Danielle Valentino
Danielle Valentino keeps spirits high at the nursing home where she works with people with complex needs.
The 31-year-old is a senior care home assistant practitioner at Bradwell Hall Nursing Home in Bradwell, Newcastle-under-Lyme, where she has worked for more than 14 years.
She began her career as a carer, became a senior carer then care home assistant practitioner and is now in the first year of a degree apprenticeship at Staffordshire University to become a Nurse Associate.
Danielle has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by work colleague Marianne Whittaker.
Marianne said: “Danielle has years of experience and is a well-loved member of staff by our residents. She has a real passion for caring for others. She is a naturally caring and kind person.
“She loves a challenge. She thrives in her environment and is constantly trying new things and challenging herself. She is very bubbly and outgoing.
“She spends a lot of time with our wonderful residents, ensuring their daily care needs are met. She gets involved with activities around the home, keeps their spirits high and makes all the difference to their day.”
Danielle said: “I just love what I do. I actually feel in a way that although I’m helping people I’m the one that’s receiving something.
“I wasn’t expecting to be nominated for an award so it’s overwhelming and lovely. It’s the fact that someone thinks enough about you to nominate you.”