Meet The Team
Horizon Care Services are proud to employ over 280 specialised members of staff. Everyone is passionate about care going above and beyond to provide the highest level of care to our residents.
Roger Williams
Managing Director
Roger Williams founded Horizon Healthcare Homes Ltd in 2006 with a simple but powerful goal: to create care homes for adults with a learning difficulty are valued as individuals and supported to live with comfort, dignity, and joy. With a background spanning many years in the care sector, Roger, together with a highly committed staff team, has built Horizon on the principles of compassion, quality, and community — values that continue to guide the company’s growth today.
Since its establishment, Horizon has grown to operate nine specialist, high-quality care homes, each known for its warm atmosphere and person-centred approach. Roger’s leadership, together with Horizon’s staff team, has been instrumental in developing a culture that prioritises people — both residents and staff — while embracing innovation to enhance wellbeing and independence.
A commitment to improving the quality of life for those we support has led to the creation of Horizon’s dedicated day centre, designed to provide meaningful social opportunities and activities, for individuals living within Horizon homes. This initiative reflects Roger’s wider vision of care that extends beyond the homes themselves, fostering inclusion and connection for all who use Horizon’s services.
Looking to the future, Roger is leading the planning of a new purpose-built care home development with state-of-the-art day service and office, set to open in 2027, which will incorporate the latest design standards and green technologies. This exciting project represents the next step in Horizon’s journey — blending modern, sustainable facilities with the same personal, family-oriented ethos that has defined the organisation from the very beginning.
Roger remains closely involved in day-to-day life across the homes, and together with a highly committed staff team, Horizon continues to deliver the kind of care he would want for his own family.
Russell Leese
Director of Operations
Russell has over 30 years of experience supporting people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions in a variety of settings including private residential, not for profit, and NHS services. He has worked as a registered manager and has held various senior operational management positions over the past 20 years.
Russell has a wealth of experience in setting up and developing specialist services on a national level as well as regionally. He has a real passion for achieving high standards of care and support and was a founding member of the Outstanding Society – a CIC which focuses upon promoting outstanding quality support to people in all types of services at a national level.
Russell continues to contribute to promoting best practice and supporting others through engagement and representation on the board of local care associations, as well as supporting with research, publications, and conference presentations for different organisations.
Russell is committed to the notion of putting people first and continues to focus upon delivering person centred support to everyone. He is passionate about the well being of staff and creating a culture in which everyone shares common values and goals.
Russell possesses a background in psychology and holds a strong BSc degree from the University of York as well as Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Disability Studies from the University of Birmingham.
In his spare time Russell enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys travel and remains active by cycling, running, skiing, and playing badminton.
Michael Craven
Operations Manager
My career/life journey reflects my commitment to leadership and delivering quality care. I’ve built my career across diverse industries, starting in retail management (Asda, Iceland) and hospitality (Hilton Hotels), as well as working as a Holiday Representative in Crete for two years.
In 2007, I transitioned to the care sector, joining Horizon Care as a Senior Support Worker at Langley Lodge. By 2010, I became the Registered Manager at this home. Since then, I’ve established and led new homes, including Ferndale Lodge and Beckside Lodge, where we achieved an “Outstanding” CQC rating in 2016—the first in the Calderdale and Bradford region.
In 2017, I opened Windsor Court and later Managed at Hampton House, our largest home. In 2021, I was promoted to Operations Manager, allowing me to support and guide other managers and teams company-wide.
Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion for fostering teamwork, delivering exceptional care, and making a positive impact on individuals’ lives. I believe in leading with dedication, compassion, and an unwavering focus on quality.
After returning from an unforgettable time living in Crete, I found myself drawn into the care sector—whether by chance or destiny, I couldn’t say. What I can say, however, is that I’ve never looked back. Working at Horizon doesn’t feel like work in the traditional sense. Sure, there are moments of stress, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, but the environment is so much more than just a job. It’s a family—one that encompasses not only the incredible individuals we support but also every single team member, from our registered managers to our dedicated support workers.
Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my wife and our two daughters. Life with two girls can be quite an adventure (or a handful, depending on the day!), but it’s always filled with love and laughter. As a family, we share a passion for travel and enjoy exploring new destinations together whenever we get the chance.
I’m also a huge sports enthusiast, with a particular love for boxing, rugby, and football. Supporting Leeds United has been both a joy and a test of endurance over the years—though I often wish it weren’t quite so nerve-racking! Still, as they say, you can’t help where you’re from, and my Yorkshire roots run deep.
Michelle Schofield
Registered Manager Beckside Lodge
With over 20 years of experience in the care industry, my journey began as a support worker in the community for people with learning disabilities, where I found supporting people with daily living and activities extremely rewarding. I progressed to the role of person centred review facilitator, where I visited people across Bradford and supported them to develop clear goals and aspirations for the future and ensured everyone knew about what was important to people
11 years ago, I visited Horizon as a review facilitator and my values aligned with those of the organisation and I was offered a position as Deputy Manager at Cranmer Court in Leeds. I have since progressed into my current role as Registered Manager at Beckside Lodge. Here, I take immense pride in leading an Outstanding rated service with a fabulous staff team and amazing people we support, ensuring they lead fulfilled lives and celebrating their goals and achievements with them.
I spend my spare time rocking out to music and attending festivals. I love to get creative with fancy dress at these events especially if it involves an inflatable costume! I love traveling and exotic holidays plus I’ve recently bought a campervan to take my adventures on the road making new memories. I like to ski, swim, sing, play guitar (badly) and try lots of new things, but mostly I read books about magic, fairies and dragons
Robert Smith
Registered Manager Cranmer Court
With nearly three decades of experience in health and social care, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Cranmer Court. As the Registered Manager, I am dedicated to providing exceptional support and care to the people who live within the home.
Since joining Horizon three years ago, I have been passionate in trying to enhance the quality of life for the people we support. My team and I are committed to person-centre care, and we ensure that each individual receives tailored support that meets their unique needs and preferences.
Throughout my career, I feel that I have demonstrated a profound understanding of the complexities involved in health and social care. My experience spans various roles and responsibilities, equipping me with the skills necessary to lead our team with compassion and professionalism.
At Cranmer Court, I have always aimed for a fostering and nurturing environment where the people we support feel valued and empowered. My leadership style is characterized by a deep sense of empathy, a strong dedication to continuous improvement, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, not only for the people we support, but also for all our stakeholders and staff.
I look forward to many more years where Cranmer Court continues to thrive as a place where the people we support can live fulfilling lives, in an environment of inclusivity and respect, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Debbie Clarke
Registered Manager Ferndale Lodge
I have worked for Horizon Healthcare Homes as a care home manager since 2016 – initially working in another home until I moved to Ferndale Lodge in 2022.
I have always had a passion to work with people who have additional needs ever since I was in primary school. My first work placement was in a special school and ever since then I was ‘hooked’ by the fantastic qualities and unique personalities the people we support have and the relationships that we can build to help each individual lead fulfilling lives.
I have worked in social care since I was 18 years old and became a care home manager in 2009.
I still love to work with each and every person who lives within the home and you will often find me doing activities and working strange hours to ensure we deliver the best possible care and opportunities!
I am a mum and love to walk my dog and go on holiday with my family.
My family are super supportive to the role I have and know that I am very committed to what I do – however, this is not done all by myself but with the help of a fantastic team of staff who also work alongside me within Ferndale Lodge.
Mandi Gallagher
Registered Manager Fixby Lodge
With over 25 years of experience in the care industry, I am passionate about supporting adults with learning disabilities and creating positive, empowering environments for both people supported and teams. My journey began as a support worker in a day service, where I quickly developed a deep understanding of the importance of person-centred care. I progressed to the role of Care Coordinator, successfully managing three day services and leading with integrity and compassion.
Fourteen years ago, I embraced an exciting new challenge with Horizon as a Deputy Manager—a decision that marked a pivotal moment in my career. Since then, I have grown into my current role as Service Manager at Fixby Lodge. Here, I take immense pride in leading a dedicated staff team and celebrating the achievements of the people we support. Witnessing their growth and success is the most rewarding aspect of my work and reinforces my commitment to making a meaningful difference every day.
I love to spend every spare minute with my husband and the rest of my crazy family, especially my four beautiful grandchildren—they bring so much fun and laughter into my life. When I’m not with them (which is rare), I enjoy socialising with friends. I’m also part of a unique book club where reading often takes a back seat to chatting, sharing plenty of laughs and the odd glass of wine. Another passion of mine is traveling. I absolutely love holidays; there’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting away to relax, laugh and dance the nights away.
Michael Webster
Registered Manager Hampton House
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Heather Seaman
Registered Manager Langley Lodge
I have worked in the care sector for over 18 years. I Joined Horizon in 2015 starting as a team leader at Ferndale Lodge in Huddersfield, I then progressed to be deputy manager. I then had the opportunity to support with opening up a brand new home which is now known as Fixby Lodge back in 2017. I then came to Langley Lodge as service manager in 2021. I am very proud to work at Horizon, it’s like my second home. The staff are amazing and the people we support live their best lives!
I enjoy going on long walks
Recently I have re connected with writing poetry and I am interested in astrology. I love being a mum.
Shannen Hornby
Registered Manager Roxburgh Lodge
I started at Beckside Lodge in 2013 as a support worker, straight out of sixth form after completing my A-levels. After just over a year, I progressed to the team Leader position, and then followed this by the Deputy Manager Position there. In August 2017, I then went to lead Windsor Court as the Registered Manager, where I stayed until February 2020. After this I took a 10-month career break where I specialised in recruiting and then returned to Horizon as a Deputy Manager at Roxburgh Lodge in February 2021. I Then took on the role of the Service Manager at Roxburgh Lodge from May 2022. There’s something very special about a job that allows you to contributing towards making other people’s lives better every day. I absolutely love my role and the company I work for.
I have a little girl called Gracie who takes up a lot of my time! Though in my spare time I am a history geek and I absolutely love visiting historical places and watching documentaries. I love going to watch musicals and going to concerts too!
Zoe Lawrence
Registered Manager Sandhurst Court
With over 14 years of heartfelt dedication to the health care sector, I’ve had the privilege of working across elderly care, mental health, and learning disabilities. These experiences have shaped me into a compassionate and driven professional, deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of those I support.
I began my journey with Horizon in 2021 as a Deputy Manager, a role that allowed me to channel my leadership skills and work closely with a talented team to provide exceptional care. In April 2022, I was honoured to step into the role of Manager at Sandhurst Court. It’s been immensely rewarding to lead a team that shares my commitment to creating a nurturing, respectful environment for both residents and staff.
Throughout my career, I’ve discovered the joy of building strong, supportive teams and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued. Whether it’s tackling challenges, implementing innovative care strategies, or celebrating small victories, I find fulfilment in every step of the journey. My hands-on approach and ability to see the bigger picture have helped me navigate complex situations and continuously improve the quality of care we provide.
In my downtime, I find joy in life’s simple pleasures. I love exploring the great outdoors on scenic walks with my dogs, soaking in the beauty of nature and the peace it brings. Whether it’s a quiet trail or a breezy park, these moments always feel refreshing and grounding. I’m also an avid reader, losing myself in stories that inspire and captivate. But above all, spending time with my family is what I cherish the most. Sharing laughs, creating memories, and simply being present with loved ones brings a special kind of happiness to my life.
Donna Chadwick
Registered Manager Windsor Court
I have worked within Horizon since May 2022, initially as the Deputy Manager at Beckside Lodge.
I have worked in the Care Sector for 29 years working across all levels. I became interested in the sector after my NVQ Level 2 and decided that I wanted a fulfilling career. I worked in elderly care predominantly but found that this was quite repetitive and not person centred. I took some time off as my son was diagnosed with Autism and needed me at home. I then became interested in supporting people with Learning Disabilities. I successfully got a Support Worker job and within a year I became a senior. I did this for eight years and eventually became the manager of the service. I did this for a while then ventured back into elderly care as a deputy, I loved this, but it didn’t capture my heart like learning disability care had. Then by chance I saw an advert for a deputy manager position with Horizon and I haven’t looked back since. I can’t foresee me working anywhere else, this is an amazing organisation!
In my spare time I love going to the cinema, escape rooms and arcade clubs playing computer games. I enjoy walking and swimming and spending time with my friends and family.
Nicola Jackson
Operations Support
My journey in health care began in 2016, fuelled by a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. Starting as a support worker, I gained hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and joys of supporting individuals with learning disabilities. Over time, I embraced opportunities for growth, stepping into roles as Deputy Manager, then Registered Manager, and now serving as Operations Support for Horizon Healthcare Homes Ltd.
My background is primarily in Learning Disability and complex needs. These experiences have shaped my approach—one that prioritizes empathy, respect, and person-centred care. I believe that every individual deserves to live with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their challenges.
I love collaborating with others to create environments that are not only inclusive and supportive but also bring out the best in everyone involved—whether that’s the people we care for or the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.
In my current role, I’m driven by the belief that there’s always room for improvement. I’m passionate about finding innovative ways to enhance the quality of care we provide, and I strive every day to make a meaningful, lasting impact.
In my free time, I enjoy activities that bring balance and happiness to my life. Traveling and exploring new areas fuel my curiosity and allow me to experience different cultures and environments, creating unforgettable memories along the way. I cherish spending time with my friends and family—sharing laughs, celebrating milestones, and simply enjoying each other’s presence keeps me grounded
Kathryn Howitt
Learning and Development Manager
After graduating from University in 1995, I joined a well-known food retailers management training scheme; designed to develop a new generation of senior sales managers. I soon realised however that sales didn’t motivate me, but I did develop a taste for training and developing others and thankfully was given an opportunity to side step into the learning and development team. Over the next few years, I progressed into the role of Retail Training Manager leading on all aspects of learning and development for the 15,000 staff employed in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
In 2006, I was offered and accepted a role with a training consultancy as their Head of Learning and Development. During my 10 years working with them, I managed a large department of staff responsible for designing and delivering bespoke training solutions to hundreds of organisations within the UK and beyond. My clients included the IPCC, The Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, LUSH international, The FA, Companies House, ONS and Harrods, as well as multiple local authorities, NHS trusts and other public and private sector organisations.
After nearly 10 years with the consultancy, I accepted a role with an NHS Trust as Head of Statutory and Mandatory Training. Whilst I was proud of working for our NHS, after a couple of years I missed the leadership development side of my previous roles and I decided to look for alternative employment. It was then that I came across and joined Horizon and I’ve genuinely never looked back since!
Outside of work, I’m a mum to a busy teenage girl, but when I’m not taxiing her to activities, I like to be outdoors with our dogs. I’ve been involved in dog rescue for many years; fostering and rehoming border collies, so am quite often found on the moors or in the countryside on long walks.
I also enjoy spending time with my friends travelling, camping and socialising. We will often be found in restaurants enjoying good food (and good wine) or packing up our cars and heading out to new places. As much as I enjoy holidays abroad, there are some wonderful places in the UK which I love to discover and as I’m a big believer that life is for living, I’m much more interested in making memories than I am collecting ‘things’.
Lynn Brookes
Office Administrator
I began working for Horizon Healthcare Homes Ltd in March 2022 when I was looking for a new challenge, I thought the role sounded interesting and was something I could do. My early career revolved around working with children, either at home as a childminder as my own children were young and then in a primary school, in both the office environment and class room situation, at the time this suited my family life. I then moved on to have several different administration roles within a senior school over a 13 year period including Admin Team Leader, SIMS Manager and Exams Officer learning new skills and increasing my knowledge. This was followed by 6 years working as an administrator and carer with a domiciliary care company which enabled me to utilise my administration skills and develop my people skills.
Since staring at Horizon I have not looked back, I find my role to be interesting and varied and very rewarding. I work with some amazing colleagues and feel part of a team who are constantly striving to enhance the People we Support lives giving them the best opportunities possible. I feel very lucky to work in such a caring environment where everyone is valued, I constantly have the opportunity to develop my skills for personal gain and to ensure that I am completing my job to the best of my ability, therefore doing what I can to make difference to those around me.
In my free time I enjoy activities that I find relaxing such as walking, reading, baking, building Lego, completing jigsaw puzzles and listening to music. I also enjoy travelling and visiting new places to learn about the culture and traditions as well as making new memories; my husband and I also like visiting English Heritage sites to learn about our history and gain knowledge about different areas. I also enjoy attending shows at the theatre and spending time with my ever growing family as my own children have now given me 6 beautiful grandchildren.