Our Team
Administrator
Jennifer Thomason, RN, BSN, LNHA
How did you get into healthcare?
I started my career in healthcare as a CNA, and actually completed my CNA clinicals in this facility in 2001. I have since worked in several positions outside of this facility and returned here in 2021.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
The Greens at Spruce Pine is a small town facility and is fully of neighbors caring for neighbors.
Director of Nursing
Faith Burke
How did you get into healthcare?
As a child I spent extensive stays in hospitals, the nurses were so kind and caring to me when I had to be by myself. Since then I have always wanted to pass that kindness and compassion on to others.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
I believe we’re a special facility because the staff we have here, have grown up in this community and know many of our residents on a personal level. We don’t have “employees and residents.” We have a whole “community” dedicated to giving the best care possible.
Rehab Director
Ansley Hamrick
How did you get into healthcare?
My mom is in healthcare, so I grew up going to the hospital with her often. I was always interested in science and medical subjects in school. During my senior year of high school I completed the CNA course. I then worked as a CNA during college in the skilled nursing setting which I loved.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
Its location is beautiful, and the small community makes it very welcoming.
Activities Director
Debbie Finley
How did you get into healthcare?
My sister was diagnosed with cancer.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
The residents and their families become our families. Our Coworkers are the best, always willing to help with any situation that arises. I’m so blessed and proud to work at this facility and have such amazing co-workers by my side, love, kindness and compassion is this facility every day.
Admissions Director
Kayla Buchanan
How did you get into healthcare?
In high school I did my CNA’s clinicals at this building and fell in love with the building and healthcare.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
The residents and their families become like family. The Greens at Spruce Pine feels like home!
Human Resource Director
Marlee Austin
How did you get into healthcare?
I decided to get into healthcare because I enjoy helping others and being able to assist in people’s quality of life the best I can.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
The Greens at Spruce Pine is a great facility because it has employees that truly care for the residents like family and always embrace the small community connections we have.
Lead Unit Manager
Holly Ollis, LPN
How did you get into healthcare?
My grandmother and her sister were nurses in the army. I was always fascinated by their stories of courage and bravery during that time. I grew up thinking how amazing it would be to help others by being a nurse, like my grandmother did. I had my daughters young and attempted to get my RN when they were very small, but it just was not the right time, and I failed. I felt discouraged and was unsure if I would try again, until I ran into a woman at the grocery store, 5 years later. I was shopping with my 2 daughters and was stopped by a lady in the grocery store, whom I did not recognize. I had cared for her husband during my clinicals at Blue Ridge Hospital during my attempt to get my RN. This lady stopped me and explained how she was so thankful for the kindness and care that her husband had received from me. This lady told me that I had made a huge difference in her husband’s healing process and him getting to go home for a little longer before passing away. There in the grocery store, that day, as I watched this woman tear up, as she thanked me, I decided that I was going back to school for my nursing degree. It seemed, from that moment on, that everything fell into place for me to be able to start school and obtain my nursing license. I succeeded and I am striving to further my education as a nurse at this time!
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
Everyone at our facility cares about one another, as well as our residents and their families. We live in a small community and our residents, their family members, and our staff are like a big family. We have a beautiful team of dedicated and caring staff that work hard, daily to make a comfortable and caring home for our residents.
Unit Manager, LPN
Gigi Puckett
How did you get into healthcare? I had wanted to be a nurse as long as I can remember, and I always had the desire to work with geriatrics. I would get so excited as a young child when my church group would visit the nursing facilities. I couldn’t wait to give the residents a gift bag. I enjoyed talking, singing, and spending time with them.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility? The Greens is special to me for numerous reasons. My mother was a part of implementing the gardens and waterfall, and my grandmother was here also, many years ago. Everyone is great to work with and very supportive of each other. We have a staff that deeply cares about our residents.
Unit Manager
Heather Carroll, RN BSN
How did you get into healthcare?
My sister was a nurse at a nursing home when I was in high school. I visited her at work a few times and would talk to the residents and realized I wanted to be a part of helping them.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility? The residents and employees here at the Greens are so wonderful. I enjoy working here and actually look forward to seeing everyone each day
Maintenance Director
Lee Greene
How did you get into healthcare?
After 15 years of working in the amusement industry over half of which was spent working on rides and steam locomotives I wanted to work closer to home and my family, I found a good opportunity in my current position.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
The atmosphere and work environment here are unparalleled, I enjoy my time here and the people I get to spend it with it is a fun and rewarding experience for me.
MDS Coordinator
Ken Bennett, LPN
How did you get into healthcare? I’ve always been fascinated by the mind, the body and the relationship between them. Healthcare allows me to explore my personal interests while contributing to the community I live in.
What do you think makes The Greens at Spruce Pine a special facility?
There’s a palpable synergy and comradery among the
staff. It creates a fostering and welcoming atmosphere for
residents and families and new team members.
MDS, RN
Paul English
Social Worker
Noah Sedberry
