As Coverage Care celebrates its 30th year of delivering high-quality care across Shropshire, we take this opportunity to honour one of our exceptional team members whose journey exemplifies the values we hold dear.
From International Nurse to Inspirational Leader
Rhea Paller joined Coverage Care in 2021 and currently serves as Home Manager at Montgomery House in Shrewsbury. Originally from the Philippines, Rhea arrived in the UK in 2010 as a trained nurse to pursue a postgraduate degree in International Nursing at Hertfordshire University. During her studies, a placement in a care home sparked a lifelong passion for elderly care.
“I didn’t expect to fall in love with elderly care,” Rhea reflects. “But the relationships, the stories, the trust - it was unlike anything I’d experienced before.”
After graduating in 2014, Rhea moved to Shropshire to complete the NMC Overseas Nursing Programme. Her dedication, empathy, and leadership quickly stood out, leading to successive promotions from senior nurse to deputy manager, and eventually to senior leadership roles across multiple care homes.
Leadership Through Adversity
Rhea joined Coverage Care’s Montgomery House during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic - a time of immense challenge for the care sector. Her leadership during this period was marked by resilience, compassion, and clarity.
“It was one of the most challenging times of my career,” she says. “But it also reminded me why I became a nurse in the first place. To protect, to comfort, and to lead with heart.”
Under her guidance, Montgomery House has cultivated a culture of respect, inclusion, and joy. Staff describe herself as a hands-on leader who leads by example, always ready to support and uplift those around her.
Looking Ahead
Rhea’s vision for Montgomery House includes the development of a dedicated section of the home to support individuals with complex clinical care needs. This initiative aims to enhance the clinical expertise of the nursing and care teams, while affirming the home’s commitment to delivering inclusive, person-centred care for residents with a wide range of needs.
In recognition of the tireless efforts of staff across all departments, Rhea views the pursuit of a Good or Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) not as personal validation, but as a meaningful tribute to the team’s dedication.
“My staff consistently go above and beyond,” she says. “Achieving an Outstanding rating would be a powerful acknowledgment of their compassion and the profound impact they have on our residents’ lives.”
A Tribute to Passion and Purpose
Rhea’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on an entire community. Her journey - from her early days in the Philippines to her leadership role in Shropshire - embodies the spirit of Coverage Care: compassionate, professional, and people-centred.
As we reflect on 30 years of service, we are proud to celebrate Rhea Paller and the many dedicated individuals who make Coverage Care a place where residents thrive and staff feel empowered.
