Meet the Team

Carrie Tennent

Chief Executive

Carrie Tennent has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust for 5 years and brings over 30 years’ experience across health, social care and the charity sector. She cares deeply about making a real difference to people’s lives and ensuring they are treated with dignity, supported to live independently, and able to enjoy a good quality of life. 

She has held a range of senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Services, working with national organisations such as Scope, Ambito Care, the RSPCA and Carers First. In these roles, she has led complex services, always focusing on what matters most to the people who rely on them and the staff who support them. 

Carrie combines her strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach to help the organisation deliver better experiences and outcomes for the people it supports 

Outside work, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family and looking after an assortment of rescued animals. 

Michelle Lavery

Director of Operations

Michelle has been with the Trust since 2018 and became Director of Operations in 2021. She plays a key role in keeping day-to-day services running smoothly, supporting teams to provide safe, reliable support for residents, tenants and the wider community. 

Before joining the Trust, Michelle spent many years working in dentistry across both the NHS and private practice. Since then, she has taken on increasing responsibility, now leading on sheltered housing and overseeing areas including health and safety, digital and data governance, and workforce development. 

Michelle enjoys working closely with colleagues to make sure services run well and continue to meet the needs of the people they support. 

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys gardening, renovating furniture, cooking and baking, and relaxing with a good book. 

Clare Silvester

Director of Care Services

Clare Silvester joined the Trust in 2023 and is the lead for our care homes, Freda Gunton Lodge and Cheviot Nursing Home. She is passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care and driving continuous improvement across services. 

Clare brings over 30 years of experience in adult health and social care, having started her career as a carer before progressing into senior leadership roles. Her career spans local authorities, quality improvement, inspection management, and independent consultancy, including work as a specialist advisor to the Care Quality Commission. 

In recognition of her leadership, Clare received the Front-Line Leader Award for the London Region at The Great British Care Awards 2022. She is proud to work within a not-for-profit organisation where people always come first. 

Outside of work, Clare enjoys going on long walks with her husband and dog and regular trips to Malta to visit friends and family.  

Joanne Coleman

PA/Head of Admin

Joanne Coleman joined the Trust in 2019, bringing a wealth of experience as a Personal Assistant within the care sector. She provides essential support to the senior leadership team, helping to ensure the organisation runs smoothly and effectively. 

Known for her organisation and reliability, Joanne plays a key role behind the scenes, enabling leaders to focus on delivering high-quality services. Her work supports the Trust’s day-to-day operations and contributes to a positive and well-coordinated working environment. 

Joanne values being part of a dedicated team and takes pride in supporting a culture where compassion, respect and high standards of care are at the heart of everything.   

Outside of work, Jo is highly creative, enjoying cake baking in her spare time, and is also a keen LEGO enthusiast. 

Yuliya Harwood

Finance Manager

Yuliya Harwood joined the Trust in 2024 as Finance Manager, bringing extensive experience across the healthcare, education and charity sectors. Her previous roles include positions with NHS trusts, the University of Essex and Essex Wildlife Trust. 

Yuliya is responsible for leading the Trust’s financial operations, ensuring strong financial management, effective planning and long-term sustainability. Her work supports the organisation in delivering its services while maintaining financial resilience. 

She is committed to upholding high standards of accountability and ensuring resources are used effectively to benefit residents, tenants and the wider community. 

Outside of work, Yuliya enjoys gardening, growing her own fruit and vegetables, and even making homemade jams. 

Tracey Phelan

Registered Manager – Cheviot Nursing Home

Tracey is Registered Manager at Cheviot Nursing Home and brings over 20 years’ experience in health and social care. She joined Cheviot in 2020, having previously held Registered Manager roles and managed multiple services, building strong leadership experience across residential and nursing care. 

She is passionate about creating a warm, respectful environment where residents feel safe and at home, and where staff feel supported in their roles. Under her leadership, Cheviot has achieved recognition for excellence in care, including Gold Standards Framework accreditation and Prosper Awards. 

Tracey takes great pride in working alongside a dedicated team and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of care for residents and their families 

Outside of work, Tracey enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, long walks with her three dogs, and supporting her husband in his role managing a semi-professional football team. 

Amy Blowers

Registered Manager – Freda Gunton Lodge

Amy has been part of Balkerne Gardens Trust for over 16 years, starting her career as a Care Assistant. Over the years, she has built extensive experience in care delivery and team leadership, with a strong commitment to providing compassionate, person-centred support. 

In 2023, Amy became a Registered Manager, where she leads the service with dedication and integrity. She is focused on creating a safe, supportive environment where residents feel valued and well cared for, and where staff are supported to deliver their best. 

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with friends and caring for her pets, which include two dogs and a cat. 

Katrina Olive

Deputy Manager – Freda Gunton Lodge

Katrina Olive has nine years’ experience in the care sector, supporting older people and adults with learning disabilities across a variety of settings. 

As Deputy Manager at Freda Gunton Lodge, she plays a key role in the day-to-day running of the home, supporting staff and ensuring residents receive high-quality, person-centred care. Katrina is passionate about promoting dignity, independence and wellbeing in everything she does. 

Her approachable, supportive leadership style helps create a positive environment for residents and colleagues alike, where everyone feels valued and respected.  

Outside of work, Katrina enjoys running and has even signed up for a half-marathon. She also values spending quality time with her family and dogs, including a new puppy. 

Sylwia Szwarc

Manager – Sheltered Housing

Sylwia Szwarc has been part of the Trust since 2010, beginning her career as a Care Assistant at Freda Gunton Lodge. Through dedication and development, she progressed into leadership roles and is now the Sheltered Housing Manager. 

Sylwia is passionate about supporting tenants to maintain their independence and live a life of their choosing. She is committed to building strong relationships with tenants and fostering a sense of community. 

Her interest in people’s life stories has now inspired a personal passion for history. Outside of work, Sylwia enjoys travelling, reading and spending time in nature, and is always willing to challenge herself, including completing a skydive.