For many people, a career in care is not where they start. It is where they discover a deeper sense of purpose. Sharon Matthews’ journey is a great example of how dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Before joining Holmer Court, Sharon worked in finance for Hereford Council as a Senior Finance Officer for Social Care. In this role she managed budgets, supported service managers, and helped ensure public funds were used responsibly to support vulnerable people. The experience gave her a strong understanding of accountability and the challenges facing the care sector.
In May 2016, Sharon joined Holmer Court as a part-time Kitchen Assistant. From the moment she arrived, she felt the warmth of the home.
“It didn’t just feel like a workplace,” Sharon says. “It felt like a community.”
Working in the kitchen quickly showed her how important the small details are in a care home. Mealtimes are not just about food. They provide comfort, routine, and a chance for residents to connect and enjoy time together.
Through commitment and determination, Sharon progressed to become one of the cooks, consistently delivering high standards while supporting both residents and colleagues.
Always keen to develop, Sharon later applied for the role of Care Home Administrator. Moving into administration allowed her to gain valuable experience in compliance, audits, and governance, and to see how the systems behind the scenes help support safe, high quality care.
Her drive to keep learning led to her next step. Sharon successfully applied for the role of Regional Administrator, where she now supports multiple Ashberry homes across the region.
Her dedication and hard work were recognised at the December Ashberry Awards, where she received the Director’s Award, celebrating her commitment and the positive impact she has made.
For Sharon, the most rewarding part of working in care is the people. The residents, the colleagues, and the shared sense of purpose have kept her passionate about the sector.
Her advice for anyone considering a career in care is simple. Be open to learning, work hard, ask questions, and always put residents first.
“You may begin in one role, but you never know where it could lead.”
Sharon’s journey from Kitchen Assistant to Regional Administrator shows just how many opportunities a career in care can offer.
If Sharon’s story has inspired you and you are interested in starting your own career in care, you can explore our current vacancies and apply on our website.


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