01823 334 238
formerly Abbeyfield Taunton

Meet the Team

At Heron House, we firmly believe that a care home is only as good as the staff who work there. Great care has been taken in recruiting highly trained, professional, caring and compassionate staff. Some of the senior staff members have worked in the home for over 30 years. We do not employ temporary or agency staff, as we know it is as important for the residents to know who are looking after them as it is for the staff to know and understand the residents’ needs. Residents are involved in the recruitment of staff and meet prospective candidates at the point of interview.

Paula Howlett

Paula Howlett tells us about herself

My name is Paula and I am the Registered Manager here at Heron House.

I have a 20-year experience in psychiatric nursing and since 2013 I have been a registered manager, first in residential and later in specialist dementia care.

I feel proud to be part of the Heron House team. We enrich peoples’ lives not just through excellent standards of care but also by providing meaningful occupation and promoting independence. We help our residents continue to build relationships. Our vision is for life to go on, not to stop.

My husband Rob is a minister of a busy church, and we have four children who are now young adults. We are keen musicians in our Church and for private functions, including occasional performances for the residents at Heron House.


Kate McClatchie

Kate McClatchie tells us about herself

My name is Kate and I am the Deputy Manager at Heron House.

I have been working in care for more than 20 years, during which time I have constantly worked to develop my skills, knowledge and understanding of care of the elderly. I have worked in a variety of environments, including domiciliary nursing and, now, residential care. I use the experience gained from previous roles to benefit those we care for now and the staff we support.

Supporting and caring for the residents who live at Heron House, allowing them to enjoy life to the fullest, is a truly rewarding role and I feel honoured to be part of their journey.

Alongside my passion for care, I have also raised a family and have 5 children aged from 21 to 11, so I’m certainly kept busy outside of work too! If I get any free time I like to go for a run or indulge in a bit of retail therapy!


Lucy Shier

Lucy Shier tells us about herself

My name is Lucy and I am the Head of Care here at Heron House.

My journey in care began when I was 17 and I was offered a part time job at Heron House - I walked through the door and never left! During my time at Heron House, I have strived to succeed and have worked my way up the ladder to my current position.

I feel humbled to be part of the residents’ journey at Heron House and enjoy listening to their life stories and experiences. I am dedicated to supporting them to live their best life and I find each day so rewarding.

Alongside the love of my job, I have a young daughter who keeps me busy and I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.


Janice Bullivant

Janice Bullivant tells us about herself

My name is Jan and I am the Manager of the Activities Department here at Heron House.

With a genuine love for working with our residents and a deep understanding of their unique needs, I am dedicated to creating a vibrant and enriching environment for all residents. With 19 years at Heron House and 34 years of experience in care, I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of engaging in activities and promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. I firmly believe that every resident deserves to live a life filled with purpose and joy, and it is my mission to make that a reality.

Outside of my role at Heron House, I continue to explore my creative side through a range of activities and hobbies. Love for my family makes my life complete as they continue to support me and all of my crazy ideas! I have two wonderful children, two lively daschunds, a very stubborn Siamese cat and I am vegetarian!


Join our Team

We are always keen to hear from any suitably dedicated and caring potential employees, even if we do not have a current opportunity which fits your description. Please email us your CV.

mail@heronhousetaunton.co.uk


Our Trustees

As a ‘not for profit’ organisation, Heron House Taunton has a Board of Trustees who offer guidance in the governance and management of the house and get involved in strategic decisions. Our trustees come from a range of backgrounds and professions, but all donate their time and expertise on a voluntary basis to help us to continue to achieve our goal: providing the very best quality of care in a stimulating homely environment for all our residents.

The Board of Trustees for Heron House are:

  • Mr Gary Davies, Chair (daviesgary@icloud.com)
  • Mr Stephen Jenkins, Vice Chair
  • Mrs Sharon Collier, Secretary
  • Mrs Chris Potter
  • Mr David Kassapian
  • Mr John Townend