Staff
Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
At Sweetbriar, we’ve put together a team of passionate healthcare professionals with years of experience. We are dedicated to the humanity, dignity and well-being of residents entrusted to our care, and our team acts more as a family than just coworkers.
Executive Director
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Policy with a minor in Psychology from the University of Charleston. Upon completion, she went on to receive her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Marshall University. Jennifer began her healthcare career in sales and marketing, and soon learned her love for the operations side of assisted living. She has been an Administrator since 2016, and a member of the Sweetbriar team since late 2021.
Admissions Director
Jamie Fultz
Jamie began his career in healthcare in 1993 after graduating from Garnet Career Center as an LPN. He joined the Sweetbriar team 8 years ago, and has held a variety of roles including LPN, the Wellness Director, and currently, Sale and Marketing Director. Jamie takes pride in providing each of our seniors with an exceptional experience as they transition into this new stage in their lives.
Business Office Manager
Connie Hager
Connie joined the Sweetbriar team in 2016 as the Business Office Manager. She has an Associates Degree in Accounting/Data Processing and brings over 14 years of business office experience with her. Connie has found her passion in assisted living as she ‘enjoys talking with residents and hearing their life stories and experiences.’ Outside of work, Connie enjoys her faith and spending time with family and friends alongside her husband of 22 years, Chuck.
Recreation Director
April Stevens
April Stevens joined our team at Sweetbriar in 2020. Her role as Recreation Director is driven to provide residents the opportunity for purpose and engaged living. April places an extensive focus on relationships, connection, authenticity and creativity in the workplace. A place that feels like home where laughter can be heard and where purpose, energy and fun can be had.
Culinary Director
Shawna Cook
Shawna has been a team member of Sweetbriar since 2014. She brings a total of 14 years assisted living experience with her. In Shawna’s 7 years at Sweetbriar, she has held several roles which have been instrumental in her development as our Culinary Director. Shawna believes in providing the residents with an exceptional dining experience that feels like home.
Director of Nursing
Melissa Bryant
Melissa grew up locally and obtained a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University in sociology. After working for DHHR and Social Security, she decided to try something new by starting a career in healthcare. Sweetbriar has been her place of work since the beginning of her nursing journey in 2016. During her time as a floor nurse, she received her registered nursing degree and shortly after became the Director of Nursing. These years spent at Sweetbriar have shown Melissa that geriatrics is her true calling. Her passion for the senior living community will continue to help her thrive in this position.
Maintenance Director
Rodger White
Rodger White has accumulated 27 years of healthcare experience including skilled nursing and assisted living. Rodger is licensed as an electrician, in heating and cooling, and plumbing. He brings a wealth of regulatory knowledge as well has hands on experience to the team.