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Meet Our Friendly Staff
Gail Blankenship
Office/ Human Resources Manager
I came to Mars Hill Retirement Community in April of 2002. I brought with me 6
years of experience in the field of office management and human resources.
George and I have been married for 35 years and we reside in the Laurel
Community of Madison County. We have 2 adult children Jackie Dale and Cathy.
I soon discovered that working with the elderly is far different from working
with the highway construction industry! In the past 5 years, I have found that
the employees here at MHRC are some of the most caring people I have ever met.
Our staff are truly “angels of mercy”.
I am very happy to be a part of the team here at Mars Hill Retirement Community.
If I can be of any assistance to you or your family please call me
(828.689.7981).
Edward Redden
Dietary Production Manager
Everybody calls me Bud. I have been in the Food Service
Industry for 15 years and have had the pleasure of working with some Great Chefs
of Western North Carolina.
The past 9 years my focus has been in the Health Care Kitchen. I can help you
with special treats you may need from the kitchen to make you feel good and feel
healthy.
I just recently Married (February 14, 2004) and my Bride and I reside right next
door in Yancey County.
We have a great staff hear at Mars Hill Retirement Community, and we are looking
forward to that little something special from the kitchen that makes you feel
special!
Donna Cole
Activities Director
I have worked in management for the last 18 years. I became acquainted with the
assisted living industry when I started working as an Activities Assistant for
Mars Hill Retirement Community. I enjoyed it so much; I decided to pursue this
career path further. I became a certified Activities Director at Asheville
Buncombe Technical College.
I assumed the role of Activities Director for Mars Hill Retirement Community.
I find my career very rewarding and self- gratifying.
Tina Boone
Director of Nursing
I joined the team here at Mars Hill Retirement Community in
October of 2007. I brought with me 26 years of nursing experience. Most of
my career was spent at Mission Hospital where I worked in a variety of areas and
worked with all age groups. I also worked in home health care and office work.
I am a native of Madison County and currently live just over the Madison County
line. I truly enjoy my job here at Mars Hill Retirement Community.
The staff is terrific and has made me feel very welcomed and at home.
The residents are great and I feel fortunate to work here.
Phillip Garrison
Buildings and Maintence Director
I am a lifelong resident of Madison County, and began my career at Mars Hill
Retirement community in March, 2000 just before the facility opened. My
responsibilities at MHRC include all aspects of building and grounds
maintenance, housekeeping, transportation, and general facility upkeep.
Jennifer and I have been married for 18 years. We have 3 sons: J.T. age 15,
Chandler age 9 and Matthew age 4. I enjoy coaching my son’s baseball
teams, Masonic duties/activities, fishing and spending time with my family.
Teresa K. Hammack
Marketing Director
Coming from the islands of Aloha – I learned at a very early age, the value of
hospitality, presentation and quality.
The last 30 years, I have traveled extensively throughout the Southern US,
including California and Mexico. I have worked with some of the most gifted
professionals in the country.
I was led to Madison County by its beauty and Majestic Mountains. What
I found was family!
I have been with Mars Hill Retirement Community since it opened in 2000 serving
as the Dietary Manager and now also as the Marketing Director.
The Ammons’ family, the staff, and the residents have all made me feel so
special and so cared for that I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
I am glad you are visiting our web site and I hope you visit Madison County and
Mars Hill Retirement Community soon, so you can feel the love as well!
Rick Pridgen
Administrator
Welcome! I am delighted you are interested in Mars Hill Retirement Community! We
have much to offer your family.
I was born and raised in Wilson, NC a small town very much like Mars Hill. I reside in the town of Mars Hill and feel very fortunate to be
a part of a college community environment. I am the proud father of 21 year old,
John. He is now attending UNCW.
Lesa McKinney
C.N.A. Supervisor in Charge
I have worked in the healthcare industry for the last 20 years and became a
Certified Nursing Assistant in 1991. I love working with the residents at MHRC.
There is not one resident; I wouldn’t take home with me!
Sam and I have been married for 20 years and are life-time residents of
Madison County. We have 4 children; Erin, Kelly, Wendy, and Dwain, as well as 3
grandchildren.
Everyone I work with at MHRC is great! We are more like a family than anything
else!
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