NCHCFA Selects 37 Emerging Professionals for the 2027 Institute for LTC Leaders 

The North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association (NCHCFA) has selected 37 individuals to participate in the prestigious 2027 Institute for Long Term Care (LTC) Leaders. The program is sponsored by Incite Workforce Solutions p/b SnapCare.   

This year’s class represents a diverse group of emerging professionals from across the state, chosen for their exceptional leadership potential and dedication to the long-term care profession. The members of the 2027 Class of the Institute for LTC Leaders are:  

• Abbey Byrd, Administrator, Fair Haven Home, Inc. 
• Alexander Atchison, CSO, SanStone Health and Rehabilitation 
• Ava Ammons, Administrator, Eckerd Living Center 
• Brooke Thompson, Administrator, Charlotte Health and Rehabilitation Center 
• Crystal Hunter, Regional Business Office Manager, Laurel Healthcare 
• Crystal Gecse, Administrator, Golden Years 
• David Groch-Tochman, LNHA Interim, Person County Memorial Hospital 
• Dawn Cutts, Administrator, Westchester Manor 
• Emily Smith, Agency Director, Hillcrest Home Health of the Triangle 
• Emma Stokes, Administrator, Piedmont Health and Rehab 
• Gabriella Skillen, Administrator, Zebulon Rehabilitation Center 
• Gesel Mendez, Assistant Administrator, Village Green Health & Rehabilitation 
• Jacqueline Royal, Administrator, Roxboro Healthcare & Rehabilitation 
• Jenna Abbott, Administrator, PruittHealth – Neuse 
• Karrie Champion, ADON, Pisgah Manor 
• Kelvin Darden, Administrator, Peak Resources 
• Kendra Elliott, Administrator, Southern Healthcare Management 
• Keya Mahogane-Melton, Social Worker, Royal Park Rehabilitation and Health Center 
• Lori Barrow, Administrator, Elizabethtown Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center 
• Madison Liberatore, Assistant Administrator, Medical Facilities of America 
• Marcus Cooper, Administrator, Liberty Commons of Alamance 
• MaryJo Collins, Administrator, Gates Health and Rehab 
• Meredith Becker, Social Services Coordinator, Abernethy Laurels 
• Michelle Brickley, Regional Director of Clinical Services, Saber Healthcare Group 
• Michelle Springer, Nurse Consultant, Lutheran Services Carolinas 
• Monica Knighten, Vice President of Clinical Operations, Ascent Healthcare 
• Nicholas Dove, Financial Analyst II, Liberty Health 
• Robyne Clausen, Administrator, Ascent Healthcare 
• Sabrina Burrell-Hartzell, AIT, Orchard Valley 
• Shanna Adrianse, Administrator, Fair Haven of Forest City 
• Sharon Davis, Administrator, Scotland Manor Rehab 
• Shawn Patterson-Brodie, Nurse Consultant, Liberty Health 
• Somer Hancock, Administrator, Peak Resources Wilmington 
• Tabitha Moses, Administrator, Saber Healthcare 
• Tim Cornelison, Administrator, Trinity Oaks Health and Rehab 
• Tina Billings, Administrator, Autumn Care of Biscoe 
• Vanessa Johnson, Administrator, The Lodge at Mills River 

The Institute for LTC Leaders is a year-long professional development program designed to prepare the next generation of leaders within the NCHCFA and North Carolina’s long term care community. Patterned after the American Health Care Association’s Future Leaders program, the Institute offers a robust curriculum that includes leadership training, goal planning, and an in-depth orientation to the work of NCHCFA.  

The program will begin with an immersive two-day leadership symposium and will continue with interactive learning opportunities throughout the year. Participants will engage with NCHCFA staff and Board of Directors members, receive curated leadership reading materials, and showcase their growth during a graduation ceremony at the 2027 NCHCFA Annual Convention & Expo.  

Selection for the Institute is highly competitive, and this year’s class reflects NCHCFA’s commitment to developing leaders across a wide range of member organizations. The annual application period opens in January and closes in mid-March. Learn more here.