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.
Vicki Ritz, Administrator
Vicki’s life has been devoted to health care from a very young age. While growing up, she assumed responsibilities of helping care for her grandparents and her father. Her heart has always been sensitive to the needs of those with acute or chronic illness. Vicki became a registered nurse through Montcalm Community College while working as a nurse aide. She spent 14 years as a Director of Nursing for skilled nursing facilities. Vicki has spent the last 5 years as an Administrator for Laurel Health Care Company.
Vicki is licensed as a nursing home administrator and registered nurse in the State of Michigan. She is board certified as a Gerontology Nurse through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Vicki is a member of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators. She also is a member of The Laurel Health Care President’s Council.
Leslie Hicks, Director of Nursing
Leslie has been in the health care field for the last 10 years. She became a registered nurse through Montcalm Community College while working as a nurse aide. Leslie is licensed as a registered nurse in the State of Michigan. She has worked for the Laurel health care company for the last 5 years with a recent transition into the Director of Nursing position at the Laurels of Carson City. She has previously been a unit manager, a MDS coordinator, infection control nurse and Assistant Director of Nursing.
Kelly Johnson, Director of Marketing
Kelly came to the Laurels of Carson City shortly after its opening in November 2007. She has been in healthcare related fields for the last 13 years, beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 1997 for Spectrum Health Kelsey Campus, ending as Administrative Assistant for all Nursing Divisions for Spectrum Health United Campus. Kelly also worked for Montcalm County Emergency Services as a Medical First Responder. She is a active member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Kelly serves on the Danish Festival for Greenville and Frontier Days Committee in Carson City. Kelly provides volunteer services to Clinton, Montcalm, Gratiot and Ionia County Senior Centers. She is also a Volunteer Counselor for Michigan Medicare and Medicaid Assistance Program.
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 east to 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 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.