Meet Theresa – a nurse with a compassionate and caring heart.

At Mayflower, we are proud of the loyalty of our staff. We love to empower our team members to progress in their careers while working with us.

Theresa has been part of the Mayflower Reservoir family for more than 12 years and has loved every minute of it.

Pictured above: Walking through the olive grove at Mayflower Reservoir, Theresa and Grazia have a special bond, and enjoy their time together.

Theresa joined us in an environmental services role in 2009. She enjoyed the opportunities it gave her to connect with residents each day.

But Theresa had a dream she couldn't wait to fulfil – to become a nurse – like her mum. So, in 2015 she took her first steps to gain her Diploma of Nursing and joined Mayflower's nursing team as an Enrolled Nurse, a couple of years later.

And, Theresa hasn't looked back.

"I wanted to be a nurse from a young age, and although it took me a while, I finally made my dream come true," she says.

Inspired by mum

Theresa drew her inspiration from home.

And she is most grateful for her wonderful mum.

"My mum has worked in aged care for 26 years. I was always in awe of her and the unconditional care she gave to residents," she says. "it inspired me to want to do the same."

"Mum is my role model and inspiration. I can only hope that I am half the wonderful carer that she is!"

Theresa's role is diverse and includes clinical care and, just as importantly, emotional support - often attending to the needs of people who are perhaps unable to speak for themselves.

"Part of my role is being a familiar and caring face," says Theresa.

One team, one dream

Theresa says her proudest moment was becoming Team Leader for the Memory Support Unit.

"Using my skills and training to lead a team that supports older people is incredibly rewarding," she says.

"My co-workers really go above and beyond to provide our residents with the best care and support they all deserve."

"It is an absolute privilege to be able to work with them."

Language is no barrier

Mayflower Reservoir is much loved for its diversity, with many residents from different cultural backgrounds.

Theresa, born and bred in Australia, loves the challenge of learning new words from different languages, such as Greek and Italian, to help communicate with residents.

"I have familiarised myself with a lot of different cultures through my work," she says.

"Knowing key phrases in different languages helps me to communicate and engage with residents from different backgrounds so much better."

Mayflower Reservoir often hosts cultural events and special days, such as Greek Independence Day, and the Italian National Day – Festa Della Republica.

"By offering experiences, activities and good food that reflects residents' diverse cultures really helps them feel more at home," she says.

A family that cares

Theresa keeps her nursing hat on at home while also taking on her role as a loving mum, daughter, and fiancé.

"My mum and I care for my dad, and as a family, we work well together."

Theresa is forever grateful for the love and support of her family, cheering her on to achieve her dreams.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without my family's support," she says.