Leonard Smith Interim Chief Administrative Officer
Len has been an administrator and/or multi-facility manager of nursing honmes for over 35 years. Recently he served as senior administrator and preceptor for Kissito Healthcare, and was here at Allegheny in the spring of 2007, where he was administrator and supervised the administrator-in-training program for our boss, Tom Clarke.
Nursing home administration is both a career and a calling to Len. “I feel I was born to do what we at Kissito do, that is, to provide excellent nursing and rehabilitation to the most special people on earth, our parents and grandparents. They deserve only the best, and when we deliver, their families have the greatest gift we have to offer them – peace of mind.”
Len and his wife Karen have five children and five grandchildren, “the lights of our lives!”
Mary Gillispie Human Resources / Payroll Coordinator
I began working at Kissito Healthcare in July 2007 in the role of HR/Payroll Coordinator at The Springs Nursing Center and have recently transferred to The Brian Center – Alleghany. I relocated back to the Alleghany area from Richmond, Va where I had worked in Human Resources for 15 years. I really enjoy working with the residents and employees here at the Brian Center.
I have a wonderful, 16 year old son Casey who will be starting his Junior year of high school this fall. I enjoy going to the beach, water and snow skiing, caving, and spending time with my family and friends.
Rhonda Plumley, RN Director of Nursing
My name is Rhonda Plumley. I am the DON here at the Brian Center Alleghany. I have worked in long term care since graduating from DSLCC in 1993. I enjoy all avenues in long term care and have been a charge nurse, QA nurse, MDS Coordinator , Nursing Assistant Instructor and Director of Nursing.
I really enjoy working with the residents , staff, volunteers and family members. I believe working as a team is the key to a successful home like environment for our residents, and that teamwork improves quality of care. If I can assist you in any way in making your loved ones stay more pleasant please feel free to contact me. I want our residents to feel that Brian Center is their Home Away from Home.
Janet K. Alfred Director of Community Life/Volunteer Coordinator
As the Director of Community Life and Volunteer Coordinator, I plan, develop, and implement our activities program. Offering a variety of programs and activities that add a significant dimension to the residents' quality of life is a delightful challenge. Whether they be stimulating activities designed to help keep residents' minds sharp through a lively book discussion group, or Singing Seniors our center offers a wide spectrum of programs and activities to meet the needs and interests of its diverse group of residents. Knowing the residents and their needs and capabilities is essential to providing meaningful activities. We try not only to help the residents feel at home but also to provide a challenge for them to ”push the envelope” a bit in experiencing life to the fullest. And I must say that we could not provide the level of activities if it were not for the many talented volunteers that we’ve recruited and trained over the years. Developing and maintaining a strong core of flexible volunteers is essential in providing a dynamic activities program. Also, I maintain contacts with a wide range of community organizations and businesses, always looking for opportunities for sharing their skills and talents with our residents. I believe that life is precious and we should find joy in all the days of our lives. I know at the end of the day that I have done a good job when I see smiling faces and residents’ expressing anticipation for the next day’s adventure. After 15 years as the Director of Community Life/Volunteer Coordinator, my commitment to the residents has only increased and they are truly a part of my family. When I’m not at work, I enjoy my own family: my husband, two daughters and their families consisting of three grandchildren. As well as, painting, crafting, quilting, and working in my flower garden.
"Even in old age, they will still produce fruit and will remain vital and green..." ~ Psalm 92:14
"Keep your face in the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow." ~ Helen Keller
Melissa Sura, LSW Director of Social Services
I grew up as an only child in the suburbs of New York City. In 2000, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree at Old Dominion University. I became a fully licensed social worker in 2006. Eventually, I was blessed with a daughter who is the light of my life. The hobbies that I enjoy are iceskating, dancing, bowling and traveling. I choose to be a social worker because I love to help people. I enjoy the challenges and the multiple tasks that I must complete in order to make someones day better. As a social worker, I must coordinate any services or needs that a patient or professional requests. Working with the family is one part of social work that I find very interesting. I enjoy bringing the families closer to one another by including them in their loved one’s care.
Alisha Smith Assisted Living Manager / LPN
My name is Alisha Smith, I am a lifetime resident of the beautiful mountains of Alleghany County. My wonderful, supportive husband Daniel and two beautiful children Noah and Faith, along with our family pet, Sassy make our home in the 42 area of Eastern Alleghany County. I enjoy UVA football "WAHOO"! As, an all around country girl, I also enjoy; Bon-fires on our land, camping, 4-wheelin, pool time and spending time at with my mother and fathers home in the summer; whom are a large part of my life! They have always stressed to me that, "No valley is to low, no river is to wide, no mountain is to high!, you will and can succeed" There leads me; that I started out as an NA in 1999, then a CNA, went to LPN, and LPN charge nurse, now I am currently serving as Assisted Living Manager/LPN here at the Brian Center, and I am enrolled in the RN program as well. I love the geriatric population here in the Alleghany County, they are wonderful.
Isaam A. “Sam” Sarafandi Director of Culinary Services
I was born and raised in Alleghany County. I graduated from Alleghany High School and I am attending Dabney S. Lancaster Community College pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts. I enjoy outdoor activites such as hunting, fishing, and skiing.
DuCharme Burks Director of Medical Records
I was born and raised in Alleghany County. I graduated from Alleghany High School and pursued a career as a CNA for eight years and then worked as a clinical secretary for a local physician for three years. I began work at the Brian Center in July 2007. I am married with three children ages 14, 9, and 4. I enjoy reading, shopping, and spending time with my family.
Amanda Morris Director of Financial Services
I was born and raised in Clifton Forge, VA. I graduated from Alleghany High School in 1998. I graduated from Radford University in 2002 with a Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. I began working at The Springs Nursing Center in October 2005 and transferred to The Brian Center in December 2006. I am married with two children, and two step-children.
David Unroe Regional Director of Maintenance
My name is David Unroe. I was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia and went to Clifton Forge High School and graduated from Alleghany High School in 1984. I attended Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. I am married and have twin boys.
I have been with the Brian Center- Low Moor since March of 1996. I started out as a maintenance assistant and in 1998 was promoted to Environmental Services Director and am currently a Regional Maintenance Director within Kissito Healthcare. I strive to maintain a clean, safe, home-like environment for our residents through the services of our laundry, housekeeping and maintenance departments.
I enjoy coaching football, baseball and soccer. I live for hunting and fishing. I am an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, Houston Astros and, of course, THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA. GO HOOS!!!!
Tina Patterson, LPN QA Nurse
I was born and raised in W.Va. I live in W.Va with my husband of 22yrs. Have 2 dogs that are my babies, one use to be the Brian Center dog. I have 7 brothers and sisters, my husband has 10 on his side. So get togethers are a big thing around our house. I like to get out and ride 4-wheelers, go 4-wheeling in the snow, camping, I like to cross stitch, but my favorite thing is working especially @ the Brian Center. Some of us has been there so long that we are family. There is nothing better than seeing a resident with a smile on their face. Or just talking to the family and getting them to laugh, cause they know we are taking care of their loved ones the best we can. I graduated from HS in 1983 from Greenbrier West. Went straight to work as a CNA in a nursing home. Worked a couple years got married lived in Kentucky for a year, moved back to W.Va nothing like the mountains. Went back to work has a CNA with Home Health for almost 10 yrs. Then I had to go back to school and get my CNA license cause by then you had to be licensed to work in any facility by the state. I went to work @ The Brian Center in 1999 has a CNA, in 2003 I went back to school and got my LPN degree. Worked as a charge nurse on the floor and then went to QA Nurse, wound and treatment nurse which I really enjoy. I have made some really good friend @ The Brian Center and I came close with alot of the families and some still keep in touch. Which is special cause you know you made a difference in someone"s life
Carrie Landis Assistant Director of Nursing / Rehabilitation Coordinator
Hello, my name is Carrie. I am the Assistant Director of Nursing / Rehabilitation Coordinator. I graduated from Bluefield State's Associate of Science Nursing Degree Program in May of 2006. I have worked on a Medical / Surgical / Pediatric floor, I've worked as an assessment nurse at another Long-Term Care Facility, and I've also worked as a circulating nurse in an Operating Room. Although I grew up in Monroe County (Second Creek, WV), I currently reside in Covington with my husband and our "little one" (our puppy dog named Cupid). I enjoy spending time with my family and especially spending time with my little nephew.
Cindy Markham Regional Director of Marketing and Business Development
As the Regional Director of Marketing and Business Development my responsibilities include working with the community, physicians, and hospitals to keep everyone informed of what we have to offer at each facility. I visit our patients and potential patients in the hospitals and work with the hospital social worker to make sure we can meet the needs of each one and to ensure a safe transition to the facility.
I have been working in Healthcare since 2004 and was first concerned about how I would like working with the elderly population; however; I quickly learned how rewarding it is to work with a population who have been forgotten by many. I have found my passion in this field.
Outside of work, I like to read, garden, travel, snow ski, and spend time with my husband Jason and our cat Picaboo.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Dr. Marc Nevin MD, CMD, FAAFP, Medical Director
I have taken care of nursing home patients and served as medical director at multiple facilities for over 25 years. Residents in long term care have special needs and deserve special care. Very few physicians are willing to see residents in the long term care community, and medical care is often provided remotely by fax or phone. The physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants of my independent practice, Long Term Care Medical Associates, are committed to taking care of patients when and where it is needed – at the facility where they live. We are experienced in primary care as well as long term care, providing medical care to geriatric and rehabilitation patients in multiple facilities. We are committed to providing the most appropriate, high quality compassionate medical care for every patient. At the same time we are committed to working with each facility to create the appropriate environment for residents and staff. I graduated from the University of Maryland, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the Family Practice Residency Program at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. I am a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine, and I am certified by the American Medical Directors Association as a Medical Director for Long Term Care. I appreciate working with nursing and administrative staffs at homes like The Brian Center that are sincerely trying to improve the quality of care and the quality of living for all the patients and residents. My wife Betty and I have four grown children. When not working, we enjoy boating and quiet time at nearby Smith Mountain Lake.