22/05/2026
Mariposa Care is delighted to welcome Dawn Heppell-Marshall as the new Home Manager at Holly Lodge care home, Shildon, County Durham. With more than 30 years’ experience in health and social care – the past 14 of those years spent in senior leadership and home management roles – Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge, insight and compassion to the team.
Throughout her career, Dawn has built a strong reputation for creating caring, warm and person-centred environments where residents feel truly at home. In our blog, she shares her insights into life at Holly Lodge, why teamwork is so important and tips on enjoying a long career in health and social care.
I have worked in care ever since leaving school, in a range of settings including the private sector, NHS and community services. I’ve spent the past decade and more in registered management, leading teams of all sizes and supporting homes through improvement and growth. I know from experience how much a well-led home can transform a resident’s day-to-day life, and that’s what drives me every morning. What has never changed throughout is my belief that exceptional care starts with truly knowing the people you’re looking after.
Staff care for the residents and relatives as if they were an extension of their own family. We all combine our strengths to achieve more together than what can be achieved alone – team work makes the dream work!
Visiting Scotland to have my hair cut (I have a caravan in Eyemouth but only visit now to have my hair cut). I also enjoy watching Newcastle United Women’s football, travelling to away games or home fixtures.
Plus, spending time with my family and grandchildren.
My holiday with two of the youngest grandchildren and the arrival of my daughter’s first baby.
Dirty Dancing, the film from my youth – nobody puts baby in a corner!