Come meet the team…
Meet Our Staff
Laineys Care Farm currently employs 11 members of staff, some part time and some full time. Each member of staff is employed to bring something different to Laineys Care Farm to offer a wide range in choice of activities.
Elaine
Director/Manager
Before opening Laineys Care Farm I worked as a team leader in a residential care home, Millie my dog worked alongside me building relationships with the residents which inspired me to open a care farm.
Within my working life I have always worked in care, this is something I have always felt passionate about as I enjoy helping others, I have supported a variety of people with different needs working as a children’s nanny, supporting adults with Learning difficulties and caring for people with dementia.
Elaine says of her work:
“Laineys Care Farm was my dream and is now my passion, I have achieved so much with the help of my amazing staff team. I am incredibly proud of Laineys Care Farm, the staff, students and animals are a joy to work with, I love to see the students confidence grow as they make new friends and learn new skills.”
Qualifications are:
- NAMCW – in nursery nursing
- British Sign Language
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and social care
Interests away from the farm are:
- Spending time with my family
- Working out at the Gym
- Lane Swimming
- Reading
- Travelling
Lucy
Deputy Manager
Lucy previously worked with Elaine in a residential care home – her previous employment history, team leader at residential care home, live in carer for an elderly lady with dementia, Personal Assistant – learning disabilities
What Lucy says of her work at Laineys Care Farm
“I love my job at Laineys Care Farm, I have built some great friendships while working here with both staff and students it’s an amazing place to work.”
Qualifications are:
- NVQ level 2 in childcare
- NVQ level 3 in health and social care
Interests away from the farm are:
- Spending time with my son
- Swimming
- Relaxing with friends
Jake
Student Liaison
Before working at Laineys Jake worked in childcare before deciding to make the change to adult care. Jake is very creative and brings to the farm various different craft activities.
Jakes specialised area on the farm is Student Management and Creative Arts.
Jake says of his work
“I really enjoy the students differing personalities and getting the most out of our day, most importantly having fun! I really enjoy being able to guide the students to bring out their creative side through arts.”
Qualifications
- Level 2 in childcare
- Care Certificate
Interest away from the farm are
- Drawing and painting
- Music
- Fashion & Sewing
- Computers and Tech
Katie
Farm Support Worker
Katie comes from a background of 24 years in care. She spent this time in her career working in community care, end of life care and support working. Katie supports the students doing Animal Care at the farm.
Katie says of her work
”I really enjoy working at the farm, I feel I have blended well with the students and helped them along their journey. I love working with the animals and feel part of the team”
Qualifications
- RHS level 2 in horticulture
- 24 years in care
- Hairdressing level 2
- Care certificate
- Autism and Dementia training
Interests away from the farm are:
- Gardening
- Music
- Travelling
- Spending time with family and friends
Sarah
Farm Support Worker
Sarah started her career as an apprentice at Laineys studying Animal Care, after previously working part time in her local village. Sarah is now a full time member of staff specialising in small animals and art and Craft.
Sarah says of her work
“I enjoy every aspect of my work, from working with the students to caring for the animals and being part of the team, it is by far the best working environment I have experienced. I like the variety of choice in my day and being able to have fun with the students and the animals.”
Qualifications
- Animal Care and Handling
Interest away from the farm are
- Photography
- Drawing
- Craft
- Gaming
- Writing
Alan
Wood Work and Maintenance
Before working at Laineys Alan worked in Mechanical Engineering and as a fitter and turner. Alan lived in South Africa for 36 years before returning to the UK
Alans special area on the farm is woodwork, the students bring In their own ideas and Alan helps them to make their creations. Some of the projects completed are bird boxes, stools, shelving, super hero shields, photo frames, trugs and seasonal items
Alan says of his work
“I enjoy my job and the people I work with, every day is different and varied. I have learnt a lot from working with the students and really enjoy helping them to bring their ideas to reality.”
Qualifications
- Mechanical Electronics
- Fitter and Turner
Interests away from the farm are:
- Being a Dad and Grandad
- Sports
- Bell Ringing
- Healthy Food
- Photography
- Nature walks
Jenny
Horticultural Therapist
Before working at Laineys Jenny worked in various horticulture settings, Jenny joined us in 2021 and brings a wealth of experience in horticulture and adult care.
Jenny’s specialised area is Horticulture.
Jenny says of her work
“Laineys is a happy and relaxed environment to work in. I fully enjoyed my first year working at Laineys and I look forward to planning another growing season.”
Qualifications
- HND in commercial Horticulture
Interests away from the farm are:
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Cinema
- Films
Mark
Farm Support Worker
Mark has been working at Laineys for a number of years, before working at Laineys Care Farm, Mark worked in hospitality and in fruit farming.
Marks specialised area of the farm is supporting higher needs students and small animal care.
Mark says of his work
“Laineys is an amazing little farm and makes a real difference to the lives of our students and staff.”
Qualifications
- Basic relationship Psychology
Interest away from the farm are
- Animals
- Walking my dog
- Nature
- Psychology
Tessa
Support Worker
Pre Lainey’s, Tessa worked as a professional fundraiser in London for national charities including Asthma UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and The Evelina Children’s Hospital Appeal. Post motherhood and after moving to Kent, Tessa did voluntary work and ran her own children’s wear business.
Tessa’s specialised area of the farm is Creative Arts.
Tessa says of her work
“It’s been a joy to do something different, to use my creative skills, to spend time on a beautiful farm and work with great people, younger and older! Being on a farm, there is always a sense of connection to nature and the seasons and a closeness to the circular nature of life, something hard to find in the workplace. I love seeing the students engage with all the different projects we dream up and attempt together, from patchwork quilts to processing our own sheep’s fleeces. Success or failure, we always learn and have a laugh along the way. Every shift is different but getting to know the students also means there’s a lovely sense of community – a privilege to be a part of.“
Qualifications
- Masters Degree in Theology
- Young Mental Health Certificate
Interests away from the farm are:
- Family
- Nature / Birdwatching
- Reading and writing
- creative arts (dressmaking, painting, photography)
- Gardening and flower arranging
- Travelling
