Independent Living
Sara Morris
Sara has dedicated her career to helping others maintain their independence and living a fulfilling life. She found her passion and purpose for caring for seniors through her early work experiences as a caregiver and an activity aide which inspired her to pursue a career in health care. Sara holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy and a Nursing Home Administrator’s license. Sara transitioned career paths as she developed a greater passion for advocating for seniors and a desire to help others embrace aging as a new stage of opportunity. Sara finds joy in creating an environment that fosters enrichment and meaningful experiences.
Outside of work, Sara cherishes time with her loved ones, traveling, kayaking, tennis, camping, and hiking. She loves learning new hobbies from her residents and believes that activities give meaning and purpose to our lives.
Maggie Noettl
Maggie’s passion for working with seniors began in college when she volunteered in the activities department at a skilled nursing community. This experience inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Services with a focus in Gerontology. She spent several years in the life enrichment department, where she found joy in creating meaningful experiences that enriched the lives of residents.
With a background in senior living, she later transitioned into the leasing department, where she discovered a new passion—helping seniors navigate their journey into a senior living community. Maggie is dedicated to guiding residents and their families through the transition with compassion, understanding, and personalized support. She finds the most rewarding part of her role to be witnessing the happiness and sense of belonging that residents feel after moving in.
Outside of work, Maggie enjoys attending concerts, summers on the beach in Northern Michigan, exploring local breweries, and spending time with friends and family.
Laila Muthanna
Laila joined the Pomeroy family in 2020, marking the beginning of her professional career straight out of high school. With a strong foundation rooted in a large, family-oriented background, Laila has always been passionate about working with people and has developed a true passion for senior living. She has grown to hold various roles throughout her years with Pomeroy which has allowed her to gain valuable experience and better support families and residents as they make the transition to join the Pomeroy family.
Laila believes that kindness, empathy, and communication are key to building meaningful connections, and these values guide her work every day, allowing her to provide the best possible support to residents. Laila currently attends Walsh College obtaining her degree in Business Administration. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and appreciating every moment she is able to spend with them.
Julie Turnes
Julie Turnes was born in Detroit, MI. She was raised by her parents Thomas and Patricia Edgeworth and is one of 5 siblings. Julie has three sisters, and one brother. Julie has been married to her loving husband, John, for 26 years but does not have any children. Rather, they have adopted two female cats.
Julie has been in the property management industry for approximately 9 years and then transitioned into the senior living field. She has over 23 years’ experience in the Senior living industry and is currently working as a Director of Activities for Independent seniors. She likes to find what their passion for life is and give them a sense of purpose.
Julie enjoys hiking, swimming, biking, exercising, kayaking, and traveling to the Caribbean Islands with her husband and friends. She is very enthusiastic, loves to make others laugh and, overall, just loves to have fun. Julie feels blessed each day that the Lord has given her the chance to give back to others to enjoy life to its fullest.
Tony DeFeo
Tony DeFeo joined the Pomeroy Living team in March 2023. Originally from Syracuse, New York, Tony initially pursued studies in accounting with a minor in communications but quickly discovered that his true calling lay outside the office. He enrolled in Johnson & Wales University’s renowned culinary program in Providence, Rhode Island, gaining valuable hands-on experience at the Wannamoisett Country Club. There, he developed a passion for quality food preparation and exceptional service.
In 1999, Tony moved to Michigan at his parents' encouragement and began working at The Capital Grille in Troy. Shortly after, he faced a defining career choice: continue his education in Rhode Island or take on the role of Executive Chef at a newly opened independent living community. He chose the latter, which led to a fulfilling career in senior living dining services—and where he also met his future wife.
Throughout his career, Tony has held numerous roles, including Executive Chef, Operations Support Manager, District Manager, Regional Culinary Director, and Corporate Executive Chef, building extensive expertise in culinary and operational leadership.
Outside of work, Tony enjoys restoring vintage Japanese motorcycles with his son, Anthony.
Mike Smith
For over 15 years, Mike worked as a carpenter doing cabinetry and kitchen remodeling. This inspired him to open his own kitchen remodeling company in which he continued to work hard for 5 years. As the years went on, Mike knew it was time to move on to bigger and better things. For 5 years thereafter, he worked for a local union company doing carpentry work. Mike had heard about Pomeroy Living through word of mouth where he then applied as a Maintenance Technician. Mike primarily worked in a skilled nursing setting for 10 years to familiarize himself with long-term living and there he realized his true passion. He enjoyed working with those around him and helping those who needed it. Over the course of 14 years with Pomeroy Living, Mike used his skills and expertise as a Maintenance Director to oversee many of the Pomeroy communities.
Mike enjoys spending time with his son riding motorcycles, working out at the gym, and spending time at their family cottage in Caseville.
Sharron Davis
Sharron has been a member of the Pomeroy Living family for two years and was recently promoted as the Director of Housekeeping. She is very passionate about helping others and enjoys the fact that she is making a difference in the residents’ lives each day. She has a desire to challenge herself and continue to be creative in what she does. Outside of work, Sharron enjoys cooking and staying healthy by working out.
Assisted Living & Memory Care
Melanie Dex
Melanie has been an integral member of the Pomeroy Family since January 2012. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, she boasts over 15 years of dedicated service in the construction industry, primarily as a Project Coordinator, facilitating the realization of clients' dream homes. In 2010, Melanie transitioned her career trajectory toward the medical field, contributing her skills to Children’s Hospital and Behavioral Health, driven by a desire to be part of a positive impact on others.
Her journey led her to Pomeroy Living Skilled Rehabilitation Community in Rochester, where she consistently expanded her expertise and knowledge through various roles. Progressing from Administrator in Training at our Skilled Rehabilitation community in Sterling Heights, Melanie now holds the esteemed position of Executive Director for the Assisted Living and Memory Care community.
Melanie's unwavering passion lies in curating lifestyles that align seamlessly with the needs of our seniors, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Committed to the belief that seniors should have the freedom to pursue their passions, she is dedicated to ensuring they can engage in activities they love at their discretion.
Debbie Brouillette
Debbie graduated from Baker College of Auburn Hills in 2011, obtaining her nursing license. Beginning her nursing journey in an assisted living community, she quickly transitioned to a skilled nursing facility, where she dedicated over a decade of service. Starting as a floor nurse, Debbie's commitment and expertise led her to ascend to the role of Unit Manager, where she oversaw wound care for her community.
Throughout her career, Debbie acknowledges the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by her best friend, Wendy, as well as the unwavering support from her husband and daughter. In addition to her professional duties, Debbie found fulfillment in working with troubled children at the Juvenile Center, where she played a vital role in guiding and overseeing their care.
Now, as a proud member of the Pomeroy Living Team, Debbie is excited to return to her roots in the assisted living sector. Her genuine passion for helping others and spreading love and compassion has been the driving force behind her career choices, and she looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.
Jonathan Marzicola
Jonathan started his journey in the senior living industry as a server in the dining room of an independent living community.
With dedication and passion, he was promoted to assistant director in 2014. Jonathan has since accumulated a wealth of experience in various capacities within the senior industry, bringing valuable expertise to Pomeroy.
Joining Pomeroy in April 2024, Jonathan looks forward to making a meaningful difference in the community and the lives of our seniors and their families. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, he has dedicated his life to ensuring the well-being of this population.
In his leisure time, Jonathan cherishes moments with his wife and son, Sterling. He also enjoys sports and a good comedy movie.
Andrew Giles
Meet Andrew! With over 40 years in the culinary world, he kicked off his journey at just 15, flipping burgers at Elias Brothers Big Boy. But life has a funny way of sending us on unexpected paths—after joining the Navy, he traded in his spatula for a wrench, honing his skills as a maintenance technician. Yet, his heart always led him back to the kitchen, where he served up delicious meals for many.
Cooking alongside his mom in Mississippi, he took her advice to heart: “Learn how to cook, you’ll never stop cooking.” And he hasn’t! From fine dining to assisted living, Andrew's passion for feeding others shines through. When he’s not in the kitchen, he’s hanging out with his four grandkids or reminiscing about his days as a Golden Glove boxer. Stay fit, stay passionate—that’s Andrew’s motto!
Jim Bryant
Jim Bryant has been the Maintenance Director at Pomeroy Living Sterling Skilled since 2007. Jim has a total of 33 years of experience in maintenance in long term care. Before becoming involved in nursing facilities, Jim was a journeyman carpenter. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge as well in electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling. His strongest area is fire safety and knowing the federal regulations of the Life Safety Code as it pertains to a nursing facility so that safety systems are properly inspected and up to date. Jim also oversees the Emergency Preparedness at our facility ensuring facility staff are educated on our protocols by conducting training and drills with staff.
Skilled Rehabilitation
Jennifer Pachla
Meet Jennifer! She kicked off her journey in Long Term Care way back in 2003 as a Staffing Coordinator and has been making a difference ever since. Fast forward to June 2024, and she’s now thriving at Pomeroy, where her heart for serving seniors shines. Her passion led her to become the Director of Admissions, and after earning her Nursing Home Administrator Certificate from Ferris State University in 2019 and license in 2021, she took on a director role overseeing Memory Care, Assisted Living, and Independent Living.
When she’s not busy at work, Jennifer loves scrapbooking, shopping, and exploring the great outdoors with her family. She cherishes cozy evenings watching Hallmark movies with a cup of coffee, her husband, and their pets. Family time with her two sons and nieces and nephews always brings her joy!
Benita Hughes
Meet Benita! With three decades of experience as a Social Worker in long-term care, she’s all about compassion and connection. Since joining the Pomeroy-Rochester team in September 2024, Benita has been on a mission to make a real difference in the lives of residents, their families, and her coworkers. She’s the kind of person who goes the extra mile to ensure everyone feels cared for and has what they need. When she’s not busy spreading kindness at work, you can find her unwinding with a good movie marathon. Benita truly believes that love and support can transform lives, and she’s here to make sure no one feels alone on their journey.
Brandon Birkner
As the Activity Director of Pomeroy Living-Rochester Skilled, Brandon brings over 5 years of experience as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. He has dedicated his career to working in the Long-Term Care Industry and serving the elderly population. Brandon's approach to care is holistic, focusing on providing emotional, physical, spiritual, and social enrichment to those in need.
Aside from his role as a Recreation Director, Brandon has a passion for music and enjoys playing the guitar and drums. He also cherishes spending quality time with his family and friends, indulging in reading, and taking his beloved English Bulldog, Barney, on walks.
Aaron Austin
Aaron has been the Maintenance Director at Pomeroy Living Rochester Skilled for 4 years. He started as a Maintenance Tech and worked up to Maintenance Director after 6 years. Aaron has 23 years of experience in maintenance in total. He has 2 children and is married to his lovely wife Julie. They enjoy camping and playing multiple sports as a family.
Alice Bucy
Alice has been with Pomeroy Rochester Skilled for 3 years and in the housekeeping/laundry industry for a total of 18 years. From the day she started here she fell in love with the residents and the staff in her department and with the Pomeroy way of doing things. During her free time Alice is a sports mom. She has a wonderful son who enjoys athletics. She enjoys watching him compete on the athletic fields!