Enhancing your loved one’s daily experience is our team at Heartwood Place, a group of staff who know that each individual is unique and important. We are proud of our team members, some of whom have been committed to caring for our residents for many years. These individuals provide experience, understanding, and a caring touch.
Our team at Heartwood Place prides itself in the service and commitment we provide for seniors in our community. We are proud to call each other family and we look forward to meeting you and welcoming your family member to join us. Lastly, the city of Woodburn is a fabulous place to call home.
Get to Know Our Team!
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.
Holly was born and raised in Oregon, living on the family century farm, dated back to 1887. The farm is a managed tree farm and is also in its fifth year of hosting weddings and events. Heartwood Place residents, friends, and family have been welcomed out to the farm, which hosts gatherings where residents can see the outdoors. Marketing and people have always been part of her life, with planning events, scheduling, and putting on the parties! Holly has been with Heartwood since they opened in May 2014. She started in activities and then became the marketing director. In the journey of dementia, Holly believes that the warmth, love, and support from her residents, families, and staff make it endurable.
Michelle Dowell – Business Office Manager and HR Manager
Michelle has been with Heartwood Place since the beginning. She came to us with over 20 years of experience in senior living communities. She started out working in the dining room as a server and has worked in almost all other departments along the way. Of all the positions she has held, Business Office Manager has been her favorite because she enjoys the relationships built with the families. She has also recently completed an administrators course to round out her experience.
When she is not working, Michelle enjoys spending time with her three children. She has two daughters and a son, and one of their favorite places to go is the beach.
Jennifer Flores – Resident Care Coordinator (North Side)
Jennifer Flores was born in Salem, Oregon. I have lived in Oregon all my life. When I am not working at Heartwood I am spending time with my two boys and my family. I started my career in Healthcare 13 years ago as a caregiver and then moved into a med-tech position. I have worked very hard to better my career for myself and my family. I am very excited to be in my new role as Resident Care Manager. I enjoy helping other people. “Think whatever makes you truly happy to think.”
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.
Abigail Bischoff – Receptionist
Abigail is the newest addition to our team at Heartwood Place. Up until now, she has spent most of her work life in hotel offices and dabbling in retail before landing in our lobby as our new receptionist. She fondly remembers volunteering at an assisted living facility while she was in school, and is excited to start her journey here at Heartwood and join our team.
Her hobbies include horticulture, genealogy, and diving headfirst into any TV show that involves forensic science. Abigail was born and raised in Oregon but cannot wait to see what lies beyond the state borders. When she is not here at Heartwood, you can usually find her nose deep in an Agatha Christie novel or cuddling up with her cat.
Lea Safarov – Activity Director
Lea was born in Nurek, Tajikistan, and moved to the United States in 1998. She was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years until she got her first job as an in-home caregiver. Lea started at Heartwood as a caregiver and a year later was promoted to Activity Director. She loves her job and enjoys being with the residents. In her free time, she loves to bake, spend time with her family in nature and relax at the Oregon coast. Music is Lea’s passion, and she loves to share that with our residents.
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.
Chad Cummings – RN
Chad was born on a small island in Alaska as the youngest of three, and moved to Oregon in 2014 to begin his dive into the healthcare field. He knew from a young age that he wanted to care for others as he was often assisting his family and friends in any way that he could. During his first job as a CNA, he found that he had an affinity for caring for those in memory care. He has since worked at improving his knowledge and understanding of some of our most vulnerable populations. After graduating from nursing school, Chad came to Heartwood Place ready to utilize his skills and knowledge to help not only the residents here but the staff and family members as well. In his free time, Chad loves to spend time on the beach or hiking in the mountains. It reminds him of growing up in Alaska, where he would spend days camping and exploring the wilderness.