Meet the Team

Our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees bring skill, warmth and care to Acorn Village, creating a supportive community where adults with learning disabilities can thrive.

Behind every smile, achievement and moment of support at Acorn Village is a dedicated team of people who truly care. From support workers and workshop facilitators to the facilities staff and admin workers to volunteers and trustees, our team is united by a shared belief: that every adult with a learning disability deserves to live a full, meaningful and joyful life.

Many of our team members have been part of the Acorn family for years, building deep relationships with residents, tenants and families. They bring not only skill and experience, but warmth, patience, and a genuine love for what they do.

Together, we’re more than colleagues — we’re a community. Come and meet the people who make Acorn Village the special place it is.

Our Chief Executive

Michelle Cook
Chief Executive

"Being CEO of Acorn Village is more than a leadership position — it’s a privilege. It means carrying forward the vision of the founding families, honouring the belief that life is for living, and making sure that every adult with a learning disability who calls Acorn home is truly seen, heard and supported.

It’s a role grounded in responsibility — overseeing care services, safeguarding standards, guiding staff, and navigating the ever-changing challenges of the social care sector. But it’s also a role steeped in humanity, humility and kindness.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed quiet, life-changing moments: someone who once struggled to express themselves proudly contributing to a meeting; someone who has had difficulties maintaining relationships dancing with friends at parties and been alongside many family members feeling relief because their loved one finally feels safe and settled. I’ve supported people through joy, through grief, through growth — and seen the strength and resilience that defines this community.  I have seen confidence, passion and self-belief grow because of the support demonstrated at Acorn Village.

Leading Acorn means balancing strategy with compassion, operations with empathy. It means protecting what makes this place special — its warmth, its people, its unwavering commitment to people first, disability second.

And every single day, I am reminded: this isn’t just a service. It’s a home, a community, and for many, a family. And I’m proud to be part of it."

The Senior Team

John Whittaker - Chair of Trustees

"I first came to Acorn through founder Denzil Green, whose belief that adults with learning disabilities deserve lives of dignity, purpose and joy still guides us today.

As Chair, my role is to carry that vision forward — supporting our leadership team, navigating change, and ensuring our services remain true to our core value: people first, disability second.

But Acorn is about more than governance; it’s about people. I’ve seen staff show extraordinary warmth, residents grow in confidence, and friendships and talents flourish. I’ve also witnessed our community’s resilience in times of loss.

To serve as Chair is to safeguard what makes Acorn special, while helping it thrive for generations to come."

Our Board of Trustees

Our voluntary Board of Trustees helps guide and support the work of Acorn Village.

Made up of 9 dedicated individuals, the Board ensures we stay true to our vision and values while meeting our legal responsibilities as a charity and company.

Our Trustees:

  • Mr John Whittaker (Chair)
  • Mrs Judy Owens
  • Mr Jerry Gray
  • Mrs Holly Shields
  • Mrs Brenda Eyers (Vice Chair)
  • Mr Colin Daines
  • Mr David Willis
  • Mr Brian Taylor
  • Mr Jim McElhinney

Our Trustees bring a wealth of skills and experience, united by their passion for making a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities.

If you’re interested in joining our Board and supporting the future of Acorn Village, please get in touch.

Nikki - Clerical and Information Clerk

“I love being the first friendly face people see when they come to Acorn Village. Every day is different, and I get to meet so many wonderful residents, families, and visitors. It’s such a welcoming place, and I enjoy helping everyone feel comfortable and supported from the moment they arrive. The sense of community here is amazing — we all look out for one another, and it’s lovely to know that even small things, like a smile or a chat at reception, can make a difference to someone’s day.”

Jamie - Grounds Team

“It makes me happy seeing residents enjoy the gardens and grounds I help look after. Whether it’s sitting in the sun, planting flowers, or just going for a walk — I know these spaces make a difference to their day, we try to keep the old school charm of the grounds, while also introducing new modern touches, and I get great satisfaction hearing the positive feedback regarding the grounds”