JOANNE ELLISON DIRECTOR
Joanne has worked in the healthcare sector for over 25 years, bringing a rare blend of property expertise and hands-on care home experience.
Over the course of her career, she worked as a valuer of nursing homes, as well as advising investors and operators on transactions. This gave her a clear understanding of what makes a care setting successful – from both a human and commercial perspective – and led her to establish her own consultancy, prior to developing Temple Grove Nursing Home.
Joanne plays a central role in shaping Temple Grove, helping to ensure it remains a carefully designed home that delivers exceptionally high standards of care.
MARK ELLISON DIRECTOR/NOMINATED INDIVIDUAL
Mark is closely involved in the day-to-day running of Temple Grove, with a particular focus on staff, operations and maintaining the high standards the home is known for.
Previously, Mark built a successful career in property investment, specialising in retail brokerage. During this time, he identified the Temple Grove site – a former school set in extensive grounds – and recognised its potential as a care home.
Today, Mark’s focus is firmly on the people and the day-to-day detail – supporting the team, overseeing operations and ensuring residents experience a well-managed, consistent and thoughtful environment. As the Nominated Individual he also liaises directly with the CQC on the regulatory framework.
EILEEN ALLISON GENERAL MANAGER
Eileen is a qualified nurse with over 35 years’ experience in the care sector. She spent many years working in the NHS, where she developed a strong interest in elderly care, dementia and end of life support, before moving into care home management. Eileen joined Temple Grove in 2025 and brings a calm, approachable style of leadership. She values close working relationships with her team and places a strong emphasis on wellbeing – for both residents and staff. Her focus is on creating a supportive environment where people feel valued and able to thrive.
LISA ARMSTRONG CLINICAL LEAD
Lisa has worked in the care sector since 1995, beginning as a Healthcare Assistant before qualifying as a nurse in 2006 and later as a midwife in 2012. She went on to complete an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, including prescribing, in 2021. After many years in community nursing, Lisa joined Temple Grove in 2023. She has progressed through several roles and is now Clinical Lead. Her experience in different positions means she brings a practical, grounded approach to her work as Clinical Lead. Lisa is passionate about delivering care she would be happy for her own family to receive.
KAREN SKELTON HEAD CHEF
Karen has been part of Temple Grove for over 13 years, starting as a Kitchen Assistant before working her way up to Head Chef. With the support of the home, she gained her NVQ in Catering and has led the kitchen since 2014. Karen runs a busy, well-organised team, preparing around 200 meals a day using fresh, high-quality ingredients. She works closely with local suppliers and takes pride in creating nutritious, varied menus shaped by residents’ dietary requirements and personal preferences. She is proud of our kitchen having always being awarded a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating.
ANNA DENGATE ACTIVITIES LEAD
Anna joined Temple Grove in 2015 as an Activities Coordinator and is now Activities Lead. Over the years, she has played a key role in shaping a varied and engaging programme for residents. She also works with external groups and entertainers, taking ideas from residents and introducing them into the programme of activities and events at Temple Grove. Anna enjoys being part of a close-knit team and values Temple Grove’s strong sense of community.
GEMMA ALMEIDA OFFICE MANAGER
Gemma’s passion for caring for older people began when she started working as a Care Assistant in 1998. She gained NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications before completing a management qualification, which led to her successfully managing several care homes before joining Temple Grove in 2023. Gemma’s role has evolved beyond managing staff payroll to include training and marketing, where she enjoys promoting the excellent care and values of Temple Grove.
NIKKI STEVENSON DEPUTY MANAGER
Nikki qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1990; with extensive experience in orthopaedics, urology and elderly care, she is passionate about elderly and dementia care and has helped manage nursing homes for 15 years. A vital member of the Temple Grove team since she joined three years ago, Nikki enjoys building trust and making a difference to residents and their families within a community that provide the highest level of care in a warm and welcoming environment.