Our Team
Meet the ridgewood team
lisa hartley
Administrator, RN, BSN, LNHA
How did you get into healthcare?
I wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. My oldest sister is a nurse and I wanted to be just like her. I have served in various nursing capacities at Ridgewood over the last 30 years. Most recently, in 2021, I transitioned from DON to Administrator.
Why do you love what you do?
I love the relationships I have developed with the residents and families. I always look forward to serving them, as well as serving our staff and community. Together we can achieve great things!
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
We have all been here a really long time. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and we work well together.
Charolette Crosby, APRN MSN NM WHNP
Director of Nursing
How did you get into healthcare?
Started in the Military as combat medic, got an offer to go to nursing school through the military.
Why do you love what you do?
There’s no greater feeling than having the ability to help others.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
They have staff that’s dedicated to the health and welfare of the residents and community.
Courtney Mitchell
Marketing Director
How did you get into healthcare?
Upon graduating from UNCW in 1997, I was hired as a social worker for Ridgewood. I was eager to work in a human services field and particularly excited to work with the elderly population. Later, I transitioned to the admissions and marketing team, where I additionally serve the community.
Why do you love what you do?
I am a people person. I love being a friendly face that residents and families can count on during their transition into a skilled facility. I strive to give each person the support they need to make a smooth transition.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
Ridgewood is unique because of the family friendly atmosphere. Many employees have longevity with the facility and treat both residents and each other like family. This allows residents to truly feel at home.
Other Comments:
I am available 24/7 for the needs of our community. I can also visit you wherever the need may be, whether that’s in the hospital or the home.
Rhonda Spencer
Admissions Director
How did you get into healthcare?
I always loved helping people and decided to take up the nursing assistant program.
Why do you love what you do?
Meeting people and learning new skills.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
The family environment at Ridgewood.
Glenndaly Gomez
Business Office Manager
How did you get into healthcare?
It all started when I was a coordinator and scheduler for a non-profit organization in Washington DC. I was focused on servicing the women and providing them with mammograms. From there, I went on to do outpatient care at Howard University Hospital and my career in the healthcare field took off.
What do you think makes Ridgewood a special facility?
Ridgewood is special because everyone here shows the definition of teamwork. They are always caring and ready to lend a helping hand.
Tashawna Davenport, BSW
Social Service Director
How did you get into healthcare?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people and after graduating from college I decided to work in an environment whose focus was just that. Helping :)
Why do you love what you do?
I love making a positive impact on the lives of other people.
What do you think makes Ridgewood a special facility?
The overall supportive and positive work environment and the collaborative relationship with colleagues.
Jessica Martin
Rehab Director/Physical Therapist Assistant
How did you get into healthcare?
I wanted a career where I could see my work changing peoples lives on a daily basis.
Why do you love what you do?
I love hearing the stories that each patient has and helping them reach their personal goals.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
My facility is special because we are compassionate, determined, and we all work towards the same goal to make every resident happy and keep them safe!
Michelle Lerma, RN
Infection Control, Wound Nurse, SDC
How did you get into healthcare?
Growing up I have always wanted to be in the medical field. When I was in high school, I did a lot of volunteer work in nursing homes/hospitals. I then knew I wanted to become a nurse.
Why do you love what you do?
I enjoy helping and being there for others. Learning about my patients and building a bond with them makes it even more special.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
At Ridgewood I’ve met some of the best nurses and have learned so much from them. The residents here you can’t help but to love them. They make me smile/laugh with some of the things they come up with.
Gloria Mitchell
Assistant Director of Nursing, RN
How did you get into healthcare?
My father died in 1977 in a car accident. After that I decided that if I could make a difference in somebody else’s life I would like to try.
Why do you love what you do?
I get to make a difference in somebody’s life.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
The staff care about the residents and each other. We go the extra mile to help each other.
Erica Browder
Human Resources Director
How did you get into healthcare?
My journey began 4 years ago when I first started in the Mental Health field after my time in the military. I then transitioned over as HR for an Assisted Living Facility. From then on, my passion for helping my nursing staff has grown tremendously.
Why do you love what you do?
I love being able to help see a nurse or other staff become successful in their position. I love watching the growth in the company as well when bringing on new nursing staff. The residents have also held a special place in my heart for me. Seeing their smiles brightens my day each time I walk through the door.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
One of the most special things that resonates with me in this facility is longevity. Seeing how the staff takes appreciation in everything you do each day is what makes it so wonderful to be a part of Ridgewood. The nursing staff and others in the departments help made my days here feel very welcoming.
Tarshia Blow
Housekeeping and Laundry Director
How did you get into healthcare?
I started my journey into the healthcare industry, out of high school as a Developmental care provider for kids with special needs.
Why do you love what you do?
I love working with people and making difference in anyone around me life. If my good morning, or how you feeling today can make a difference then I know I done my job.
What do you think makes Ridgewood a special facility?
Working as one and as a team makes Ridgewood special.
Sandra kelly
MDS Nurse, RN
How did you get into healthcare?
When I was a teenager I volunteered on some of the weekends at a long term care facility where my aunt worked as an LPN. I really enjoyed it and I knew that I wanted to become a nurse just like my aunt. I have been a nurse RN for 26 years now.
Why do you love what you do?
I enjoy taking care of others. It makes me happy that I can make a difference in other peoples lives.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
Wonderful staff and residents. We are like one big family.
Neisha Gorham
MDS Nurse, RN
How did you get into healthcare?
I started working in the hospital as a non-ancillary staff member when I was a teenage and decided that I would like to become a nurse!
Why do you love what you do?
I love healthcare because there is nothing more rewarding than being able to provide help to those in need, to have the purpose to server others and preserve life is the greatest profession!
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
In my opinion, Ridgewood is a great facility because it gives me the flexibility and autonomy that I seek. Ridgewood is a facility that fosters a culture that cares for its residents and employee’s wellbeing.
Darlene Pollard
Director of Medical Records
How did you get into healthcare?
I started working at National Institutes of Health in Bethesda MD, then VA Hospital in Durham, NC, then Vidant Beaufort, then had my own medical transcription business before coming to Ridgewood. I also was a volunteer EMT for 15 yrs.
Why do you love what you do?
I have always had the feeling that the Lord wanted me to care for others who could not care for themselves. An example set by my mother taking care of family members when we were young. You receive so much more back from them.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
We function as a family. It is family oriented making sure the families are involved in the care and welfare of their loved ones and we strive to make the residents feel like we are family.
ada evans
Dietary Manager
How did you get into healthcare?
A job change back in 2000.
Why do you love what you do?
My career has mostly been in food service and I love working in the healthcare field. I love working with the elder population.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
I am hoping to make a difference in the dietary department and make our meals special for our residents.
David Hartley
Maintenance
How did you get into healthcare?
I was tired of traveling and flying and wanted to stay home.
Why do you love what you do?
The people. I like to make them laugh and listen to their stories.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
The care and the fun!
Other comments:
When I came here there was a lot of stuff that needed doing that I took on to make the Facility look better. A new sign was just one of 47 projects.
Christine Conger
Activities Director
How did you get into healthcare?
I have always been interested in the field of healthcare. While in college I did research into several options at which point I found Recreation Therapy. Upon graduating I began my career in healthcare.
Why do you love what you do?
I have always enjoyed helping others and I have always loved participating in leisure activities. Being an Activities Director allows me to do both.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
Ridgewood is special because the staff care so much about the well-being of the residents. This facility also has a close community atmosphere that makes it feel like a big family.
