Local Team

Lisa has been committed to public service in Wake County for her entire career. Beginning in 1993 as a law enforcement officer, she served the entire community. Then, after twelve years, she decided to follow her heart and focus exclusively on quality rehab and nursing care. Since then Lisa has been responsible for the management and operation of senior care facilities. Today, as our Executive Director, she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of those we care for. As she explains, “It’s an honor for me to assist our patients and residents in meeting their goals; whether that’s returning home as soon as possible after short term rehab, or, if they choose long term care, providing them with a sense of home and a quality of life they deserve, and their families will be proud of.”

Leslie Judd has been a Nurse for more than 20 years, starting as an LPN in 2001. She is now a Certified Wound Care Nurse and a Registered Nurse. These decades of nursing experience have afforded her great expertise in working with people of many different backgrounds, cultures, and needs. As the Director of Nursing, Leslie is particularly proud of the way our nursing staff connects with new residents and patients during their first 72 hours after admission. As she explains, “Starting off on the right foot is the key to a successful stay, whether that means making sure folks have their medications ASAP, or setting up their physical therapy sessions in keeping with their preferences, while asking if there is anything that we can do better.” Under Leslie’s leadership, our Nursing staff is recognized for both superior care and the attentive service families expect from Hillcrest.

When families ask Kristen what is most important to achieving a successful rehab, she says it’s two things, “First and foremost, the patient must make a real commitment to participate in the process. More than fifty percent of a successful rehab is achieved simply by showing up.” The next advice she gives is to create a culture that encourages patients to establish a personal relationship with their therapists. “We understand that each patient progresses at his or her own pace. So we insist that all therapists know and respect each patient’s individual needs and capabilities. That’s why all of our therapists are Hillcrest employees, specially trained and striving to ensure that every one of their patients is satisfied; not only with the outcome of their care, but with every aspect of the rehab experience.”

I make it a priority to meet with residents regularly to make sure they’re enjoying their meals. One of the best parts of my job is being able to see the pleasure our residents get from tasty, well prepared and elegantly presented meals. I truly believe that it’s one of the most important contributors to the quality of life enjoyed by our residents (and rehab patients) here at Hillcrest.

Daniel is a warm and personable professional, and an integral part of our team. He has extensive experience in helping individuals and families get the care they need from the health care continuum. His experience as a social worker, hospital discharge planner, and patient advocate is complemented by a deep personal commitment and dedication to helping people make the right choices about the care services they need, and the best place to get that care. Daniel holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Management in addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.

Jack McCallister is a graduate of North Carolina State University, right here in Raleigh. At Hillcrest, he designs and organizes personalized activities that focus on the interests and abilities of our patients and residents. Experienced in working with people of many different ages and demographics, Jack is ideally suited to organize a wide range of activities. As he explains, “My goal is to keep people engaged and happy with activities that are person-centered. For example, if a resident has always had a passion for fishing, I might bring a pool full of fish into the courtyard for them to go fishing and get that feeling back. In fact, we’ve actually done that!” Simply put, doing whatever it takes to make sure each resident is actively participating in the life here at Hillcrest is what our Activities program is all about.

Gwyn Reduzzi is a graduate of Williamsburg University. She has extensive experience in both recruiting and staff training and development. As Manager of Human Resources, the most important qualities she looks for in a candidate are compassion and sincerity. As she explains, “Being a cancer survivor, I can recognize the qualities needed to be a successful caregiver, and that’s what I look for in every candidate.” Gwyn attributes Hillcrest’s high levels of staff satisfaction and our certification as a “Great Place To Work” to the fact that, in addition to ongoing training and nurturing, we encourage our staff to live a balanced life, including time off for family responsibilities. As she explains, “The best way to develop a truly caring, compassionate team is for management to treat staff respectfully, with an honest interest in their well-being. I embrace the open-door policy at Hillcrest, welcoming all staff to come in and let us help.”

Phil brings a unique and useful background to his role here at Hillcrest Raleigh. A trained draftsman and digital imagining professional, as well as expert craftsman, he has an exceptional eye for keeping Hillcrest Raleigh’s physical plant at its very best, both how it looks and how it functions operationally. As he says, “I’m proud of this beautiful building and my staff and I work every day to make sure it’s the best it can be. After all, this is a Hillcrest facility, and we have a long tradition of providing the best senior care environments in the Triangle area.”