Employee Spotlight: Jessica Carillo

This week’s blog launches our employee spotlight series, where we shine a light on the talented people who make up our team. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Chef Manager Jessica Carillo, to chat about life at White Oaks, her culinary journey so far, and what she gets up to outside of work.

1. Can you share a bit about your background in culinary?

I was born in France and trained at a French culinary school, where I not only honed my cooking skills but also learned about stock management, accounting, legal requirements, and health and safety standards. After that, I worked a few summer jobs in France, gaining experience in hospitals, schools, hotels, and a private dining restaurant. I’m now a Chef Manager at Watling Court in Gravesend, an assisted living facility.

2. What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of work?

Outside of work, life mostly revolves around being a mum, but I love heading out for walks with my dog and winding down with a good series. I also really enjoy a day out at the beach and can’t wait for the next chance to go.

3. Tell us a bit about your role: what does a typical day look like in the assisted living kitchen?

No two days are the same, but a typical day starts with switching on the lights, extraction fan, and gas, then checking the pre-order list for our alternative menu. I then split my time between cooking, placing orders, and keeping on top of stock. I like to plan the day so everything runs smoothly and our residents can enjoy freshly prepared food.

4. What inspired you to work in culinary services for assisted living communities?

Before this, I’d never worked in an assisted living community before and didn’t know much about them. When I was contacted about a Weekend Chef job close to home with hours that suited me, it felt like a great fit, so I applied for it. And I’m so glad I did!

5. How do you accommodate meals to meet dietary needs in an assisted living setting?

I recently had a resident on a Level 4 diet, where foods are blended or puréed to a smooth, lump-free consistency. While her options were more limited, we made sure to keep her meals as varied and flavourful as possible so she could still enjoy her food.

6. What do you enjoy most about your work here?

I really treasure the moments I get to chat with our residents. I love exchanging stories and hearing about their lives. I’m also incredibly proud of my team. I get to work alongside an amazing group of strong women who are always there to lend a hand and support each other.

7. Can you share a memorable moment or piece of feedback from a resident?

A few months back, the housing manager and I started hosting a different themed buffet each month to encourage residents to try new dishes and cuisines. It’s a great way to bring a bit of variety and excitement to mealtimes. The response so far has been great. I was especially proud of the feedback we received from residents for our Moroccan and French buffets. This month, I’m excited to put on a Mexican buffet featuring chicken enchiladas!

8. Looking back at your career so far, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

One of my proudest moments was working with my Weekend Chef to teach our Kitchen Assistant how to cook so she could step in to help when we needed cover. Watching her grow in confidence was amazing, and now she’s working as a chef in another assisted living community. It feels great to know we played a part in her journey.

9. What’s one ingredient or kitchen tool you can’t live without?

That’s an easy one! In a busy kitchen, every piece of equipment matters. They all help me prepare fresh, nourishing food for residents, turning mealtimes into a memorable part of their day.

A big thank you to Jessica for sharing her story with us. Stay tuned for more employee spotlights coming soon!

Interested in joining the White Oaks family? Find out more on our careers page here.