Our Team at Heartwood Place

Laurie Pomeroy – Executive Director

Laurie Pomeroy began her career in senior living 10 years ago as an activity director in a memory care community. Her father lived in memory care because of Parkinson’s and dementia, and while she was investigating the new residential setting opening in town, she asked if they were hiring. Her children were in middle and high school, so the time seemed right to restart a career. After seven years in memory care, she transferred to assisted living, and positions in the business office followed. However, her passion has always been memory care and caring for the most vulnerable. Because of her experience with her father, she identifies strongly with resident needs and the needs of their families and friends.

Laurie enjoys traveling to the Oregon coast, Bend, Hood River, and various day trips. She is married to her husband of 26 years and has a son and daughter. She is a lifelong Oregon resident and lives in Dundee.

Leena Wingo-  Marketing/Community Relations Director

After the passing of her grandfather, Leena felt a deep calling to continue his legacy of compassion and connection that brings both heart and purpose to her role in senior living. She is passionate about building relationships, supporting families, and helping seniors find a place where they truly feel at home. With a ten years of property management experience, Leena brings to her role a dedication to help create meaningful encounters with families and their loved ones that honor the wisdom and stories of older generations.  Outside of work, she loves spending time with family, hosting get-togethers, watching football, dancing, discovering new places to eat, and playing with her dog. We are so thrilled to have Leena representing the Heartwood Place community.

Elizabeth Cuenca-Pineda – Resident Care Coordinator

Travis Cooper – Maintenance Director

Travis joined the Heartwood team in February 2017. As a 10-year homeowner, he learned most of his trade skills remodeling his own home for his family of four. From watching and helping his own handyman father as he grew up, to making his shop a place of enjoyment and fascination, this career was meant for him. Becoming the Maintenance Director at Heartwood has been another way for him to continue expanding his skills and interests while enjoying helping the residents in any way he can. Travis has a lovely wife who works as a nurse and two amazing young daughters he spends every moment possible with. At the age of four, his oldest daughter is already wearing safety glasses and helping dad build her a playhouse and all of the other projects he comes up with. Getting to be a part of the Heartwood family and spend time with all of the amazing people on and off of our team couldn’t be more of a blessing.

Angelica Moralez– Receptionist

Angelica has lived in Woodburn for her whole life and brings a welcoming presence to our front desk. Before joining our team as a receptionist, she worked as an activity director in a memory care, where she developed a deep appreciation for building meaningful connections with others. Angelica is a proud mother of three adult sons and enjoys spending her free time going out to dinner with her husband, watching movies, shopping, and playing with her beloved dog, Milo. Her friendly demeanor and dedication to helping others make her a valued part of our team.

Yaire Bridgett Solano  – Activity Director

A proud Woodburn native, Yaire (Bridgett) Solano-Guevara is passionate about community service. She earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Oregon in June 2025, one in Planning, Public Policy, and Management, and another in Spanish, along with minors in Nonprofit Administration and Latinx Studies. In her free time, she enjoys afternoon runs, hiking, baking, and spending quality time with friends and family. Yaire brings a wealth of experience to her new role as the Activity Director at Heartwood Place, having previously served as the Programs Director for Muxeres at the University of Oregon and as a dedicated volunteer for various Eugene-area nonprofits such as Bags of Love, ShelterCare and Everyone Village. She is eager to use her skills to build meaningful connections with the residents, families, and staff of Heartwood Place Memory Care.

Mike Dowell – Food Services Director

Mike joins Heartwood Place Memory Care with over 30 years of culinary experience. He started his career as a dishwasher and prep cook when he was only 14 years old.  He gradually working his way up the ranks and became a line cook. Mike attended culinary school at the age of 19, where he specialized in proteins and sauces. Upon completing his education, he has worked in many different types of kitchens, from fine dining and cafes to catering. Mike’s passion for cooking is undeniable. Between the care he has for our residents and his rich culinary background, Mike strives to ensure your loved ones have a well-balanced and enjoyable dining experience at Heartwood Place.

Jasmine Cruz-Hernandez- Staffing Coordinator

Jasmine serves as a compassionate and dedicated caregiver with experience supporting individuals in need since 2020. Born and raise in Oregon, she values strong family bonds and prioritizes nurturing relationships. As a mother to two beautiful children, I’ve developed patience, creativity, and a heart- centered approach to care. She makes an exceptional addition to the Heartwood place team.  She is eager to bring her skills and passion to our community, providing personalized support and enhancing the lives of residents.