Local Team

The February 2022 staff of Hillcrest, half standing, half sitting in a yellow room

From our experienced Leadership Team to our compassionate RN’s, LPN’s, and Certified Nursing Assistants, we all work together as a team with one goal: To provide the best environment, the best care and the best quality of life for our patients and residents. Being the best is why Hillcrest has been the first choice for families that appreciate the value of quality for over sixty years.

Meet Our Raleigh Team

Lisa Lee, LNHA

Executive Director
Leslie Judd, a black woman with twisted hair and a very pleasant smile

Leslie Judd

Director of Nursing

Kristen Brininger, PTA

Director of Rehabilitation

Paige Hickman

Admissions Director

Lance Byrd, CDM, CFPP

Food Services Director
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.”

Paige likes to help people. And that’s just what she’s been doing here at Hillcrest since 2011. A Raleigh resident for over 45 years, she’s easy-going, knowledgeable, a great listener and a straight-talker. So when it comes to helping people make difficult decisions, she couldn’t be better equipped. A resource on senior care in Raleigh, she understands what families need to know, while being sensitive to their preferences and concerns.

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 Alicea-Munoz, BSW, MAOM

Director of Social Work
Jack McCallister, a white man with stubble and short light brown hair

Jack McCallister

Activities Director
Gwyn Reduzzi, a white woman with long light brown hair and a large smile

Gwyn Reduzzi

Human Resources Manager

Phil Terry

Maintenance Director
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.”

Meet Our Raleigh Team

Lisa Lee, LNHA

Executive Director
Leslie Judd, a black woman with twisted hair and a very pleasant smile

Leslie Judd

Director of Nursing

Kristen Brininger, PTA

Director of Rehabilitation
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.”

Paige Hickman

Admissions Director

Lance Byrd

Dining Services Manager

Daniel Alicea-Munoz, BSW, MAOM

Director of Social Work
Paige likes to help people. And that’s just what she’s been doing here at Hillcrest since 2011. A Raleigh resident for over 45 years, she’s easy-going, knowledgeable, a great listener and a straight-talker. So when it comes to helping people make difficult decisions, she couldn’t be better equipped. An expert on senior care in Raleigh, she understands what families need to know, while being sensitive to their preferences and concerns.
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, a white man with stubble and short light brown hair

Jack McCallister

Activities Director

Amy Ellis, BS

Human Resources Manager

Phil Terry

Maintenance Director
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.
Warm and personable, Amy always has a smile on her face and the ideal personality for her Human Resources responsibilities. An experienced and efficient Human Resources administrator and benefits manager, Amy is a North Carolina native who lives in Raleigh. She has been a part of Hillcrest’s Human Resources team since 2015. Her ability to establish relationships with staff, built on mutual trust and respect, allows Amy to effectively help staff fulfill their potential at Hillcrest, and to advocate on their behalf should the need arise.
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.”

Meet Our Raleigh Team

Lisa Lee, LNHA

Executive Director
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.”

Shannan Tyner, RN

Director of Nursing
Shannan Tyner, RN, holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNC-Chapel Hill. Shannan believes that helping families overcome the anxiety associated with coming to a rehab and healthcare facility is key to a successful stay. That is why she greets new admissions by saying: “I promise we’ll do all we can to help you feel comfortable and make your stay successful.” As she explains, “Maybe it’s the warm personal interest we take, or maybe it’s our clinical skills. But it doesn’t take long for the people we care for to develop a whole new appreciation for the meaning of quality care – and we’re thrilled that we’re able to improve the quality of life for so many people.”

Kristen Brininger, PTA

Director of Rehabilitation
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.”

Paige Hickman

Admissions Director
Paige likes to help people. And that’s just what she’s been doing here at Hillcrest since 2011. A Raleigh resident for over 45 years, she’s easy-going, knowledgeable, a great listener and a straight-talker. So when it comes to helping people make difficult decisions, she couldn’t be better equipped. An expert on senior care in Raleigh, she understands what families need to know, while being sensitive to their preferences and concerns.

Lance Byrd

Dining Services Manager
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 Alicea-Munoz, BSW, MAOM

Director of Social Work
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.

Tangela Bittle, NCCAP

Activities Director
Our Activities program is a vital part of life here at Hillcrest Raleigh. Tangela is specially trained as a recreation professional. Her extensive experience providing therapeutic recreation programs is ideally suited to develop and manage a program designed to keep our residents active. As she explains, “Activities should be fun and make people happy. That’s why we create an individualized program for each resident based on his or her interests and capabilities. By personalizing their program, we’re able to introduce new and innovative ways for each resident to enjoy a fuller, better quality of life; they get to do more of the things they’ve always enjoyed.”

Amy Ellis, BS

Human Resources Manager
Warm and personable, Amy always has a smile on her face and the ideal personality for her Human Resources responsibilities. An experienced and efficient Human Resources administrator and benefits manager, Amy is a North Carolina native who lives in Raleigh. She has been a part of Hillcrest’s Human Resources team since 2015. Her ability to establish relationships with staff, built on mutual trust and respect, allows Amy to effectively help staff fulfill their potential at Hillcrest, and to advocate on their behalf should the need arise.

Phil Terry

Maintenance Director
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.”