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How long have you been working at Woodborough House?

Just under 6 months. I am one of the newer members of the team. 

What is your role?

I am Nick’s Treatment Coordinator. That means I’m a patient’s first port of call for anyone having treatment with Nick, from implants to full mouth reconstructions, anything that’s more specialised. I look after Nick’s patients right from the outset, from booking their first consultation until the end of their journey, when they finish their treatment. I sit in on consultations with Nick and take notes so that I get to know the patients and I’m familiar with their case. I’m there for the patient, for anything that they need. They know they can call me and I will do what I can to help them. The role is still quite new to me, but I hope that with a bit more experience, I’ll really be able to provide advice and guide them through the procedure and their full journey. 

What is your background and your journey to where you are now?

This role has been a complete and massive change for me. I used to be a legal secretary but after working in the same law firm for 22 years (which I joined after A-Levels when I was only 17). I felt very bored and it felt stale and that I wasn’t using my brain, so I thought I needed to try something completely different. I felt very nervous when I sent off my CV for the first time. I was anxious about actually leaving because I’d been there for such a long time – I’d got married and had my children working in that firm, but once I made that jump, I was really excited.

I saw the job at Woodborough House advertised, thought it sounded really interesting and completely different to what I had been doing, so I applied for it. After an interview with Sarah and Leah and then another with Nick, I was offered the job and here I am! I am very happy to be somewhere new and don’t regret my decision. I’ve felt more valued here in six months than I did in the entire 22 years in my last company.

What is it about your job that you enjoy the most?

I have to admit that it all felt quite daunting when I first started but my confidence has grown a lot in the last few months. I’m really enjoying learning a lot of things about dentistry and enjoying the challenge of understanding an entirely new industry. There have been a few times that I’ve felt overwhelmed, but I’ve been able to pull on the skills that I have from working in law – being very organised and coping with working under pressure. 

What I’m enjoying the most is working with the patients. I love interacting with them and getting involved in their stories and journeys. I’m a people-person so I’m really enjoying starting to build those relationships. I’ve still not completed a full journey with a patient yet because Nick’s treatments can take several months to complete, so I’m excited to see someone through to the very end. 

Where would you like your career to go next?

What I really want to do is get on top of my role and become more confident in dealing with all sorts of enquiries so that I can answer all patients’ questions myself without having to ask someone else. Then I’ll be an even better support for our patients. I also want to understand the surgical procedures so I have a better understanding of those processes as well. I find all of that fascinating!

Nick and Sarah have been incredibly supportive. They are keen to push me on and for me to develop. They want me to succeed for myself and for the benefit of Woodborough House. They’ve seen something in me that they have invested in and they want that to work out. Because of that I feel like they are behind me and are encouraging me all the way. I’ve already been on a course and I’m going on another course next month. It’s been brilliant to have had that investment made in me. I never once went on a course in my previous job. 

What is it about the WH culture that you like?

It is like working in a family. You feel valued and supported. Everyone is so friendly and everyone genuinely cares about each other and our patients. When someone calls and says that they’re in pain, everyone in the Woodborough House team genuinely wants to help that person. It’s never a matter of trying to just ‘fit them in’.’ I like the ethos that there is genuine care here. 

How would you describe WH in 3 words? 

Friendly

Experts

Approachable

How do you unwind outside of work?

I have two daughters, so I spend a lot of time with them. I like to watch films and boxsets with my girls. We’ve just finished watching Modern Family which we absolutely loved. My husband doesn’t get much of a look in with the three of us! Apart from that I love to spend time with family and friends.

What’s your favourite film or book?

I honestly don’t have a favourite film. I love all kinds of films (apart from horror). I’ll watch anything from 1950s musicals with Doris Day, Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, to the latest films like Thor and the other Marvel movies. I used to watch 1950s musicals with my Grandma when I was little. We used to sing all the songs together.

What’s your favourite meal?

I like all sorts of food so it’s hard to choose a favourite. It would probably have to be Italian, because I am Italian myself and have been brought up on it. My favourite recipe that I learnt from my Mum is pasta and potatoes. It’s a southern Italian dish. It’s basically onions fried in a bit of oil with some diced bacon, you add some diced potatoes and chicken stock, cook the spaghetti and pour the potatoes in the stock on top. It’s really delicious. If I’m going out for Italian, I’d recommend Pepe Sale in Reading, that’s a really nice one.

Who was your childhood hero/heroine?

I’ve always looked up to my Mum. I feel like she’s done everything right. She’s been a great Mum, but is also my best friend. She’s always supported me through everything and always been there for me. She’s how I want to be as a Mum, so she’s been my role model. I’m very lucky to have her. I see her most weekends, even if it’s just for a cup of tea.

What was the last picture you took on your phone?

I literally just a minute ago took a picture of a chunky KitKat but with Biscoff and sent it to my eldest daughter saying “OMG look…Biscoff”, as we absolutely love Biscoff in our house! 

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