Community Leadership

Advena Living on Woodlawn celebrates the importance of ethics, compassion and commitment in the healthcare profession as we honor our nurses, volunteers and staff, who demonstrate such passion and dedication to our community members every day.

Our staff works side-by-side with families and physicians to ensure our community members are in the most appropriate care setting, customized for their needs and preferences. Our licensed professionals are available to answer questions and address any concerns you or your family may have.

Please feel free to contact our key staff members about our services:

Whitney Gray, Director of Social Services

socialservicesWL@advenagroup.com

I have worked with Advena since 2010. I started as a CNA and received my certification for Social Service Designee in 2013. I have been in this role ever since and have taken on responsibility for marketing and admissions as well. As a CNA for more than 15 years, I am dedicated to ensuring that every community member receives the care and resources they need to thrive. I am excited about the growth and direction of Advena, and I look forward to growing along with them.

Lottie Johnson, Director of Marketing & Admissions

marketingWL@advenagroup.com

Caring for my grandmother alongside my family as she battled Alzheimer’s struck a passion within me at a young age that I wanted to help others. My official career in healthcare began with the role of part-time private duty caregiver. In 2013, I decided to go out on a limb and try a full-time position within a nursing facility. I have continued my career path in long-term care ever since.

I remain passionate about serving others, doing the right thing, and striving to provide a person-centered experience to residents. Since 2018 I have been working in the areas of marketing and admissions. It really is a beautiful thing when a passion and a career come together. I am honored to be serving the Advena Living on Woodlawn community.

I am a lifelong Kansas resident who relocated to the Wichita Metro area in 2021. Outside of work I enjoy loving and being with my family, time on the lake, exploring Kansas, photography, books, and coffee.

Deborah McGehee, Concierge

activitiesWL@advenagroup.com

I spent my childhood on the family farm near a small route town in northwest Arkansas. My career as a caregiver began in my early teens with my grandfather. I got my first job as a CNA in 1977 and have worked in long-term care ever since. I studied psychology and nursing at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. I have been employed here since February 2001 and have served as CNA, RA and Activity Director and Health Information Officer.

Sheila Shugart, Director of Nursing Assistant (DONA)

donaWL@advenagroup.com

I grew up as a kid doing bible study and volunteer work in nursing homes. As I got older, that made me want to help those who couldn’t help themselves and make a real difference in people’s lives, “young or old.” I’ve been hooked on helping others ever since.

I became a CNA in 2001, obtained my Activities and Social Service’s Certificate in 2014, and I recently obtained my CMA in March of 2022. I started at Advena Living on Woodlawn as a volunteer in 2012 teaching bible study and I have a long-standing employment history in this community since 2013. Since 2012 I have done CNA, Central Supply, Activities, and Transportation.

I am currently the DONA (Director of Nursing Assistant) which includes a variety of task assisting the DON/ADON. I’m excited to continue learning different aspects in this role.

Jayden Kelly, COTA, Therapy Director

A native of Arkansas City, Kan., I started my career here in July 2020 as a caring and passionate occupational therapy assistant helping patients overcome barriers and enhance their lives by adapting to their disabilities. I earned my associate’s degree in occupational therapy as well as a bachelor’s in healthcare science at Newman University. As Therapy Director, I oversee the therapy department for all three disciplines: providing quality care to patients, excellent care planning, and promoting a positive clinical environment to meet program standards and guidelines. I enjoy building relationships with our patients and seeing them excel in therapy to meet their goals.