People

Many of our staff members travel for many miles to work in our homelike environment. The facility employs approximately 100 full and part-time care givers who pride themselves on “making someone’s day.” Every member of our family is important and a vital part of ensuring the best possible care and services for our residents.

Our residents are welcomed daily by loving and caring staff as well as a group of spiritual, talented and ever-giving volunteer’s. Visitors are welcome at any time. Just knock at our door to see a warm, happy and smiling face waiting to greet you.

Jason Lindsey, Senior Chief Administrative Officer

I have been at Bland County since 12/31/07. I have been a Virginia licensed home administrator since 1994. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Biology. I was previously a Regional Director for a Virginia nursing home chain where I was responsible for constructing and opening four facilities and managing seven. I also served as Corporate Safety Director for that company.

I have been an officer in the Virginia Health Care Association and a board member for several health care planning organizations.

I live in Galax, VA with my family. I enjoy sports and many outdoor activities.

B.J. Scott, Director of Nursing

I graduated with honors from Wytheville Community College in 2000 with an AAS degree in Nursing. I have worked in long-term care for the last 20 years. In that time, I truly have done it all, from many years spent as a CNA, to charge nurse, unit manager, MDS Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing, to my current position of Director of Nursing Services. In 2003 I was recognized as the State of Franklin’s Long-Term Care Provider of the Year. I am MDS certified through CMS and I am currently working on MDS Certification through AANAC.

My life has been so very blessed by the many people I have had the opportunity to care for and work with over the last two decades. It is for this reason that I strive to make a difference in somebody’s life each day. I consider my patients and their families as well as my co-workers a part of my extended family. It is truly a pleasure to work with them.

I have lived in Wytheville all of my life.

I had retired from Kissito Bland County in April 2007 after 18 years of service, but returned in October 2008. My responsibilities include everything from stocking small batteries to major repairs to the facility. My favorite hobby is working on old cars.

Kelly Fisher, Medical Records Manager

I was born and raised in Southern New Jersey. I graduated from Delsea Regional High School in 1997. I also have diplomas from Gloucester County Institute of Technology for child development in 1997 and Star Technical Institute for Burdick, Phlebotomy and Medical Assistant in 1998. I moved to Rural Retreat, VA in April of 2007, where I reside with my fiancé Jason, and two children, Jason and Emilie.

Virginia “Ginny” Mahaffey, MDS Coordinator

My name is Virginia Mahaffey, “Ginny” to my friends and coworkers, “Sissie” to my family and “Mom” to my beautiful daughter Erin.

I was born and raised in the small town of Wytheville, VA, where I still live today. In 1976 I graduated, with honors, from Wytheville Community College, where I received my nursing degree. Shortly after graduation I too my state board exams (we took them manually in those days) and became a RN.

I have worked in long term care for almost 30 years, 27 of which were in one facility. During that time I have worked as a medication nurse, charge nurse, unit manager, ADON, and MDS Coordinator. I currently hold the position of MDS Coordinator at Kissito Healthcare Bland County in Bastian, VA. Since coming to KHBC, I have received my CMS and AANAC certifications as an MDS Coordinator. My love for the elderly has grown stronger over the past 30 years. The residents with whom I have worked have enriched my life immensely. I can only hope that I have made their lives richer as well.

Michelle Parker-Lambert, Director of Financial Services

I was born and raised in a small town just outside of Binghamton, NY, and graduated from Chenango Forks High School. I have worked in the healthcare industry since then in everything from Medical Records to Admissions and eventually into Billing. I hold a Certificate of Completion with high honors from the Brookstone Business College in Charlotte, NC for Medical and Health Office Technologies and Procedures.

On a personal note, I am married and have two beautiful daughters Autumn and Amber. I also have a wonderful granddaughter named Natalee. Along with my children, I have two very sweet dogs, Riley and Winston, and two cats, named Charlie and John. Three out of four of my animals have been rescued, and I try to rescue and place stray cats and dogs whenever I can. My family is everything to me. Without them I would not be who I am today.

Vickie Porter, Assistant Director of Nursing

I came to Kissito Healthcare Bland County in December 2008. Prior to this I worked at Wythe County Community Hospital. I am a 2008 graduate from Wytheville Community College with an AAS degree in Nursing and a Certificate in Career Studies of Health Sciences. I am currently enrolled as an AANAC member to obtain my certification in MDS. I started working in long-term care in 1990 as a housekeeper, where I worked for three years. Soon after I worked as a ward clerk, then a CNA for nine years. I also worked two years with Hospice of SWVA.

I live in the Fort Chiswell area with my husband, John, of twenty-two years and two teen age daughters, Chasidy, fourteen and Brittany, seventeen. I’m a sports mom, both of my girls participate in cheerleading, basketball and softball. When I am not at one of their games, I enjoy watching sports on TV and reading.

Alicia Testerman, H/R Payroll

I was born and raised in New Castle DE were I met my husband of 11 years, Eddie. We have two daughters, Destinee who is 9, and Ciera who is 8. We moved to VA in 2000 and have resided in Rural Retreat ever since.

I am a new addition to Kissito Healthcare Bland County beginning on December 7, 2009, as the HR/Payroll Coordinator.

I enjoy spending time with my family as well as our 4 yr old boxer Zeus.

Barbara Tolbert, Activities Director

My name is Barbara Tolbert. I began working at Kissito Healthcare Bland County in August 2007. When I first came here, I was working in dietary as an aide and within a year I began cooking. I enjoyed my position very much; however part of me always wanted to get to know the residents on a closer level.

When the Activities Director position became available, I felt this was where I needed to work because I enjoyed being with the residents on a day to day basis and letting them know they are loved and cared for. I also enjoy getting to know each of them and learning from them. Presently I am learning through different resources in how to help them with their needs. This year and years to follow will be great as I expand my knowledge to better serve our residents.

I was raised in Bland County and very familiar with the area, which I feel is a true benefit in providing excellent service to our residents. I am the daughter of Owen and Lena Ramsey who inspired me so much in my life. They always encouraged me to try to be the best in everything, but always back it up with love. I try to pass along this very attitude to the residents to show them the love and care they deserve.

I have a wonderful husband, Greg, of 26 years, who supports and gives me strength and encouragement in all that I do. We have three daughters, Rahcel, 24; Amanda, 22; and Angela, 17; who amaze us everyday. We have three grandchildren , Brianna, 4; Jordan, 2 1/2; and Landon, 3 months; who bring so much joy in my life.

To sum it all up, I am blessed with love, support amazement, and joy and feel really fortunate to be able to work at Kissito Healthcare Bland County and have such a good team behind me to help in my future accomplishments.

Jennifer Tuell, Social Services/Admissions

I began working at Kissito Healthcare Bland County in October 2007. Prior to Kissito, I worked in long term care; six years as a CAN and one year as a social worker. I received a Bachelor Degree in social work from Virginia Intermont College in 2006. I received a Masters Degree in social work from Radford University in 2009.

I was born in Wythe County and reside with my family in Rural Retreat. I have been married to my husband Mark for 16 years and we have two sons, Justin and Jonathan. I enjoy going to church, spending time with my family, camping and scrapbooking.Some of my duties is to be an advocate for the residents, making sure each resident is fully aware of their resident’s rights, making sure the resident’s psychosocial needs are met and discharge planning. Other duties include marketing and admissions.

I enjoy getting to know the residents and their families and establishing a friendly relationship with them. Here at Kissito Healthcare Bland County, we have a great interdisciplinary team. We work together as a team to determine the best care possible for our residents. My philosophy is to believe in yourself, smile often, savor special moments and count your blessings.

Drema Walker, Director of Rehabilitation Services

I recently joined the team here at Bland County. I have been a Physical Therapy Assistant for the last fifteen years. I have worked in several different clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, aquatic therapy, and long term care. My favorite setting is working with the geriatric population.

I graduated from Wytheville Community College in 1995 and received by BS degree in Health and Science in 2004 from Old Dominion University. I currently live in Bland County with my husband Howard, and two children Mary and Ethan.

Tim Wills, Director of Culinary Services

Hi, my name is Tim Wills, I am the Director of Culinary Services here at Kissito Healthcare Bland County. I was born in Los Angeles, California and now currently live in West Virginia.

I began training in food in 1980 and received my Chef’s License in 1985 from St. Louis University. I have been fortunate enough to travel and pursue my career in cooking. Throughout my experience I have worked in several places including, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Keystone Colorado, Nashville TN. I also continued school to receive a Associate of Applied Science/Food Service Management.

I found healthcare in 1993 and have loved it ever since. I went back to school to become a Certified Dietary Manager so I could utilize my knowledge daily in my job. Working daily with the residents is really what keeps me going strong. The joy our dietary department brings to the resident is extremely satisfying.

Tammy Yates, Quality Assurance/Staff Development

I have been at Kissito Healthcare Bland County since October 2007. I was born in Delaware, Ohio and raised in Columbus, Ohio. We moved to Virginia when I was 14 years old.

I have seven years of long term care experience. I was a CNA for 4 years before becoming a LPN. I have 2 years of experience as a hospice nurse. I am currently enrolled at Southwest Virginia Community College to further my nursing education.

I am a single mother of 4 wonderful boys, Patrick, 18; D.J., 16; Dominic; 13; and Christian, 12. We keep extremely busy between work, school and sports. My boys are the most important thing in my life.

My love and passion is working with the geriatric population.