Meet the team

Beejal Patel

Finance Director

Beejal qualified as a Pharmacist from Kingston University and holds an MBA. She has had several roles over the years progressing from Pharmacist Manager to becoming an Independent Prescriber.

As a Chairperson at Citta Care, Beejal leads the business and oversees financial operations, investment activity and organisational growth, enabling it to provide a high quality of supported living care in Kent.

Hayley Johnson

Chief Executive Officer

Hayley is an experienced and driven Chief Executive with a strong track record in leading business growth and transforming operational performance within the health care sector.

Hayley has spent the last 16 years working in Mental Health within the NHS as a Mental Health Nurse where she occupied a senior management position. Most recently Hayley has taken up the position of Chief Executive Officer at Citta Care.

Throughout Hayley's career she has developed considerable skills and expertise in a range of areas including services delivery, care operations, procurement and the development and growth of services. Hayley applies particular emphasis on people management recognising the need for employee engagement and support to create effective teams and offer the highest standards of care.

Ashley Newstead

Registered Manager

Ash has nearly 15 years experience working in Health and Social Care. He has experience in many fields of care, including learning disabilities and mental health – both the private sector and NHS. Ash is the Registered Manager for Citta Care, having formerly worked within the NHS Community Mental Health Team.

Ash is a strong advocate for learning and growth and channels this in to the Citta Care ethics and values to ensure our residents have every opportunity available to them – but that doesn't stop at our residents. Ash is also passionate about professional development, and champions this throughout both the team and personally.

Ash always puts in 100% to everything he does and enjoys seeing the success of others.

Darren Johnson

Performance & Quality Audit Officer

Darren is a value-driven Performance and Quality Audit Officer who has experience both within the private and public sector of health and social care. Darren has spent over two decades occupying roles within health care and business growth and development.

In his role Darren is focused on improving the performance and quality, productivity and efficiency of support staff and driving systems and process that enable safe and rapid growth. Darren is committed to creating a safe culture for service users and staff alike. 

Lee Arnold

Health & Safety / Induction Lead

Lee Arnold worked his way through Citta Care, Completing his level 3 NVQ and PBS training, Lee now holds the position of Health and Safety / Induction Lead, Lee is dedicated to ensuring safe practise and environment to all who enter Citta Care buildings. 

Lee joined the Citta Care journey in August of 2022 and has become a confident member of the Citta Care team. Lee inducts all new employees and provide a robust induction process ensuring the new employees are comfortable and supported as they find their feet.

Lauren Mander 

Administrator

Lynaka Maple

Team Manager (Thomas Court)

Lynaka is a dedicated Team Manager who joined Citta Care in 2022. Lynaka brings with her a wealth of experience having worked in Health and Social Care for several years prior to joining us.

Lynaka's passion's lie in ensuring that we foster an environment that is empowering and supportive for those with diverse needs while driving a collaborative team culture built on respect, compassion and person-centred care.

As a Team Manager Lynaka is committed to promoting independence and enhancing the overall well-being of service users and staff alike.

Keelo Johnson

Team Manager (Victoria Court)

Keelo joined Citta Care in 2022 and used his experience and drive to become a Team Manager. During his time at Citta Care he has experienced the challenges that opening a new building brings and shown what dedication and commitment can achieve. Although he is the youngest member of the management team, Keelo has shown that age is no barrier and is an ambassador for person-centred approaches and ensuring that people live the best lives possible.

In his role Keelo has developed successful strategies for high performance while ensuring quality is not compromised.

Dexda Johnson

Team Manager (Hayley Lodge)

Since joining Citta Care in June 2022, Dexda has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication, professionalism, and compassion in his work. Starting as a Support Worker, his natural leadership, calm approach, and commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred support quickly set him apart as an invaluable member of the team.

With a Diploma in Health and Social Care and a strong foundation of hands-on experience, Dexda brings both knowledge and empathy to his management role. His approach combines practical skill with genuine care for both service users and staff, ensuring that everyone he works with feels respected, supported, and empowered to achieve their best.

Now as Team Manager of Hayley Lodge, Dexda leads by example — promoting a culture of growth, accountability, and positivity. He has a clear drive to see people succeed, whether that's supporting individuals to progress in their independence or mentoring staff to reach their full potential.

An exceptional role model, Dexda embodies the values of Citta Care through his professionalism, reliability, and deep commitment to improving lives. His leadership inspires confidence and his passion for care continues to make a lasting impact across the service.