Employee of the month – Janice Mihell

12th May 2025

Having worked at Autism Hampshire for more than 10 years, we’re delighted to celebrate our latest Employee of the Month – Janice Mihell.

Senior Operations Manager Janice, has been recognised under the Respect category - not just for her leadership, but for always being there when it matters most.

Nominated by Avenues Group Business Development Director, Karina Hourd, Janice was praised for going out of her way to help on a cold Tuesday evening.

“I've come to know Janice as a warm, engaging and professional senior manager,” said Karina. “She has great rapport with people we support and with staff. But I am nominating her for going above her role and coming to help me at 7pm one evening.

“She wasn't working that afternoon but still picked up the call and came out to help. I get the impression this is just the kind of thing Janice would do for anyone - and probably frequently does!”

This simple act of kindness is just one example of the care and respect Janice brings to her work every day.

A career dedicated to care

Janice has worked at Autism Hampshire for more than 10 years, and brings with her over 35 years of experience in the social care sector. She has held a range of managerial and senior leadership roles, managing supported living and residential services for autistic people and individuals with a wide range of needs - including physical and learning disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, acquired brain injuries, and life-limiting conditions.

But Janice didn’t always work in care. Her first career was as a professional chef, training and working across naval establishments and venues in Portsmouth. After being made redundant in the early 1990s, she took a role in a day service - initially as a cook, but soon found herself supporting adults with physical disabilities to cook and live more independently. From there, a new career path began.

Making a difference

When asked what makes her work rewarding, Janice said: “Knowing that I can make a difference and enhance people we support’s lives. I am inspired in seeing people we support achieve their goals and aspirations, and experiencing our staff grow to support them to lead the lives they wish.

“I am very honoured to have such dedicated managers and teams that always go the extra mile and make wonderful things happen.”

Congratulations, Janice - and thank you for everything you do.

Interested in joining a team that makes a positive impact? Find out more on Autism Hampshire’s career page.