Caremark Ashford & Shepway

James started his career in IT, working from the ground up as a support engineer, through the ranks to senior engineer positions and network administrator roles responsible for the infrastructure, integrity and reliability of systems for big multinationals and SMEs. James has varied exposure to many different industries that have made use of his knowledge, from stock brokerage houses and banks to fruit importers and superyacht owners.

In the last few years, James has been looking for a way to contribute to society in a more meaningful way. James chose to leave IT and set up Caremark in Ashford, covering the Ashford and Shepway districts in Kent. James has a keen emotional interest in making sure care provision is of the highest standards for those that need it, due to some of his own family members’ experiences when receiving care.

In his free time, James enjoys long walks on the coast with his partner and their dogs, reading, running and studying new skills.

Barbra has worked in the Health and Social Care sector since 2008. She started as a Healthcare Assistant in a local care home, where her confidence grew and soon she became a Senior Healthcare Assistant. From here Barbra went on to a Nursing home and spent 9 months there only leaving to join the NHS. Barbra worked in a General Surgical ward, learning from nurses and improving her knowledge and skills. After 4 years working in a ward, Barbra decided she wanted to work in Infection Control, where she supported Infection control nurses in maintaining and improving the infection control standards within the local hospitals.

After working in infection control for almost 2 years, Barbra became a Deputy Manager for a domiciliary care company based in Ashford, where she gained further knowledge and skills. Barbra ran the business in the absence of the Registered Manager and gained the confidence to be able to do this on a permanent basis. She was recently nominated for the Frontline Leader award for KICA, showing she can be a successful frontline leader.

Barbra enjoys working in the care sector as it makes a difference in individuals’ lives, where they may only see care workers throughout the day, due to not having any family and friends, or because their family isn’t able to take care of them.

In her role as Care Manager at Caremark Ashford & Shepway, Barbra is looking forward to making a difference to those that require care, support, and companionship, where her role will involve employing care workers and other employees with the same values as her own. Barbra prides herself on being approachable and being able to empower others to be the best they can be.

Ever since Kirstin watched her Mum and stepdad care for her Grandad towards his end of life, she has been very passionate about care. It’s something she’s always dreamed of having a career in. Although caring can be challenging, it’s an extremely rewarding job. Kirstin wants to be there to support customers whilst still letting them keep their independence. Kirstin wants to be able to put a smile on each and every customer's face and make them feel valued. Seeing them happy will make her happy.

In Kirstin’s spare time, she loves going out with her fiancé and their 2-year-old son. When it’s her son’s bedtime, she loves to sit down and watch a good Horror movie with a cup of coffee and a packet of Jaffa cakes.