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.
WANDA DODSON, RN
DON
How did you get into healthcare?
It was a childhood dream.
Why do you love what you do?
I love helping people, especially elderly people. I enjoy listening to their stories, and I love all the different personalities.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
Ridgewood is special because of the staff, we pull together and assist each other when we need too. I have the best co-workers!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Larry Comito
Environmental Services Manager
How did you get into healthcare?
I was in the manufacturing industry and that is very unstable. Someone recommended that I give the healthcare field a try and I’m glad that I did.
Why do you love what you do?
Ridgewood is special because the residents appreciate your efforts! I have also made friends throughout North Carolina with the company.
What do you think makes Ridgewood a special facility?
The people make this facility special!!! Ridgewood is definitely resident oriented.
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.
Pamela Mccabe
Dietary Manager
How did you get into healthcare?
A Friend suggested I would like i here.
Why do you love what you do?
It’s Relaxing.
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
It’s Family Oriented.
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.
Marquis T. Pittman, BSW
Social Services Director
How did you get into healthcare?
It’s funny, because I stumbled into the healthcare field after serving many years in the public service and mental health field. I came into healthcare and completely fell in love with the knowledge, value, and skills you gain from working day to day. I found healthcare was my avenue in the broad world of social work and I excelled quickly. When I looked back in my life, I can’t help but acknowledge my early experience with healthcare. I grew up in a nursing home setting with my mother serving as an aid/medication aid for 30+ years. Also, I interned in a Nursing home setting my senior year in undergrad, starting my skills.
Why do you love what you do
I love waking up every day knowing that I help. I made someone day easier. I provided a smile. I educated. I advocated. I counseled. I simply love Social work!
What makes Ridgewood a special facility?
Ridgewood is a wonderful place to be. The pleasant atmosphere, the friendly staff, the cleanliness. The professionalism of the staff makes this facility special. Ridgewood has a plan to provide excellent care of your loved ones.
Samantha Toler
HR Director
How did you get into healthcare?
When I was young, I helped my grandmother get to her doctor appointments.
Why do you love what you do?
I love helping people with their needs.
What do you think makes Ridgewood a special facility?
The employees care for the residents’ needs and wants.
Amy Slade Smith, RN
MDS Coordinator
How did you get into healthcare?
I was in a different profession for almost 30 years and always enjoyed working with people and Customer service. Nursing is the best way I can serve others
Why do you love what you do?
I love the older generation. I find peace in their stories and wisdom.
What do you think makes Ridgewood a special facility?
We are a family-oriented facility and our staff strive to make all residents and family members feel appreciated and cared for.
Jessica Cota
Activities Director
Makeeba Williams, RN, SDC
Staff Development Coordinator
How did you get into healthcare?
I always love helping others. Healthcare was a wonderful way for me to do that.
Why do you love what you do?
I love seeing residents smile when I help them or helping my colleagues if they need assistance. Teamwork is especially important to me. For us to be successful, we all must do our part and work as a team for each other.
What do you think makes Ridgewood a special facility?
Ridgewood has team players, that makes me feel comfortable and welcome.