Meet the team

David Howard

Director

David successfully ran Bluebird Care Milton Keynes and South Northamptonshire for 9 years before expanding to offer home care services to the people of Northampton and Daventry.  He first took an interest in the care sector when his sister suffered a catastrophic accident which left her quadriplegic.  Prior to this, David has a long career as a Civil Servant in the Ministry of Defence where he performed many roles including spells in consultancy, policy advice, the press office and as the senior civil servant overseeing schools for the chidren of British military personell overseas.  In 2011, he led a team to reduce the size of the MOD civil service by 25% and as part of that work, managed to devise his own exit so that he could change career and open Bluebird Care Milton Keynes. 

David is married with two grown up children, five grandchildren and a labrador, Lola.  Hailing from North Wales, David enjoys all sports and has had a lifelong love affair with Liverpool Football club which, over the years has caused him enjoyment and heartache in equal measure!  He has just recently invested in a small boat and is now training himself up to navigate the open waters of the Welsh coastline. 

Catherine Slater

Director

Catherine joined Bluebird Care in 2019 after 13 years teaching History and leading a department within a large secondary school.  She has a degree in Modern History and Politics and has recently completed an NVQ Level 5 in Leadership in Adult Care.  Catherine has recently become a Director for Bluebird Care Northampton and, along with David, is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business.  Outside of work, Catherine enjoys family time with her husband and three children.

Kelly Mennim

Deputy Manager

Kelly joined Bluebird Care in November 2023 as the Deputy Care Manager, where she predominantly looks after the Northampton territory. She grew up in Cumbria before settling in Northampton in 2000. Kelly attended Northampton College completing a BTEC in Health and Social care and later went on to complete her level 3 NVQ. Kelly was a Quality Assurance Manager and then Deputy Manager for another care provider for nine years, undertaking many different roles and establishing herself in the private care sector. Kelly is about to embark on her Level 5 in Care Management and is looking forward to her future within Bluebird Care. Kelly feels Bluebird is the perfect fit for her, due to their shared ethos on person centered care and going the extra mile to make a difference to someone's life. 

When not at work, Kelly is busy at home with her long-term partner, their two teenage daughters and two doggies! 

Lorraine Belli

Supervisor

Lorraine started her career in care at the age of 18.  After experiencing her Grandma receiving poor care, she wanted to make a real difference to the lives of people who need care and support.  Lorraine has spent many years providing care in the community, supporting adults and young people with physical and learning disabilities.  In doing so, Lorraine has built skills within many different areas of expert care.  She also has experience of working as a Field Care Supervisor for a domiciliary care provider in Bedford.  

Lorraine joined Bluebird Care in November 2023 as a Supervisor for the Northampton area.  Her role includes liasing with customers and their families to ensure that we can provide the required support and deliver a service to exceed expectations.  Lorraine will assist with setting up the care plan for each customer and carrying out regular reviews of the service.  She also mentors other members of the care team and supports new staff members.  

 

Ninitha Thomas

Registered Manager

Ninitha has been working for Bluebird Care since 2015, joining as a co-ordinator and training manager and then being promoted to Care Manager in 2017.   She was brought up in Inida where she graduated as a nurse and worked in a hospital theatre as a staff nurse.  In 2011, Ninitha moved to London to study for a BSc degree in Health Studies during which she worked as a Care Assistant in Milton Court Care Centre and then as a Client Manager for Amegreen Complex Care.  Ninitha is married and lives at home with a variety of disabled and disadvantaged cats!

Nadine Cross

Recruitment and Marketing Manager

Nadine joined Bluebird Care as a Care Assistant having previously worked as an estate agent.  She first joined us in 2020 in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic.  She had been volunteering during lock down to assist her elderly neighbours and found it so rewarding that she decided that this was something that she would like to do as a career.  Nadine excelled at the role and her hard work and fast learning meant that she was quickly promoted to the role of Senior Carer.  After a few months in this role, Nadine was asked to join the office team, working as a Co-ordinator.   She left us briefly for a few months in 2022 due to a change in her personal circumstances but we are delighted to have her back in January 2023 in her new role as Recruitment and Marketing Manager.  

Nadine's experience in many different roles here at Bluebird Care mean that she has an excellent understanding of what makes a fantastic Care Assistant and she is passionate about finding others, like her, who may not have prior experience but who have the right personal qualities to match the Bluebird Care values.  As well as working in the office, managing our recruitment, marketing and social media accounts, you will often find her out and about, flying the Bluebird Care flag (metaphorically) and talking to anyone and everyone about exciting career opportunities in social care and what services Bluebird Care can offer to our customers. 

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