Meet the Team – Natasha Gregovich
Natasha (Tash) Gregovich joined Green Light in June 2011 with seven years previous experience of supporting both children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy and other complex needs. Since then Tash has worked in, and taken leadership roles, in a number of Green Light’s teams. She is currently the Registered Manager of Thornbury House, a home for just two individuals, in Illogan, near Redruth. As well as her Registered Manager role, Tash is a Physical Intervention Trainer who delivers Green Light’s BILD ACT accredited PBS+ Training Package. She is one of the first students to undertake the recently launched BTEC level 5 Diploma in Practice Leadership in Reducing Restrictive Practices which was developed by the Restraint Reduction Network
Q: Where are you from and where do you live now?
A: I was born in Oxford but grew up in a town called Buxton in Derbyshire. I relocated to Cornwall when I was 18 after finishing college.
Q: How did you hear about Green Light ?
A: I joined Green Light in 2011, after hearing good things from friends who I had worked with at another company.
Q: Why did you decide to work for Green Light ?
A: I was keen to join a new company and was impressed with their vision and mission. I have always been passionate about people, and believe that everyone can achieve what they want in life, if they are given the chance to do so.
Q: What is your previous experience of autism or learning disabilities?
A: From the age of 15 I have worked in Health and Social care, my first job was as a part time care assistant in a nursing home. I then went on to complete a Diploma in Teaching and Education and took a particular interest in working with children with learning disabilities. I spent 6 months working one to one with a 4 year old girl with autism and severe learning disabilities. I adored working in this sector and haven’t really looked back. When I relocated to Cornwall I worked for another provider supporting adults with Autism and Learning Disabilities with complex and associated challenging behaviour. I completed my NVQ 3 in Adult Health and Social Care. I spent 4 years with this provider and I learnt a lot, but it was time for a change so when I heard about Green Light I applied, and 11 years later I am still here!
Q: Do you have any special skills/hobbies or interests?
A: I taught myself to Crochet during lock-down so I quite like making things. I made a Busy Bee Key-ring as a little thank you each of my team for their continued hard work during the pandemic.
Q: When not working what are you most likely to be doing?
A: Running around after my toddler or volunteering at Drama Express, a drama group for young people with additional needs.
Q: What do you have on your bucket list?
A: To visit New York.
Q: Who is your hero or heroine & why?
A: My mum is my hero, she is also the reason I pursued a carer supporting individuals with learning disabilities. My mum worked in a specialist SEN school and a fond memory of mine was helping her one Christmas as the school put on a play. Mum brought me along and sent me backstage, she said I was in charge of the fancy dress and to help anyone who needed it. I was 8 and was a keen performer myself, so when Lacey pulled me on stage with her to sing to Spice girls how could I refuse!? My mum had explained that the boys and girls had disabilities but all I remember is just having the best time on stage with my new friends. My mum was the most caring and selfless person I’ve ever known, she dedicated her life to others. She managed several Childcare Nurseries, the last one she managed was rated outstanding by Ofsted. Sadly my mum passed away suddenly in 2012. She is my hero and I only hope I am half as good a manager as I know she was.
Q: What three words sum up your personality?
A: Bubbly, Caring and Loyal
Thornbury, Illogan – home for two people