Although I was born and educated in France (Angers university) and Yorkshire (Hull university), I have now spent more time living in the UK than France! I have been the joint director and owner of Harbour Rise since 2007, working very closely with my husband Mark who was born in Marldon, Paignton. Working at Harbour Rise gives me a real sense of achievement as I love to be involved in a team of passionate and dedicated staff who give nothing else but their best to our lovely residents.

I am also the very proud mother of three lovely and lively boys. Football seems to be main thing we talk about at home, so in my spare time I love to go out with friends, go shopping and prepare a nice meal for all of us to enjoy! If I can, I also love to turn my phone off and get stuck into a great book!

I was born in Paignton and although I worked in finance in London for 20 years, I was delighted to return to Devon to raise my family of 3 boys and further develop and improve Harbour Rise.

We have owned Harbour Rise since 2007 and as well as caring for many wonderful residents, we have transformed the home from 22 to 44 bedrooms and I believe there is not an inch that we have not renovated nor improved! I love the warmth and atmosphere of the home. Although the care industry can be stressful, I enjoy seeing our staff and residents looking happy and thriving – this is our biggest achievement.

Outside of work, I love to be busy with water sports, cycling and of course football! Watching my sons play football is my favourite part of the weekend as well as watching Arsenal and Plymouth Argyle.
I enjoy a glass of red wine in the winter and a pastis in the summer, love to spend
time off in France where I still try to improve my French.

I started my career in 1998, working in the laundry at Harbour Rise. Over the years, I’ve taken on many different roles and eventually became Head of Care when Mark and Cecile took over the business in 2007. I’ve seen many changes to the home and feel privileged to have been part of its journey. One job I’ll never do, though, is drive the bus—driving’s not exactly my favourite hobby.

When I first started, I was young, free, and single. During my time here, I met and married my husband Ken, and we now have one son who is an adult. I love getting to know our residents and their families, and I truly believe Harbour Rise is one big family.

Outside of work, I have a busy social life. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going on trips, and attending concerts—especially Take That. I also love going for walks, especially when there’s a nice pub at the end for a relaxing lunch!

Hello, I’m Laura! I have had the pleasure of working at Harbour Rise for the past 20 years, during which I’ve taken on a variety of roles, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge along the way. For just over a year now, I’ve been providing managerial support, a role I find both engaging and rewarding.

Outside of work, I’m a proud mother of three wonderful children who bring immense joy to my life. Our family has recently grown with the addition of Bertie, our beautiful Cockapoo puppy, who has quickly become a beloved member of our household.

In my free time, I love spending quality moments with family and friends, going for walks, and diving into a good book.

Hi I’m Lisa.  I joined Harbour Rise in August 2021 following 3 three years working in an admin role for the Community Neuro Rehab Team at Newton Abbot/Paignton hospital. I liaised with physios, OT’s, families’ and patients following their strokes and other brain injuries. I really enjoy working at Harbour Rise as every day is completely different.  I am lucky to meet so many interesting people including our residents, their families’ and my colleagues. Remembering everybody’s names at times is skilful!

I have played skittles for over 40 years in Newton Abbot where I live and enjoy socialising with the team.  I have a lovely husband and two children in their twenties and love spending time with my family and friends.  I also love travelling and over the next few years, my dream is to see the world. I am partial to chocolates and fine red wine!

Hi, I’m Hayley. I joined Harbour Rise in January 2023. I previously work for NRS Healthcare for 10 years. I love my role at Harbour Rise overseeing everything Daycare – I am very proud of the relationships I have built up with our Daycare guests, their families and the professionals.

I have lived in Paignton for 27 years. I am a very busy Mum of 4 crazy children. In my spare time I love to eat out, spend time with my family, kayak, swim and do coastal trekking with my youngest daughter Lexi, who is very well known at Harbour Rise.

Hello, my name is Karmen and I joined Harbour Rise in 2023, bringing 15 years of administration and organisational experience with me. My favourite role within my job is meeting and chatting with the residents, finding out all about their lives and interests.

Outside of work I have 4 beautiful children, a very lovely Husband and 2 dogs all of whom keep me very busy. My weekends are mainly spent watching my 2 Sons play football come rain or shine, when I do get some free time I love to travel, eat Italian food and sip a nice glass of prosecco.