Maria Dolores Saliba, a dedicated mother of two, has been the head chef at Casa Marija in Sliema for nearly a year. Her journey to this position is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and the opportunities provided by CareMalta.
Maria Dolores’ career with CareMalta began several years ago at Casa Arkati, where she started as a dishwasher. Her determination and passion for cooking soon led to her promotion to assistant cook at Zammit Clapp Residential Home. Her hard work paid off, and she was offered the position of head chef at Casa Marija.
In an interview with CareNet, Maria Dolores expressed immense pride in her team, which consists of 13 members, including herself. The team is formed by employees of different nationalities and cultures, creating a dynamic environment built on mutual respect and teamwork. “We all bring something unique to the table, and that diversity is what makes us strong,” she says.
Reflecting on her journey, Maria Dolores admits that she never envisioned herself in her current role when she first joined CareMalta. She credits the company’s commitment to employee development for her career progression. “CareMalta has always given me opportunities to learn and grow. They value loyalty and invest in their employees, which has made all the difference,” she explains.
One of the main challenges Maria Dolores faces in her role is cooking for over 200 people. However, she emphasises that with the support of her team and facility management, nothing is impossible. “With the right people and cooperation, we manage to deliver quality meals every day”.
Maria Dolores recalls one of her most memorable experiences while working at Zammit Clapp Residential Home. In the summer of 2023, as part of CareMalta Group’s 30th Anniversary events, they organized a BBQ for 150 people. She was responsible for food preparation and cooking, and despite the challenges, the event was a huge success. “It was an incredible experience. Seeing everyone enjoy the food and knowing that I played a key role in making it happen was incredibly satisfying,” she recalls.
For Maria Dolores, the greatest satisfaction in her job comes from the feedback she receives from the residents. “When residents tell us they enjoyed their meal, or when their relatives express their gratitude, it makes all the effort worthwhile”. The recognition of her team’s hard work by the residents and their families is a source of pride and motivation for her.