General Manager

Sonya Fenwick

Growing up in a family of 3 nurses it was only natural for me to follow in my family’s footsteps. I qualified in South Africa as a nurse had done the 4 years integrated Nursing Course at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town. In the end, I felt like a jack of all trades being qualified in General, Midwifery, Psychiatry and Community Healthcare. As I was only 21, I did not feel that I had a broad enough knowledge and decided to specialised an additional year in Mental Health.
At the end of my year in Stikland Hospital. I travelled Europe working in Switzerland, Greece and Israel where I met my husband Michael. We continued to travel together spending 6 months of the year in England which allowed me to keep my Nursing skills updated working privately and in various hospital in London. Once Michael and I got married we settled in London permanently.
I worked for one of Bupa’s biggest Nursing homes for 15 years, in the capacity of a Nurse, Clinical Service Manager, Training Co-ordinator and recently as the Deputy Manager. During this time I studied Dementia at Kingston University and also gained my Mentorship qualifications at City University. I facilitated the home’s entry into the Gold Standards Framework for End of Life care in care homes and was very proud to be part of the process toward a Beacon status, which is the highest accolade awarded to a home in this field. The home still holds this Award.
I joined Signature and Coombe Hill Manor on the 14th of April as Care Services Manager, I am passionate about resident care and ensuring that high standards are reached and maintained. Every person living in our community has a voice and we are here to support their choices while respecting their dignity and providing them with the support they need to start a new life at Coombe Hill Manor.
I was appointed to the role of General Manager in June 2016, and with a great team, we are here for the residents, providing peace of mind to families. Working with the residents in making memories, always looking for ‘what else can we do’ moments.

Client Liaison Manager

Mark Luxford 

Having worked in the care industry for the past couple of years, I joined Signature in 2020 as their objectives and values are very aligned with my own. I am proud to be representing the prestigious Signature brand who clearly have a fantastic reputation when it comes to consistently delivering high quality premium care. Working as a Client Liaison Manager allows me to not only utilise my relationship-building skills but also work very closely with families who need the required empathy and support when it comes to choosing a new home for their loved one. Showcasing Coombe Hill Manor and introducing families to our team of leading industry professionals is the best part of my job as we have so much to offer when it comes to creating a warm, fulfilling and caring environment. It’s a stunning home where residents benefit from a real community spirit underpinned with a range of wonderful meaningful experiences. I cannot believe I haven’t even mentioned about the food as yet…….well you will just have to pop in to sample this for yourself (trust me, you will not be disappointed!!!).

Client Liaison Manager

Jane Knight

I have over 10 years’ experience in my role which is to help families searching for care solutions for their loved ones. It is a great pleasure to be able to help them during what is often an emotional and stressful time of their lives. I am privileged to say that this is the most rewarding and heartwarming position I have ever held. I have met some truly extraordinary people from all walks of life who have enriched my life in so many ways. No two days are ever the same as no two people are ever the same and this is at the heart of the care that Signature at Coombe Hill Manor provides for each and every individual. Being proud to be a part of the team here and alongside our residents and their families is just the best feeling and every day I feel fortunate to have been chosen to be here. I work with people who are passionate about the care they provide and who always go the extra mile to ensure they give the best of themselves each and every day. It is a warm, welcoming and fun-loving environment, full of laughter. When I bring my dog Monty into work with me he is as excited and enthusiastic as he can be to be part of the team too and to brighten up everyone’s day!

Care Services Manager

Bibi Pokeerbux

I am originally from Mauritius, where I worked as a general nurse for over 25 years in departments such as medical, general surgical, neurological as well as paediatric intensive care.

In 2005 I came to the UK and joined BUPA nursing homes as an RGN. In 2007 I was promoted to the role of Manager of 52-bed unit. During this time, amongst other training, I completed the ‘Supporting and Assessing Learning in Practice Settings’ and have been mentoring student nurses since 2010. I have also been awarded the certificate for Successful Supervisory Management Development and I was a Gold Standard Coordinator in my last role. I had the privilege to join the Coombe Hill Manor team since September 2016 in the role of Care Services Manager.

Dementia Care Manager

Justyna Johnson

I am originally from Poland, and I have been in the health sector for over 10 years.
I have a passion for Dementia care and it is my belief that all people living with Dementia can lead a happy and fulfilled life in the right environment.
My role as Dementia Manager in Auguste is to support the care team in delivering exceptional and passionate person-centred care to our residents with a focus on suitably stimulating activities in a pleasant homely environment.
I believe that Dementia is seen not as an end to people’s lives but the start of a new journey to life.

Riona Scannell

People Services Manager

I have been working at Signature Coombe Hill Manor since March 2018.  Working in a Care setting was new to me, having been in the Banking sector all of my working life, but I have to say that I have fallen in love with the Care Sector!   The first time I came to Coombe Hill Manor was for an interview for my current role. From the minute I walked in the front door I was met with smiles and a feeling of warmth. I felt at ease even though I had an interview to undergo!!   Since then I have been in awe of how deeply staff and management care about what they do.   It truly is a vocation.

One of my responsibilities is to recruit staff for the Home. The team and I ensure we recruit people who will embrace the ‘Signature Values’ so that our residents can continue to expect high levels of care and service excellence.

Activities Manager

Lisa Maria Ortiz

I have been working as an Activities Manager for over 15 year and it never ceases to amaze me how much I am humbled each day. Working in activities produces some of the best memories for me. I have an award-winning activities team and I am blessed to have a dynamic and fun approach to life. This is welcomed by my inspirational residents!
Coombe Hill Manor is a place where you are encouraged to be yourself and to express yourself, whether it is dancing the Charleston, joining in with the Garden Club or just kick back and read a good book, if you want to do it, you can do it!
As a professional artist, I’m thrilled that we have such a fantastic Art Studio and Gallery. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people here at Coombe Hill Manor. I am a diversity champion and believe everyone has a right to be fabulous! I understand that every individual is unique. My passion is that everyone is valued. It doesn’t matter what race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs you have, you are welcome here at Coombe Hill Manor

Restaurant Manager

Jeanette James

I have been in hospitality for several years, originally involved in the planning and organisation of events. Also, I used to run my own beach resort in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, for 8 years.
Signature was my ingress to the care industry, and I couldn’t have chosen a better company.
I find my role extremely rewarding and I’m very proud to be part of the team who started the Coombe Hill Manor unit. It really makes me feel like I’m part of a family.
I’m well aware of my responsibilities, as catering to seniors and their special diet requirements can be challenging. I’m really glad Signature places me in an environment where I can easily and very efficiently do so.

Head Chef

Sam Nurse

I have been in the catering industry from the age of 16, where I secured my first role washing dishes in a busy restaurant. Since then, I have gained experience in a wide range of hospitality environments, from cafés, restaurants, airports, and events catering. I joined Coombe in September 2014 as Chef de Partie and over the last 6 years I have worked my way up the ladder and was given the Head Chef Position in April 2019. I take great pride in the meals we serve our residents, using fresh, seasonal ingredients and am dedicated to meeting all dietary and nutritional needs of our residents. I was awarded Care Chef of the Year at the National Care Awards in 2017 and made it to the National finals of the National Association of Care Chefs in 2017 and 2018.

Many of my team members have been here at Coombe for many years and I have been able to pass my experience onto them and have watched as they are to progress within Signature. It has been a very satisfying career so far at Coombe and I often walk through the restaurants after Service to see how everyone enjoyed their meals, there is truly no better feeling than seeing empty plates coming back into the kitchen.