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.
Kelly Carter, LNHA
Administrator
Kelly graduated from VCU in 2000 with a Bachelor's in Social Work. Prior to her start in long-term care, Kelly worked with the mental health and intellectually disabled population. Kelly began her journey in long-term care in 2003 as the Director of Social Services at The Laurels of Willow Creek then transferred to The Laurels of University Park. In 2013, Kelly obtained her Virginia State licensure to practice as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. In 2014, Kelly was promoted to Administrator at The Laurels of University Park. In her free time, Kelly enjoys running and spending time with her husband, three teenagers, and dog.
Amy Gunter
Rehabilitation Services Director
Amy Gunter returns to The Laurels of University Park after 6 years, this time as the Rehab Services Director. A graduate from VCU in 1996, Amy has worked as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years along the continuum of care, including inpatient Rehab, day programs, a community-based brain injury program and skilled nursing facilities. She has 5 years of experience as a Rehabilitation Services Director and is excited to help support the amazing Rehab team at The Laurels of University Park to help to continue their legacy of excellence in care for both our short-term and long-term guests.
Tonya Leeper
Director of Marketing
Tonya Leeper, Director of Marketing at the Laurels of University Park is a Registered Respiratory Therapist who earned her degree at J. Sargent Reynolds Community College in 2009. Tonya worked with all patient populations in the acute care environment developing critical thinking skills that allowed her to work on the critical care transport team where she medically managed complex patients. Her compassion and desire to help others encouraged her to return to school where she earned her degree in Health Science from Old Dominion University in 2014. As her passion grew she felt that there was another way that she could help others. Tonya went on to work as a Clinical Liaison in LTAC where her clinical skills increased allowing her to identify patient appropriateness for admission. She later worked as a Rehab Liaison in Acute Inpatient Rehab using her bedside skills, critical thinking skills and FIMS training she developed herself to be knowledgeable in all aspects of rehabilitation. Tonya has worked hard at building trust and developing relationships with physicians and other healthcare providers. Which is why she has joined the Laurel Health Care Company as she believes in the mission. Laurel Health Care Company prides themselves at creating a legacy by exceeding the needs and expectation to serve while embracing the Laurel Way. Tonya is married and has one son and a niece she raised as her daughter. Family is most important to her and she enjoys spending time with them. She loves to travel and listen to all types of music.
