Meet the Green Tree Court team

At Green Tree Court, our team is a big family and each member will go above and beyond for all of our residents. Here, you can meet our team and get to know everyone from our Home Director and our Head Chef to our Clinical Lead and our Physiotherapist.

Helen Rushton, RGN – Home Director

I have been privileged to have been the Home Director/Registered Manager at Green Tree Court since 2015 and I’m responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of the home. As a Registered General Nurse, I have over 30 years’ experience in the care home sector at all levels, including Home Manager, Operations Manager, Regional Manager, and National Consultant. I also hold several qualifications in business, management , clinical, and dementia care.

I was born and bred in the local area where I live with my family and I’m passionate about the aims and ethos of Green Tree Court and all it stands for. I am incredibly proud of the team here and it is a credit to them all that we were honoured to be crowned “Care Home of the Year” at the National Care Awards in 2018. I always endeavour to provide the best of everything to all of our residents and support those around them. Together, we are one big Green Tree Court family that always has a warm welcome!

Sarah Cundall, RGN - Home Deputy

I'm an experienced registered general nurse and I've worked in the care home sector for a number of years as a Staff Nurse, Head of Care, and Home Deputy. My previous experience includes Minor Injuries & Elderly care at Okehampton community hospital, theatre work at The Nuffield, Oxford Radcliffe Infirmary, and King Faisal Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

I have worked at Green Tree Court since 2015 and my role is to support Helen, our Home Director, with the management of the home. There's a particular emphasis on clinical nursing leadership which ensures that an excellent standard of resident care is set, delivered, and maintained at all times. I also take responsibility for the safeguarding of adults and follow the home’s whistleblowing policy as required.

I deputize for Helen in her absence, am responsible for the fabric and running of the home, ensure that there are sufficient staff to carry out all duties, and make sure that the home continues to provide a safe and secure environment for both residents and team members.

Amanda Jackson - Home Administrator

Hello my name is Amanda Jackson and I'm the Home Administrator at Green Tree Court. I'm responsible for the office and reception team and all the financial and HR aspects of the home and have worked here since 2020.

I previously owned hair and beauty salons for 14 years and gained extensive experience since then as a PA and Home Administrator. I moved to Devon from the Cotswolds two years ago with my family, as I met my husband when we were working on cruise ships and we wanted to be near the sea again. I have three children and a very excitable labradoodle called Stanley. I spend my weekends at the beach paddleboarding and kayaking with my family.

I love working at Green Tree Court as everyday is different, we are all one big enthusiastic team with the same goal.

Karen Mcleod - Senior Hostess

My name is Karen and I'm a Senior Hostess at Green Tree Court. I've worked here since 2014 and I enjoy being with the residents and serving their meals and drinks. My role is very people-focused and I love every minute of it .

I help to lead a small team of front of house staff and we also play a big part in hosting events, such as summer BBQs and Easter and Christmas parties. We are like family to the residents and it's lovely to put a smile on their faces.

Susie Wilford - Occupational Therapist

My name is Susie and I am the Occupational Therapist here at Green Tree Court. I work alongside Peter, our Physiotherapist, Tanya, our Therapy Assistant and the wider Green Tree Court team. I have a first class honours degree in Occupational Therapy and joined the team at Green Tree Court in February 2023.

My background as an occupational therapist has been with adults of all ages, specialising in brain injury, rehabilitation and disability management. So I truly recognise the elements of care that are needed to enhance and maintain a resident/client’s quality of life as they make Green Tree Court their new home. I am passionate about supporting our residents/clients to have improved health and wellbeing through engagement in occupations and activities of their choosing. Incorporating any rehabilitation goals into these makes our approach client centred, functional and fun.

Green Tree Court has an ethos that time has no boundaries and I feel privileged to work in a place that adopts this philosophy. Knowing that I can give residents/clients the time that they need is truly client-centered and wonderful. In addition, since I started working here I can already see the excellent teamwork approach of which I am proud to be part of.

Gaby Wood - Beautician

I've lived in Exmouth all my life, I love the countryside and regularly go for long walks with my family at the weekends. My background is in both care and the beauty industry. Qualifying in beauty therapy sciences led me to train in alternative therapies, such as holistic massage and as a skin care specialist.
My years working in care inspired me to go to university and gain a degree in health and social care. I have since taken some time out to have a baby, who is now nearly 3 years old and keeps me very busy.
Since returning to work I have achieved a level 2 in counselling skills.
The well-being of others is at the heart of everything I do in life and at Green Tree Court.

Tim Ware - Head Chef

I studied at Exeter Catering College for 2 years whilst working weekends at Michael Cains at the Royal Clarence Hotel. On leaving college, I worked full-time and gained a wealth of experience working on all sections from starters through to pastry. After five years, I moved to Shropshire to the 5 AA Star Albrighton Hall Hotel as Sous Chef and helped the team gain 3 AA Rosettes.

After two years, I moved back to Devon to take CDP at the Jack in the Green Restaurant and moved from there when offered the Head Chef position at The Diggers Rest, a gastro pub in Devon. Four years later, I took a position at Green Tree Court as a Sous Chef and in 2015 I got promoted to Head Chef.

In 2016, I won the National Care Chef of the Year and in 2020 I won NACC Chef of the Year. At Green Tree Court, we strive to give our residents an exceptional culinary experience with every meal they sit down to enjoy. We pride ourselves on using fresh seasonal produce sourced by local suppliers. We are passionate about our residents receiving the very best.

I love my job. It gives me satisfaction working in a care home as you see residents change physically and mentally through the food and care they receive, it can be life changing for them. Working at Green Tree Court feels like being in one big family and there is always something to look forward to each day.

Jess Birks - Activities Coordinator

My name is Jess and I'm the Activities Coordinator here at Green Tree Court, working alongside our Activities Assistant Jodie. I've been here since December 2021 and have loved becoming part of the Green Tree family.

I've always had a passion for helping others and inspiring positive health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally. After gaining my BSc in Psychology and MSc in Public Health and Nutrition, I held a similar Activities Coordinator post nearly 6 years ago. Since then, I have worked in various settings as a Health and Wellbeing Coach and Practitioner, including within the NHS, which has only strengthened my love of helping people.

To now be working back in a care home environment is a privilege, particularly one that prides itself on delivering the quality of care I have witnessed since working here. I know the term person-centered care can often be overused, but I feel this best describes the ethos of the home. I love being part of a team that truly puts the residents and their needs at the heart of everything it does. This is reflected in the approach Jodie and I are able to take and the variety of activities we can offer; seeing the positive impact this can have to someone's wellbeing is always so rewarding and something I enjoy most about the role.

Claire Kellaway - Office Manager

I'm Claire Kellaway, the Office Manager at Green Tree Court. I've worked here since 2015, starting firstly as a healthcare assistant then moving into the office team. This was a big change at first but I love that I can still spend time with the residents and their families whom I get to know very well.

I've got a passion for dogs and I have a border collie called Max who I've often brought into work ever since he was a puppy. The residents are very fond of him! I've lived in Devon for 25 years after moving around a lot when I was younger due to my dad being in the forces. I love working here as I feel like I have an extended family.

Sue Corby - Senior Host

My name is Sue and I've been part of the team at Green Tree Court since 2017. Previous to that, I spent 13 years working in hotel management. My role is to lead and guide the host team and help serve the residents their meals and drinks, ensuring that their needs are met while providing a 5-star service.

I love chatting with our residents, getting to know them, and hearing about their lives. They are like extended family to me. I have also raised 10 children , three of whom are working here at Green Tree Court! In 2019 I was awarded the Green Tree Court "Above and Beyond" award, but I aim to do this every day as I love my job so much and our residents deserve the best!

Peter Ajayi - Physiotherapist

My name is Peter and I'm the Physiotherapist here at Green Tree Court. I have a masters degree in rehabilitation (MSc Rehabilitation) from Oxford Brookes University and have been working at Green Tree Court since 2014.

The therapy team support our residents/clients in achieving their rehabilitation goals. We have worked alongside both of our short and long respite clients to help them to return back to their own homes. At the same time, we continue to optimise the functional abilities, physical abilities, quality of life and wellbeing of the residents who have chosen Green Tree Court as their new home.

I feel happy at Green Tree Court as I'm surrounded with a team full of enthusiasm. Green Tree Court provides the perfect enriched environment for our residents to "show off" their hidden potential, and that's why I love it here.

Jason Coates - Head of Maintenance

My name is Jason and I've been at Green Tree Court since 2021. I really enjoy my job as Head of Maintenance. It’s a very diverse role and encompasses many different aspects - from keeping compliant with Lola and PUWER and the Fire Safety Act to training staff in fire safety. I also carry out daily maintenance around the home, including legionella compliancy, and oversee contractors.

I have over 10 years of maintenance experience and formal training in many different aspects which comes in very handy when looking after Green Tree Court.