“Seeing someone simply enjoy a day filled with calm, dignity, and happiness is incredibly meaningful.”
Hannah Doherty is a Regional Manager at Mysa Care, overseeing residential and supported living services for adults with complex needs, autism, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions.
Based in Caerphilly, Hannah is known for her resilience, values-driven leadership, and commitment to person-centred care. Her achievements have earned her a nomination for the Leadership & Management in Residential Care Award.
Hannah told us about why she does what she does, and the moments that have defined her career;
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
I oversee residential and supported living services across my region.
My role revolves around driving high-quality, person-centred support, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mentoring care managers and teams. I focus on creating stable, safe, and consistent environments where the adults we support can flourish.
What do you love most about your job?
It’s all about the people – both the individuals we support and the amazing teams I lead. Seeing someone gain confidence, learn a new life skill, or simply enjoy a day filled with calm, dignity, and happiness is incredibly meaningful.
Being part of those moments makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Could you share a standout moment from your career?
A major standout was supporting a gentleman who came to us via an emergency transition from an Assessment and Treatment Unit (ATU). He was in urgent need of stability, had extremely complex behaviors, and was not accessing the community.
Through structured planning, patience, and empowering the care team, we helped him transition into his own home.
Today, he accesses the community daily, engages in hobbies, and enjoys a high quality of life.
What does this award nomination mean to you?
It means a great deal because it reflects the real, everyday work – the difficult decisions, problem-solving, and perseverance.
I don’t do this job for recognition, but knowing that the impact on our teams and residents is seen and valued is wonderful.
How do you like to unwind away from work?
I’m a mum to two vibrant girls aged 9 and 10, and we have two energetic dogs who keep our home full of life! In my downtime, I love reading everything from crime thrillers to romantic novels.
“Even what seems like the smallest positive change in a child’s life can transform their entire future.”
Sandra White is the Operational Director of Children’s Services and Responsible Individual at Action for Children. Having dedicated 26 years of service to the organisation, Sandra leads with heart, expertise, and strategic vision.
Her 26-year commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families has earned her a nomination for the Leadership & Management in Residential Care Award.
Sandra told us about what has driven her 26-year career and how her family are her biggest supporters;
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
My role spans safeguarding, risk management, strategic business planning, budget management, and line-managing residential care leaders.
Every day is entirely unique, but my overarching goal is driving services forward to ensure children and young people receive the safest, highest-quality care possible.
What do you love most about the job you do?
I love the sheer variety and energy of the work – anything can happen!
I am profoundly proud of the difference Action for Children and our dedicated teams make every single day. Even what seems like the smallest positive change in a child’s life can transform their entire future.
Looking back across your 26 years, what stand out moments come to mind?
My very first day with Action for Children 26 years ago remains crystal clear in my memory! Over the years, having access to brilliant mentors shaped me into the leader I am today, allowing me to pass that mentorship down to my team. Seeing staff grow into leaders who change children’s lives is an ongoing highlight.
What does this nomination mean to you?
I am honestly still in shock! I just do a job that I absolutely love.
To be nominated by our National Director, Laurie Ryall, is incredibly humbling. This nomination isn’t just for me – it represents our entire team at Action for Children and validates 26 years of dedicated service.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’m married to my biggest supporter, Martyn, and together we have 10 wonderful grandchildren ranging from ages 3 to 16!
I used to compete in triathlons – including completing a half Ironman 70.3 in Valencia – and nowadays I keep active with gym strength training alongside a great group of friends.
” I hope my journey inspires others in the sector to strive for what they might think is out of reach.”
Shaun Jones is the Operations Director and Responsible Individual at Mental Health Care (UK) Limited, overseeing 14 residential homes across the region. Having dedicated over 30 years to the care profession, Shaun combines strategic oversight with a deep passion for improving residents’ lives.
His inspirational leadership has been recognised with a nomination for the Leadership & Management in Residential Care Award.
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
As Operations Director and Responsible Individual for 14 residential homes, no two days are ever the same!
I might start the day with a specific plan, but the nature of residential care means priorities can pivot quickly. My ultimate focus is ensuring that every resident receives outstanding care in a safe environment, while supporting our managers and staff teams to perform at their best.
What do you love most about your work?
Making a tangible difference to people’s lives. There is no greater feeling than knowing you’ve contributed to improving someone’s quality of life.
One of the greatest privileges of my role is being able to inform families that we have secured a placement for their loved one, giving them peace of mind for the future.
Is there a standout moment in your career that stays with you?
Seeing the growth in both our residents and the staff who support them is deeply moving. Residents routinely achieve outcomes that were once thought impossible.
A moment that will stay with me forever was when a family member told me that for the first time in years, they could sleep soundly at night knowing their son was safe, happy, and well cared for.
What does this nomination mean to you?
It is a very proud moment for me and my family. Having spent over three decades in social care, there is no greater honor than being acknowledged by your colleagues and peers.
I hope my journey inspires others in the sector to strive for what they might think is out of reach.
Tell us a little about your life outside of work
I’m happily married to Karen, father to our son Jacardi, and owner of two dogs – Red (a Rhodesian Ridgeback) and Belle (a German Shepherd).
I’m a passionate Liverpool FC fan; I’m usually very laid-back, but that personality briefly disappears when Liverpool is playing!
The Wales Care Awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise and celebrate excellence across the social care sector in Wales.
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The awards recognise individuals and organisations across a range of categories, celebrating the dedication, compassion, innovation and professionalism of those working in social care.