Meet the Team
We have a wonderful team here at the Bethany House Group, some 80+ members of dedicated staff across our homes. There are too many to introduce you to here but we hope that you'll soon get to know them should you visit either Bethany House or Bethshan.
We are very proud of all our staff and continually invest in their training & development. Many members of our team have been with us for many years and we are blessed to have so many wonderful, caring people.
Rachel Ward
Director and Nominated Individual of Bethany House LTD and Bethshan Nursing Home LTD
Rachel is a dedicated Director and Nominated Individual, bringing a unique blend of professional expertise and personal insight to the care sector.
With a degree in Business Management and a proven track record in commercial departments and projects and programmes, Rachel combines strategic thinking with a deep understanding of operational excellence.
Her journey in care began at just four years old, when her parents opened their first care home. Growing up in that environment fostered a lifelong commitment to quality, compassion, and the well-being of others.
As a Nominated Individual, Rachel acts as the essential link between the care service and the regulatory body, ensuring the organisation meets — and exceeds — the highest standards. In this role, she takes responsibility for compliance, safeguarding, and maintaining a culture of accountability, making sure that the people in care receive safe, respectful, and effective support.
Guided by both head and heart, Rachel is committed to building services that are not only fully compliant, but also places where people feel valued, respected, and supported.
Naomi Hodgson
Home Manager of Bethany House LTD
Naomi Hodgson is the Home Manager at Bethany and brings over 20 years of experience in Health and Social Care, having worked across both Domiciliary and Residential Care settings since 2004. Throughout her career, she has supported a wide range of individuals, from children
with learning disabilities to older adults with complex care needs.Many people within The Bethany House Group will already know Naomi, as she previously managed Bethany before pursuing opportunities outside of the organisation. We were delighted to welcome her back in June 2025 as Learning and Compliance Manager before she returned to Bethany as Home Manager.Having grown up with parents who owned and operated care homes, Naomi has a lifelong connection to the sector and a strong belief in delivering compassionate, person-centred care.
In addition to her management experience within The Bethany House Group, Naomi has previously held Registered Manager roles with other care providers, giving her a broad range of leadership experience across the sector.Naomi has previously held Registered Manager positions within the care sector, giving her extensive experience in leading services, supporting teams, maintaining regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement. Alongside HNC and HND qualifications in Business Management
.jpeg)
Alana Brown-Telfer
Activities Coordinator of Bethany House LTD and Bethshan Nursing Home LTD
With over 23 years of dedicated service at The Bethany House Group, Alana has built a remarkable career rooted in passion and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of others. Starting as an administrative apprentice in 2002,
Alana worked diligently through various roles, gaining invaluable experience and advancing to the position of Registered Manager for four years. In this capacity, Alana was responsible for overseeing operations, ensuring the highest standards of care, and fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for both staff and residents.
Today, as the Activities Coordinator, Alana channels a lifelong dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the residents. Alana is deeply passionate about creating enriching, enjoyable experiences that enhance the lives of those in care, and finds immense joy in spending time with the residents, connecting with them on a personal level.With a strong foundation built on years of experience, Alana continues to thrive in making every day at The Bethany House Group a little brighter.
Stuart Fleming
Head Chef of Bethany House LTD and Bethshan Nursing Home LTD
Stuart's career in hospitality began at the age of 15, starting out as a pot washer before working my way up to Assistant Manager of a hotel. My passion for cooking was discovered unexpectedly when a chef called in sick and I stepped in to help.
Having learned every dish on the menu, I quickly realised I had a real talent – and love – for cooking .
I’ve proudly worked with Bethany House Group for over 17 years (on and off) and it truly feels like home. While I’m employed by the group, I see myself as being in our residents’ home.
​
My goal is always to create delicious, home-cooked meals tailored to their individual needs, while also bringing a bit of creativity with different cakes and bakes.
Since becoming a chef in a care home, I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else. I love what I do, and I’m passionate about making mealtimes something residents can enjoy and look forward to every day.
Daniel Ditchburn
Director of Bethany House LTD and Bethshan Nursing Home LTD
Daniel has grown up in the care industry, giving him a deep understanding of what it takes to create safe, supportive, and homely environments for residents. His lifelong connection to the sector shapes the values and dedication he brings to his role as Director at Bethany House Group.
A joiner by trade, Daniel has a practical nature and strong work ethic. He’s never happier than when rolling up his sleeves—whether that’s getting hands-on with a project, supporting the maintenance team, helping colleagues, or ensuring residents’ needs are met to the highest standard.
Daniel’s combination of industry knowledge, practical skills, and genuine passion for care makes him a driving force behind Bethany House Group’s commitment to providing homes where people feel valued, respected, and truly at home.
_edited.jpg)
Michelle Thinnesen
Deputy Manager of Bethany House LTD
Michelle began her journey with The Bethany House Group Ltd in 2005 as a carer “to see how it goes.” She soon discovered a passion for care, progressing to Senior Carer and completing numerous courses and training programmes to build her expertise.
In 2016, she joined another care provider, working her way up to Deputy Manager and gaining valuable leadership experience. She returned to The Bethany House Group Ltd in January 2023 as a Carer/Senior and was promoted to Deputy Manager in May 2024.
​
She is dedicated to fostering a supportive, respectful environment where staff and residents feel valued. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and caravanning.
Emma Smyth
Registered Manager of Bethshan Nursing Home LTD
Emma qualified as a General Nurse in 1995 and began her career working on a specialist dementia unit within a care home near Barrow-in-Furness. In 2005, she commenced training as a Mental Health Nurse, completing placements in Acute Psychiatry and with the Crisis Team.
She gained her Mental Health Nursing qualification in 2007, becoming dual-qualified — a background that has given her exceptional insight into truly person-centred care for individuals with complex needs.Emma has over 15 years’ management experience within care home settings and is deeply passionate about the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. She specialises in dementia care and has delivered training to numerous care staff throughout her career, supporting the development of compassionate and skilled care teams.She has worked and studied in collaboration with the University of Stirling and Dementia Care Matters (led by David Sheard), further strengthening her expertise and commitment to excellence in dementia care.
Lynsay Parrish
Office Manager of Bethany House LTD and Bethshan Nursing Home LTD
Lynsay has worked in Health and Social Care in administrative roles since 2019, gaining experience across two care homes in Whitehaven. She also spent a short period working in payroll for an accountancy firm.
However, the spark had already been ignited, and she soon realised how much she missed the buzz of working in a care home environment and being part of a team dedicated to supporting others.Lynsay was therefore delighted to be given the opportunity to become Office Manager for the Bethany House Group. She is passionate about supporting the dedicated care teams to provide the highest possible standard of care for residents and their families. She is committed to continuing her professional development and looks forward to developing her skills further while contributing to the delivery of the high-quality, person-centred care for which the company is known
Christina Beattie
Head Housekeeper of Bethany House LTD and Bethshan Nursing Home LTD
Christina Beattie is a dedicated Head Housekeeper with over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. Beginning her career as a cleaning supervisor and trainer, she built a reputation for high standards, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating safe, welcoming environments.
In her current managerial role, Christina combines hands-on industry knowledge with leadership skills to ensure her team delivers exceptional service. She is passionate about maintaining both operational efficiency and the comfort of residents, fostering a workplace culture built on respect, reliability, and pride in the work.