The Laurels of University Park 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 University Park, 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 University Park 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 University Park 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.
Gwynn Ryder, Administrator
Gwynn Ryder has worked in the healthcare industry, specifically in skilled nursing facilities, since 2000. She obtained her degree in Social Work at Longwood University. Gwynn began her career in healthcare as a social worker of a skilled nursing center in the West End of Richmond. Gwynn has also had held the positions of Admissions/Marketing, Assistant Administrator and Administrator. She has been a licensed Administrator since 2008. Gwynn has been with Laurel Health Care Company for five years. Gwynn is proud to be a part of the Laurel Health Care Team and considers the guests, families and employees at The Laurels of University Park part of her own family.
Debbie Davidson, Director of Nursing
Debbie Davidson started her nursing career as a volunteer at the McGuire Veterans Administration Home while she was in high school. She moved her way up from CNA, then to an LPN and finally to an RN in 1998. Her first Director of Nursing position was in 2002 where she held the position in a nursing home in Dover Delaware. While she was there, Debbie was instrumental in rolling out the dining program in the Alzheimer’s unit to increase social interaction of these special patients and their families. From 2005 until 2009, Debbie was the Director of Nursing at Green Acres Pavilion in Smyrna Delaware. She succeeded in turning this facility around to near perfect level of care as determined by State and Federal reports. She also found time to pursue her passion of working at an inpatient hospice center with Delaware Hospice as a hospice nurse. With Debbie’s caring way, she has helped many patients with quality end of life care. Debbie joined the Laurels of University Park in September of 2009. She treats each patient as if they are her mother or father and truly loves what she does every day.
Amanda Clark, Director of Marketing
Amanda Clark received her degree in Psychology at Radford University. After college she returned home to Richmond where she worked as an In-Home Counselor for a company specializing in Family Services. After devoting much time to the youth population, Amanda switched her focus to healthcare and pursued a career as a Social Worker in a local nursing home. After discovering that the customer service aspect of her career gave her much fulfillment, Amanda became an Admissions Director. Amanda joined the Laurels of University Park in May 2010 as the Director of Marketing. She continues to strive for excellence in customer service and looks forward to assisting you and your loved ones here at The Laurels of University Park.