for 18 months, before then becoming the manager of a local care home in Bideford for adults with autism, learning disabilities and mental health needs. This provided an opportunity to pass on his knowledge and instil a person centred approach in the staff team, and as a result improve the lives of those they support.
Still seeking further challenge, he then became Senior Manager, overseeing the day to day management and strategic planning of three homes supporting over 20 people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs as well as 70 staff at any one time.
Dylan
Training and Quality Assurance Lead
Dylan is the oldest son in a family business. He started working in the outdoor industry after college, teaching climbing, sailing, and bushcraft to adults and children with disabilities at a specialist outdoor center. He then went to work for a care agency, providing support in various settings such as residential care homes, mental health units, nursing homes, and private care.
Dylan went to join the home Tanya managed in Bideford, where he formed strong relationships with the residents and staff. He also took on senior carer responsibilities.
Currently, Dylan is the Training and Quality Assurance Lead at Thornery Care. He offers technical support to staff and individuals supported by the organization. Additionally, he runs First Aid and other courses across Devon and volunteers with the Coastguard Search and Rescue Team.
Outside of work, Dylan values family and often spends Sundays with his wife, Maia, and daughter, Nina, at his parents’ home, enjoying a roast dinner with the extended family.
Kim
Team Leader
Kim has been supporting some of our service users since before we became Thornery Care! Her experience working as a Customer Quality Consultant within the Post Office has been put to good use and Kim can often be seen darting in and out of the office on her way to visits, spot checks, quality assurance tasks etc!
Her impressive customer services career spanning over two decades is a testament to her friendly, relatable approach to care, and her ability to forge meaningful relationships with the people we support makes Kim an asset to the team.
Kim also has a big family and busy family life with her husband and son, yet still has managed to find time to volunteer with the local Army Cadet Force for over 16 years as Detachment Commander.
When she isn’t working or volunteering, Kim likes to unwind by watching Rugby and is a keen supporter of the Exeter Chiefs.
Stacey
Team Leader
After an already successful career working for the Post Office for over 16 years, managing branches across the South West, Stacey put her skills to use working as a care coordinator locally. Coordinating is a big part of Stacey’s role within Thornery Care and she is always the first to answer any questions within the team.
Having known some of the people we support before joining Thornery Care, and having had plenty of management experience previously, Stacey fits perfectly into our friendly and approachable team.
If she’s not at work, Stacey likes walking her dog (Hooch, pictured right) on the Burrows. She also has two grown boys and is part of a big family, including her sister Kim.
Annie
Team Leader
Annie joined Thornery Care right at the start back in April 2022. She went fulltime in February 2023. She is proud to follow in parents’ footsteps, having inherited their passion for care!
Annie is a senior support worker working inside and outside the office and loves supporting everyone at Thornery Care.
Alongside completing a level 3 diploma in health and social care, Annie worked in residential care supporting adults with learning needs and behaviours of distress at the start of the covid pandemic.
She then ventured out into the realm child services working at action for children for 2 years. While fulfilling this role, Annie continued to work part time for Thorney Care, before realising she wanted to pursue her career in adult care.
Outside of work, Annie enjoys socialising with her friends and large family. In the summer, she particularly enjoys going to the beach and enjoying the nice weather (even if she does burn). Annie is looking forward to getting a home with her partner, Nat, and as he keeps mentioning, getting a golden retriever.