The Admin and Management Team

The Admin and Management Team
From left, Lisa McLean, Samantha Fuller, Warren Smith, Dawn McDonald, Katrina Behrnes, Gene Ruiz, Alison Fleming, Lesley Goldsworthy

 

Warren Smith
General Manager

History at WINDSORCARE:

I have been employed at WINDSORCARE since 2015. Prior to that I worked as a Lecturer at Massey University where I received my Doctorate in Management. 

What I love most about working at WINDSORCARE:

Our dedicated, talented and caring staff

One thing people may not know about me:

I am an Olympics and Commonwealth Games Selector for Volleyball New Zealand.

Lesley Goldsworthy
Receptionist

History at WINDSORCARE:
I applied for this position as a ‘Fixed Term 12 Month Contract’ in 2007 and am now in my 15th year at WINDSORCARE.

What I love most about WINDSORCARE:
The family environment and homely feel, dedicated caring staff and how everyone becomes extended family. We are a Community.

One thing most people don’t know about me:
I lived across the road growing up and as a 6-year-old, came to WINDSORCARE, then known as Windsor House, to complete my Brownie badge for ‘Service to the Elderly’ – so my life has gone full circle.

Lisa Mclean
Diversional Therapist

History at WINDSORCARE 
My name is lisa Mclean and I have worked here at Windsorcare for 4 yrs as a diversional therapist,   I believe life doesn’t stop when you come into care it begins.

What I love about working at WINDSORCARE?
I like working at Windsorcare because the elderly are very important to me and I love to make people laugh and enjoy time they still  have.

One thing people don’t know about me?
I enjoyed riding my motorbike until I came off it  and did a lot of damage to my knees now I am just a passenger.

Alison Fleming
Sales & Marketing Manager

History at Windsorcare: 
The newest member of staff joined 1 November 2020

What I love most about WINDSORCARE:
The fun, dedicated caring staff

One thing most people don’t know about me: 
I had to go to boarding school from the age of 6 in Zimbabwe, my family lived on a farm about 4 hours from the nearest school!

Katrina Behrnes
Financial Administrator

History at WINDSORCARE:
I joined the team on my wedding anniversary, 15 April 2019

What I love most about WINDSORCARE
I can “do the numbers” in any type of environment, but what’s special about working here is the close liaison I have with our lovely Residents, their families & our fabulous staff.

One thing most people don’t know about me: 
One thing most people don’t know about me:  my last name looks fancy, but is just pronounced “Barnes”, I jokingly blame my husband’s family for the variety of pronunciations I hear!

Gene Rose R. Ruiz
Clinical Manager

History at Windsorcare:
Joined WINDSORCARE in September 2018. I arrived in NZ from the Philippines in January 2006. I have worked in Aged Residential Care since. I was a Clinical Lecturer in the Philippines prior to coming to NZ.

What I love most about WINDSORCARE:
Working with the residents and their families. As a standalone facility & not for profit organization, I get to implement improvements and projects without the politics and the bureaucracy of going through layers of top management approval. The GM & the Board are very supportive of the work that I do. I also enjoy working with the team of workers who have the “can do “attitude.

One thing most people don’t know about me:
I am an introvert. At the end of my working day, I get so drained from talking to people and I recharge by taking our dog, Luca for walks. I enjoy my “me” time in the garden or doing crafts. My favourite shopping destinations are the Op Shops, DIY & Dollar stores.  I love going camping with family & friends and explore the beautiful sceneries NZ has to offer.

Samantha Fuller

History at WINDSORCARE:

Started working at WINDSORCARE in June 2020, Part time as Catering Assistant in the Kitchen and moved into my role as Clinical Support in August 2021.

 

What I love most about WINDSORCARE:

Our Amazing Residents & Staff

One thing most people don’t know about me:

I played lawn bowls for 5 years, representing the Canterbury Development Squad.

Karl Tyrrell
Human Resources

History at Windsorcare:
Started worked at WINDSORCARE in January 2016 as the Support Services Leader and moved into my current HR role after an internal restructure in November 2017.

What I love most about WINDSORCARE:
Our amazing residents! 

One thing most people don’t know about me:
I am a retired International Volleyball Referee, with 183 international appointments to my name.  I am a 8 time Ironman Triathlon finisher and have completed 12 Half Ironman Triathlons.

Jeanie
Carer

History at WINDSORCARE:
I have been working at Windsorcare for 35 years!.  I started as the main cook at 26 years of age.  Then during my child raring days, I worked part-time as a bake cook.  I then studied nursing and became a full time carer. Nowadays I only work 3 days a week as carer.

What I love most about WINDSORCARE
What I love most about working at Windsorcare is looking after the elderly and giving 100%.  I like to leave work knowing that I have given the best I can. I also like getting good feedback as it is very rewarding.

One thing most people don’t know about me: 
I used to have a pet possum call snow as it was found as an orphan baby at snow creek in Arthurs Pass.  He used to sleep with me in my bed!

Dawn McDonald
Administration Support

History at WINDSORCARE:
I started work at Windsor House , now  WINDSORCARE in 1985 in what is now affectionately referred to as “the old building”. I have been lucky enough to witness the facility progress from being a really old but homely place to a new, modern, vibrant place that still manages to retain the feeling of home.

My work has involved working hands on in the hospital, the kitchen and for the past 14-15 years in various roles in administration. My love was and still is the kitchen. I took pleasure in being involved in ensuring our residents receiving well presented, safe and good quality meals and snacks.

What I love most about WINDSORCARE:
You do not commit to staying in one  job or place  for 36 ½  years (half my life) unless you love both the people and place. I am fortunate to come to a place every day that exemplifies the idea of 'care'. The residents, my work mates and the families who visit are all the reasons why I love this place.

I really love doing what the General Manager refers to as the “fluffy stuff”, buying the gifts for residents and staff and planning all the special functions/parties such as Christmas, my most favourite time of the year.

Things most people don’t know about me:

I am inclined to be a bit of an introvert and have had to force myself to do some of the things WC has requested of me in my various positions over the years.

I love to travel (and have been to over 20 countries, all in the past 16 years) and really enjoy spending time with my family and friends 

I am also now probably older than some of the residents, especially cottage residents (or perhaps you noticed that!)