Directions / Map >The Laurels of Carson City Staff
What differentiates one skilled nursing & rehabilitation center from another? The answer is... the people who work and reside there! The people set the tone, the atmosphere, and the expectations. At The Laurels of Carson City, we take great pride in ensuring that everyone feels like part of our family, and that they are treated as special "guests" in our home.
The Laurels of Carson City employs a team of highly qualified medical professionals, including a Medical Director, Registered Nurses, Restorative Care Nurses, a Wound Care Nurse, state tested Certified Nursing Assistants, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and a Speech Therapist. Our on-site Rehab, Dietary, Social Work, and Activities departments provide personalized and compassionate care to each guest. From the moment you walk through the front doors, the warmth and caring of the staff will begin to gain your trust and confidence, as they strive to exceed your expectations.
Unlike other facilities that use "contracted" staff members, each member of the team at The Laurels of Carson City is directly employed, not "contracted". Each Team Member takes great pride in portraying "The Laurel Way of Caring", as they strive for excellence in providing only the highest standard of care and services to every guest, and to every family member and visitor. Come on in! Visit a while! Let us show you our very best... let us show you The Laurel Way.
Nancy Stephens, Administrator
Nancy has been with Laurel Health Care Company since 2002, first as the Rehabilitation Director and now as the Administrator. She has served in the healthcare field since 1990 and in long-term care since 1994. Nancy enjoys working with the elderly population and listening to the life lessons that we can all learn from them.
Monica Brennan, Director of Nursing
Monica was born and raised in the Alma / St. Louis area. When she was a little girl there was only one profession that she dreamed about, and becoming a nurse was it! This profession would allow her to help others become the best that they could be. She began her nursing career in 1991 as a CENA and worked her way through nursing school, attending Montcalm Community College. In 1998 she graduated with high honors as an LPN and received her RN in 1999. Monica has spent her entire career in the area of providing long-term care.
Monica came to work for The Laurels in 2008. She was initially hired as the MDS Coordinator, and then promoted to Assistant Director of Nursing. In January of 2011 she took on the role of Director of Nursing. Monica’s perspective is that, “I really am excited to be in this position. I feel that all the other positions I have held over the last 15 years prepared me for my new position at The Laurels of Carson City. Carson City has a very strong community base and I enjoy working in the community as well. The residents / guests at The Laurels keep me positive and strong willed that every day is a good day!”
Valerie Rush, Director of Marketing
Valerie brings a wealth of knowledge in the health care industry to The Laurels of Carson City. While she was earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a skilled nursing facility. She has also underwritten medical malpractice insurance policies. She gained experience for her current role when she served as the Admissions Coordinator and Marketing Director for a skilled nursing facility in Durand, Michigan. Her desire to work in this area of the state is due to her family roots being in St. Johns, Fowler, and DeWitt. She volunteers with Meals on Wheels and at her local church in DeWitt as the Director of the Children’s choir and also enjoys giving time to the elderly.
Danielle Schafer, Rehabilitation Services Director
Danielle's been working in skilled nursing facilities for most of her rehab career. She graduated in 1999, specializing in Occupational Therapy. After getting a couple years experience under her belt, she decided to try traveling therapy. For three years Danielle traveled from the east to the west coast working with the geriatric population. With traveling she grew clinically by learning through her co-workers and completing continuing education credits in many states she traveled to. In 2005 she took a position as a treating therapist at The Laurels of Fulton and in 2007 advanced to the rehab services director. In 2008, she transferred to The Laurels of Carson City to begin yet another new challenge. With her outstanding therapy staff and great mentors, she and her rehab team received many awards for management, and rehabilitation throughout the year in 2008. Danielle believes that being part of the geriatric population was her calling. She continues to be a licensed Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, in the state of Michigan.