Meet our Carbondale Team

Laura oversees the care of all of our patients and residents at Helia Healthcare of Carbondale. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the healthcare field. Laura began her career as a certified nursing assistant in 1994,and went on to become an RN with a specialization in wound care. She has led our nursing team since early 2014, having come to us from another long-term care facility where she also served as the director of nursing.

“There are many aspects of my job that I enjoy,” Laura says. “But I particularly like using my extensive training in wound care and healing. It’s a highly complex process — and I like that it both challenges my knowledge base and requires an interdisciplinary approach.”

When she’s not busy working with our residents and nursing staff, Laura’s hobbies include raising rabbits and crocheting. And a fun fact about her: “I can say the alphabet backward,” she says.

An up-and-comer, Mary began her career with Helia Healthcare of Carbondale as an intern while finishing her bachelor’s degree in social work at Southern Illinois University. After graduating, she was ultimately hired as our director of social services & admissions in November 2013.

Mary already has found great satisfaction in her work here.

“It is such a rewarding experience to help families through one of the hardest decisions they will make regarding care for their loved ones,” she says. “I enjoy getting to know families and their loved ones and building relationships with them.”

In her free time, Mary enjoys relaxing with family and friends, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues and traveling. She’s also a huge history buff.

“I had planned on being a history teacher, but somehow ended up in the social work realm,” she says. “Best decision ever!”

Melissa heads the kitchen at Helia Healthcare of Carbondale, creating nutritious and delicious food for our residents and guests. She has worked extensively in nutrition management, and holds a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition from Southern Illinois University.

“I really like interacting with our seniors. I enjoy making their lives better through food,” says Melissa about her position as culinary director.

When she’s not cooking away in our kitchen, Melissa prefers to be outdoors. “I especially enjoy fishing and boating on all the beautiful southern Illinois lakes during the summertime,” she says.

But her favorite activity is spending time with her baby daughter, Catie.

Says Melissa: “She’s the light of my life.”