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.

Jeni Marks-  Marketing/Community Relations Director

Jeni is passionate about bringing community together. She finds it suiting that Woodburn, Oregon has an amazing senior community! Her goal is to be a positive resource to families and local businesses alike.  She aims to offer support for seniors and their families at every stage of the aging journey.  We are so grateful to have Jeni on the Heartwood Place team.

Carla Perez – Resident Care Manager

Carla’s passion for helping the elderly blossomed at the age of 15 years old. Her first job was at an assisted living facility as a server.  Since 2007, her journey and experience in Long Term Care has included roles such as caregiver and medication aide.  Carla has owned and operated 3 businesses but her heart continually pulls her back to senior care.  According to Carla, caring for our elderly is tough, it’s rewarding, it’s life changing. She finds purpose in understanding each person’s unique interests, desires and empowerment and the provision of support to preserve each persons dignity, independence and autonomy. We are so happy to have Carla join our team here at Heartwood Place.

Mandy– Resident Care Coordinator

Mandy has been a CNA for over 20 years, working in Skilled Nursing facilities, and 10 years working in the Hospital. Caring for seniors is her passion and calling. She believes working as an Resident Care Manager merges the best of the healthcare worlds; she provides care for our residents as well as coordinates and advocates for their care.  Her role in the community brings her immense happiness. Mandy is a natural at building relationships with resident’s as well as their families.  She is an integral part of our team here at Heartwood Place.

Rebecca Shindler – Nurse

Rebecca has 14 years of nursing experience, working in long-term care, hospice, post-anesthesia surgical care, and even doing some school nursing for the Woodburn school district. Rebecca had her first experience in elder care when she was 16 years old and worked as a server in an assisted living facility. Ever since then, the elderly have been close to her heart. Recently, she felt called back to elder care and came to join Heartwood to both work with the elderly and continue to contribute to her community. Rebecca’s father had Lewy Body Dementia before he passed away in October 2023, and that experience gives Rebecca special understanding of what people experience as they watch their loved one navigate this path. Rebecca and her family have been in Woodburn for over 20 years. When she’s not at work, Rebecca spends time with her 2 boys, friends and family, walking her dog, and being in nature.   

Blanca Ramirez – Business Office Manager and HR Manager

Blanca helps keep Heartwood Place in motion each and every day.  She brings with her accounting experience, the desire to continually learn, as well as a passion for helping others.  She is always a kind and happy energy, looking to provide assistance to staff, residents, and the Heartwood community at large.  Blanca notes, “Woodburn is a beautiful community.  I look forward to becoming a valuable asset to my coworkers and our community here at Heartwood Place.” It is safe to say she is already doing just that!

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.

Isavell Carter– Receptionist

Isavell is likely the first, smiling face you will see when you walk into Heartwood. She is a true Oregonian, born and raised in Salem, OR.  She is a mom to a wonderful little boy and 2 dogs.  Spending time with her family and pets bring her happiness!  Working at Heartwood is an amazing experience, according to Isavell, and she loves the whole team of staff.  Connecting with visiting family members, alongside our amazing residents, are some of the perks.  Heartwood is her home away from home!

Rebekah Bates – Activity Director

Rebekah was born and raised in Silverton, Oregon to a large family that she loves spending time with whenever possible.  Her and her husband, Steven, have been married for one year, however they have known each other since elementary school. Stewie and Juliet are the names of their cats. Rebekah obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and Education. In her free time, she gardens, reads, and hosts get togethers with friends. Formerly, Rebekah taught 4th and 5th grade and considers herself a lifelong learner. She loves working with seniors and using her educational background in a new setting.  She is thrilled to be Heartwood’s Activity Director and has enjoyed connecting with family, staff and residents since day one on the job. 

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.

Elizabeth Cuenca Pineda- Staffing Coordinator

A devoted family-person, Elizabeth’s life is filled with love and adventure. Her two energetic boys, ages 9 and 4, keep her on her toes with their exciting pursuits in soccer and wrestling. At home, her 5-year-old husky is her loyal companion and third baby! When she’s not cheering on her family, you can find Elizabeth exploring the great outdoors. Professionally, she has been passionate about caregiving since 2018, expanding her expertise to medical aid in 2022. What she loves most about her career is building meaningful connections with Heartwood residents.  She feels that advocating for the community and making a positive impact in their lives is truly rewarding. Elizabeth appreciates the opportunity to make a difference every day, serving others with compassion and care.