THE COATS CENTRE TEAM

Our dedicated, friendly, and enthusiastic team are one of the main strengths that makes COATS such a great place for our Senior Citizen Visitors. All staff are trained and qualified in the skills needed to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all our Visitors. With NVQs in health and adult social care, catering, and all are first aid trained. They work hard to foster a friendly and sociable environment, helping to enrich the lives of all our Visitors.

MELISSA

COATS Centre Manager

Hi my name is Melissa, I am the manager of COATS, living in Wokingham for the past ten years, originally from Limerick in southern Ireland. I am married to Kevin and we have one daughter, Zara. Family is very important to me so I try to get home to see my mum and dad as often as possible.

I am a big rubgy fan, I like to watch different teams play but Ireland is my number one team.

In my last role at Optalis I started off as a support worker and climbed the ladder to Service Co-Ordinator, where I completed my level 5 diploma in management and leadership.

Random facts about me, I love sunflowers, big dogs, my last dog was a St.Bernard and when I set my alarm clock for the morning I set it at odd times ie 06.32am.

Crowthorne is a new area to me so please do pop by to say hello.

JULIE

Care Assistant

I am Julie and have worked at COATS since 2006. Our Centre is a safe, warm and friendly place where Crowthorne seniors can meet up with friends old and new. I have many years of experience of working with seniors making sure they are happy and comfortable. I love my job at COATS and it’s great to be part of a fabulous, friendly team. I enjoy coming up with new ideas to amuse and entertain our Visitors from quizzes to keep fit and live entertainment.

DONNA

Care Assistant

Hello, I am Donna. I started working at COATS in 2018. Every day is full of fun, laughter, and enjoyment. I love seeing the happiness on the faces of our visitors as they arrive together with the feeling of being part of one big happy family. I miss them on the days I don’t work.

HEATHER

Care Assistant

Hi, I am Heather. Born and bred in Crowthorne, I started off working as a cleaner at COATS and, in 2021 I was promoted to the role of care assistant working with the Visitors. I love my days at COATS seeing everyone enjoying themselves. There are always lots of games, singing, keep fit and other activities for everyone to enjoy. Everyone is so friendly.

BERNIE

Head Cook

My name is Bernie. I have worked at COATS since 2016, starting on Halloween, but it’s not a scary place to work. We have an amazing team here who are the heart of the Centre. We try to cook the Visitors' favourite foods and they love the afternoon tea cakes and biscuits. Everyone gives us constructive feedback, always with lots of lovely comments.
It’s such a joy to come out of the kitchen on entertainment days and join in with the singing and dancing, but only after the dishes are all done.

TOR

Assistant Cook

I’m Tor short for Victoria. I joined the team as a cook at COATS when we reopened in early 2021. Its fabulous fun, with the singing, dancing, and chatting, sometimes I even get round to cooking.

ISABEL

Assistant Cook

I am Isabel and I have been a cook since September 2022. I love working at COATS. Our team works well together, and the Visitors appreciate the lovely home-cooked food we prepare. The Centre is a fun and safe place for our Crowthorne seniors to meet up and socialise. I enjoy seeing the Visitors play games, dance and sing; it lifts their spirits, and is great for their mental health, and mine too!