Meet the team
Our team
Welcome to our 'Meet the Team' section, where you can get to know the people behind our care and the roles they play. Discover what they do each day to provide exceptional care and support, and gain insight into their unique contributions to our team.
Meet our Senior Management team
Ann Marie Bowyer, General Manager
Ann-Marie joined Bluebird Care in June 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in finance and a passion for making a meaningful impact. Starting her career in accountancy after earning a degree in Maths and Accountancy from Newcastle University, Ann-Marie transitioned to roles that allowed her to apply her skills in sectors she deeply values. At Bluebird Care, Ann-Marie oversees the day-to-day operations of multiple branches while managing the finance function. She takes pride in ensuring carers have the resources and support needed to deliver exceptional care. Her dual role enables her to balance operational oversight with financial strategy, driving improvements that benefit both staff and customers. Outside of work, Ann-Marie is a devoted mum of three, often found cheering on her kids at dance, cheer, and football events. When time allows, she enjoys family trips to the coast to relax and recharge.
John Nesbitt, Registered Manager
John joined Bluebird Care in July 2023 and brings a wealth of experience from over two decades in health and social care. His career journey began as a driver for day centres supporting adults with learning disabilities. He soon transitioned into direct care roles and progressed through the ranks with North Tyneside Council, where he focused on care assessment and planning before moving into leadership positions. In the private sector, John managed services for individuals with clinically complex needs in their own homes. He also oversaw live-in care services as the North Region Manager for a national organisation, a role he held for seven years before joining Bluebird Care. As Registered Manager, John is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the business, ensuring quality, compliance, and growth. He takes pride in making a difference to customers and driving the business forward. John describes himself as fair, methodical, and organised, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to achieving the company's full potential. Outside of work, he enjoys exercising, lifting weights, and watching sports.
Joe Mckenzie, Customer Recruitment and Marketing Manager
As the Customer, Recruitment, and Marketing Manager, I am dedicated to ensuring that our customers receive exceptional service while also creating a supportive and thriving work environment for our care assistants.With a passion for connecting with people, I oversee the recruitment process to bring in skilled and compassionate individuals who share our values and commitment to providing outstanding care. Through strategic marketing initiatives, I strive to raise awareness of our services within the community and showcase the value we bring to our customers and their loved ones. With a focus on a seamless customer and recruitment journey, I am committed to upholding the brand reputation as a leading home care provider of our CQC-rated Outstanding services.
Rob Mackins, Training and Compliance Manager
Rob has been working at Bluebird Care Newcastle and South Tyneside officially since December 2022, where he takes on his role as Training Compliance Manager across all franchises. Robs role entails everything training, whether it be overseeing all quality and compliance across Bluebird Care Newcastle and South Tyneside or training staff induction training and mandatory training. Rob ensures all staff have the correct training provided to start their career in care. As well as being involved with the training, Rob also designs all the training across all franchises, this will be for Newcastle, South Tyneside, York, and Darlington. Over the years, Rob has always been heavily involved in care, accidentally falling into the role, however, would not want to have it any other way. The most rewarding thing about Robs role is that he likes “seeing staff come out feeling confident and ready” when starting their journey in care. In Robs spare time he volunteers for the sea cadets and teaches watersports in areas such as canoeing. All about the camping life, Rob is currently renovating his campervan, where he hopes to visit all around England and Wales.
Meet our Operations team
Kayleigh Simpson, Senior Deputy Manager
Kayleigh joined Bluebird Care in November 2021 and has quickly advanced through the ranks. Starting as a Carer, she was promoted to Field Care Supervisor in 2022 and Deputy Manager in 2023. Most recently, Kayleigh was promoted to Senior Deputy Manager, where she plays a key role in supporting the branch’s manager, overseeing care assessments, and helping with staff recruitment, development, and performance management. Kayleigh’s career began in care as a domiciliary carer, and after a brief time running her own craft business, she returned to care in 2019, specializing in complex care with a focus on tracheostomy and ventilation. She brings a wealth of experience to her current role, where she supports the team and works closely with healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible care for clients. Outside of work, Kayleigh enjoys camping, social activities, and spending time with her family.
Sharon Seaton, Deputy Manager
Sharon Seaton joined Bluebird Care in November 2022 as Deputy Manager, bringing over 23 years of experience in care. Originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, Sharon moved back home after living in Yorkshire and has always had a passion for helping others. Prior to Bluebird Care, Sharon worked in various roles within the children’s sector, supporting individuals from birth to young adulthood. Her desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives led her to transition to adult care, where she could support individuals in living independently in their own homes, particularly during their final weeks with family. In her current role, Sharon is responsible for ensuring that Bluebird Care's customers receive the highest standard of care. She creates personalized care plans, conducts care reviews, and works with external agencies to ensure clients receive the support they need. Sharon also oversees compliance with policies and procedures, conducting supervisions and observations to support the team of carers. Outside of work, Sharon enjoys holidays, reading crime thrillers, and spending time with her family and pets. A lover of animals, she has had a variety of pets over the years, including cats, dogs, and even a scorpion!
Courtney Nettleton, Care Coordinator
Courtney joined Bluebird Care in 2024 and currently works as a Care Coordinator. Originally from Yorkshire, she relocated to Newcastle earlier this year. Courtney's career in care began during the coronavirus pandemic when she took on extra work while on furlough. This experience sparked her passion for the care industry, leading her to pursue studies in mental health and counselling at university to gain a deeper understanding of care. In her role, Courtney is responsible for scheduling, covering holidays and sickness, managing timesheets and rotas, and assisting with customer inquiries. She finds the most satisfaction in scheduling new customers and matching them with carers, knowing the positive difference this makes in their lives. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family and baking.
Meet our Customer, Recruitment and Marketing team
Danielle Rutter, Customer Service Support
Danielle joined Bluebird Care in May 2023, bringing over 15 years of experience in the care industry. Her career has spanned various roles, including Care Assistant, Supervisor, and even Care Coordinator, before transitioning into administrative work—a career move she describes as one of her best decisions. In her current role, Danielle supports customer service and finance operations. She handles customer enquiries, coordinates with the operations team to onboard new customers, and assists the Finance Manager with administrative tasks, including preparing and completing invoices. Danielle enjoys helping customers find the care and support they need and values the variety and pace of her workday. Outside of work, Danielle cherishes spending time with her family, including her husband and their two children. Whether enjoying family days out or reading a good book, she makes the most of her free time.
Jordan Carey, Recruitment Officer
Jordan joined Bluebird Care in April 2024 as the Recruitment Consultant. Based in South Shields, he is responsible for overseeing the entire recruitment process, ensuring that Bluebird Care hires compassionate and skilled carers who meet the company’s high standards. From screening and interviewing candidates to coordinating their onboarding, Jordan ensures every new team member feels supported from day one. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys playing rugby, spending time with his family and friends, and walking his dog, Bryn.
Erin Kilford, Digital Marketing Executive
Erin joined Bluebird Care in July 2024 as the Digital Marketing Executive, bringing a strong background in the creative industry. With seven years of experience, Erin has honed her skills through completing a BTEC in Art and Design at Newcastle College and earning a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Communication from Northumbria University. Her passion for creativity extends beyond her education, as she has worked on photography projects in her spare time. In her role, Erin manages Bluebird Care’s digital presence, including social media, website, and email marketing. She creates and schedules posts, oversees website updates, and produces engaging monthly newsletters. Erin thrives in content creation, especially when designing social media graphics, videos, photos, and blogs that showcase the unique aspects of Bluebird Care. Erin was drawn to Bluebird Care by the opportunity to make a local franchise stand out and appreciates the chance to apply her creativity to meaningful work. Outside of work, Erin enjoys long walks, exploring new restaurants and cafes, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Meet our Training and Compliance Team
Abbey Ford, Clincal Nurse Lead
Abbey Ford joined Bluebird Care in August 2023, bringing a wealth of nursing experience to her role as Clinical Nurse Lead. With a career that began at just 15 years old as a carer, Abbey later pursued a BSc in Adult Nursing at Teesside University. She gained extensive experience working in intensive care units across the UK before moving to Australia, where she took on the roles of Sister and Night Manager in intensive care. Upon returning to the UK, Abbey joined Bluebird Care, attracted by the work-life balance the company offers compared to the NHS. In her current role, Abbey’s key responsibilities include developing and delivering complex care training for staff, creating tailored care plans and risk assessments, and collaborating closely with healthcare professionals to ensure outstanding care. She finds the greatest reward in seeing customers thrive safely at home, particularly those with complex needs who previously required hospital care. Outside of work, Abbey is a busy mum of two who enjoys eating out, traveling to new places, exploring different cultures, and reading.
Victoria Gardner, Health and Social Care Trainer
Victoria joined Bluebird Care in July 2023 as our Health and Social Care Trainer. With a background in financial administration, she made a career change in 2010, transitioning into end-of-life care in Northumberland. Over the years, Victoria gained extensive experience teaching First Aid and earned a teaching qualification, which led her to her current role at Bluebird Care. As part of the team, Victoria is responsible for delivering Induction Training to all new staff, ensuring they start their Bluebird Care journey with the knowledge they need. She also provides mandatory update training to keep everyone current and competent in their roles, as well as offering ad hoc training to meet the specific needs of the business. Victoria is passionate about supporting new staff and instilling a love for the role, especially when she sees them applying the techniques and tips she’s shared in real-life situations. She finds great satisfaction in knowing her training has a positive impact on the care provided to customers. Outside of work, Victoria is a volunteer with the local Army Cadets, where she teaches First Aid, Mental Health, and Archery and runs a Duke of Edinburgh's award group. She enjoys reading, hill walks, and spa weekends.
Elizabeth Roche, Administrator and Compliance Receptionist
Elizabeth, or "Liz," joined Bluebird Care in April 2022, starting as a receptionist before taking on her current role, which also includes overseeing compliance. Liz is responsible for ensuring that all staff are up to date with their HR files, training, and certifications, keeping everything in line so the team can work safely and effectively. She also handles receptionist duties, ensuring that any queries coming into the office are resolved quickly. Liz is passionate about creating a supportive, positive environment within the office and across the care team. She loves knowing that everyone genuinely cares for one another and for the customers we serve. Outside of work, Liz enjoys dancing, beach walks, and going to the theatre. She was drawn to Bluebird Care because of its strong reputation for making a real difference in people’s lives.
Meet our Finance and Data Team
Kymberley Bays, Payroll Officer
Kymberley joined Bluebird Care in June 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in payroll and finance. After graduating from university in 2015, she began her career in the HR and Payroll department of the civil service, where her passion for payroll quickly became evident. With experience processing end-to-end payroll, ensuring HMRC compliance, and understanding pension responsibilities, Kymberley’s expertise also includes managing payroll departments in an accountancy firm while studying for her AAT qualification. As Payroll Officer at Bluebird Care, Kymberley oversees the entire payroll process, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of wages while supporting employees and maintaining compliance with both company policies and HMRC standards. She collaborates closely with the finance department to ensure smooth payroll data integration. Kymberley enjoys the variety her role offers, especially the opportunity to meet and support a diverse group of employees. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.
Karolina Polgrabia-Bieryt, Data Analyst
Karolina joined Bluebird Care in June 2022, bringing over 14 years of experience in data management and analysis within the education sector. With a strong background in managing information systems, analyzing data, and presenting detailed management insights, she transitioned seamlessly into her current role as Data Analyst. In her position, Karolina supports the Directors and Senior Leadership Team by providing key data and insights that drive the governance of the business and the monitoring of critical KPIs. Her work ensures that the organization can make informed, data-driven decisions to deliver outstanding care. Karolina is passionate about data and its power to shape outcomes. She finds her role especially fulfilling due to the supportive and collaborative environment at Bluebird Care, where her colleagues feel like a second family. Outside of work, Karolina enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, singing, reading, and learning new languages.
