Meet our Life Care Leaders – 5th edition

Meet our Life Care Leaders – 5th edition

At Life Care Centers of America, we know that great leaders can help people do great things. And that’s why we are proud of the administrators we have chosen to lead our facility care teams.

Below are a few Executive Directors who have recently joined the Life Care family in order to lead, inspire and change lives!

Kendra Stephens, Executive Director at Life Care Center of Inverrary

Kendra has a master’s degree in business administration and worked as an accountant prior to becoming an administrator. She served as assistant executive director at Darcy Hall of Life Care before being promoted to lead our center on Sept. 21.

“Being an administrator is so rewarding in many aspects, but the one I enjoy most is being supportive.” Stephens said. “I genuinely enjoy having the ability to support others, and I feel that is the benefit of being an administrator.”

Kendra said her goals are to exceed the center’s budgeted outcomes and improve case mix. She also expressed her gratitude for our staff.

“My experience here at Inverrary has been nothing short of pleasant,” she said. “The team here is genuinely compassionate about what they do, which shows in every aspect of their job. They have been so warm and welcoming, as well as supportive. I look forward to my future growth here at the facility and believe that our team will succeed in the goals we will set.”

Meghan Case, Executive Director at Life Care Center of Stonegate

Meghan has worked as a licensed nursing home administrator since July 2019. Before becoming an administrator, she spent six years leading rehabilitation departments as a director of rehab. She began leading our center on August. 28.

When asked about her experience at the center so far, Meghan praised our staff, describing them as a “great team that is willing to step in and do whatever it takes to care for the residents.”

Meghan’s passion for her work stems from her love of people and a desire to help others grow.

“Being an administrator is difficult but very rewarding,” Meghan said about her job. “I love investing in my team to see them grow and meet their personal and professional goals. The best part is getting to know the residents and hearing their stories and ensuring they are thriving at the end of their lives.”

When she’s not working, Meghan enjoys hiking, spending time with her husband and three kids and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Steven Paltrow, Executive Director at Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs

Steven began leading our facility on Sept. 21, after completing an administrator-in-training program at Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs and earning his nursing home administrator license.

“What I enjoy most is the ability to help others,” Steven said about being an administrator. “Helping families navigate through the challenges of the transition for their loved ones or supporting staff members and encouraging them to be the best they can be to our residents is what I find most rewarding. I love to be able to bring a smile to our residents, families and staff.”

When asked about his experience at the center so far, Steven praised our staff.

“The team here in Ocala is a dedicated team,” he said. “They have been very supportive of me in my new role and consistently show ‘whatever it takes and then some’ culture. They are true Champions.”

Gilda Osborn, Executive Director at Darcy Hall of Life Care

Gilda has degrees in nursing and healthcare administration and has worked as a licensed nursing home administrator since 2008. Prior to becoming an administrator, she served as a director of nursing for 20 years. She began her career in long-term care as a CNA.

“Starting my career as a nursing assistant gave me the foundation and passion for working with employees, residents and families,” Gilda said about her job as an administrator. “My favorite part isn't the job so much as the people for whom I can hopefully provide information, resolve a concern or just make their day a little brighter and know that we are providing the best care possible.”

Gilda was looking for a stable organization with a culture of care, compassion and family-oriented service when she found Life Care and got the job. When asked about her experience at our center so far, she praised the team.

“I was immediately impressed with the overwhelming and positive welcome that I received from the staff, as well as their dedication to the care of our residents,” Gilda said.

Gilda’s goals are to provide the best care possible to patients, which she believes will translate to positive outcomes and high-quality care.

Wanda Fowler, Executive Director at Life Care Center of Columbia

Wanda has a master’s degree in health administration and has worked as a licensed nursing home administrator since 2010. She has more than 30 years of experience working in senior care and previously worked as a state surveyor of nursing homes.

“I really enjoy the day-to-day with the staff and residents,” Wanda said about her job as an administrator. “I love seeing the staff make connections with the residents. I love seeing the light in their eyes when staff are able to make them feel good, whether it be reaching a goal, enjoying an activity or meal or just taking time to listen and understand their needs.”

When asked about her experience at the center so far, Wanda praised the staff.

“My experience working with the team has been like coming home to family,” she said. “Everyone has made me feel welcomed and appreciated.”

Wanda is excited for the future.

“My goal is to see our facility feel like a destination for our short-term patients and a home for those who live here long-term –– a caring, loving atmosphere that everyone feels good about,” she said. “As far as the future of Life Care Center of Columbia, watch out. We are going to be rock stars!”