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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 Kent, 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 Kent 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 Kent 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.
Jackie Jones, BAS, NHA, Administrator
Jackie graduated from Baker College - Owosso with an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Technology and went on to complete her Bachelor of Health Information Management at Baker College - Flint. It was during her college externship in 1996 that she was first introduced to long-term care nursing, and rehabilitation. She knew it was to be her calling. She spent the first five years as a Business Office Manager. In 2000, she received her Nursing Home Administrator's License, and began working as an Administrator in the Detroit area in 2001. In June 2007, Jackie relocated to the beautiful Grand Rapids area, and began as the Administrator for The Laurels of Kent. Her son and his family live in the Howell area, and her daughter is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. Jackie is involved with many community events in the Lowell and Ionia area. She is currently a member of the Lowell Rotary, Ionia Chamber, AHCA, and HCAM.
Terrie Kerschen, RN, Director of Nursing
Terrie was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated from Borgess School of Nursing and Nazareth College in 1971. She has been in long-term care as both a Director of Nursing and an Administrator since 1988. Terrie has been the Director of Nursing at The Laurels of Kent since 1998. She has spent many years in various specialty units such as Neurology, Cardiac, Pulmonary and Orthopedic units at various acute care hospitals, including Mary Free Bed Hospital as a Nurse Manager for twelve years before coming to The Laurels of Kent. The Nursing Staff at The Laurels of Kent, under Terrie's direction, provides quality care and services to our residents. Teri also serves as a member of The Laurel Health Care Company DON Council.
Tracy Boutell, Director of Marketing
Tracy graduated from Ferris State University with in 1992 a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Her first Social Work position was for the Mecosta County Commission on Aging in Mecosta, MI where she worked for nearly four years. Tracy has had a passion for the elderly since growing up very closely with her great grandmother. During her teen years, Tracy helped care for her great grandmother as she faced the challenges of dementia and growing health needs. It was at that time that Tracy realized her passion for advocating and helping to provide good, quality care to the aging population. She has continued to work in long-term care facilities in the Grand Rapids area as a Social Worker and Marketing Director. Tracy became the Director of Marketing at The Laurels of Kent in 2011 and is happy to be part of The Laurels team.
Cora Farrish, Rehabilitation Services Director
After graduating from Grand Rapids Community College in 1989, Cora worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy assistant for 22 years; twenty of those years were in the geriatric field. Cora initially joined The Laurels of Fulton in 2006 and then transferred to The Laurels of Carson City upon their opening a few months later. Cora left her full time position in 2009 to go into the home health field; however, she remained employed with The Laurels on a part time basis until July 2011, when we were pleased to have her accept the Rehabilitation Services Director position at The Laurels of Kent.