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:

Melisa Lang, Administrator

administratorWL@advenagroup.com

With 15 years of long-term care experience, I have served as Administrator since April 2020, overseeing our daily operations. I am responsible for staffing, financial management, marketing, outreach, and supervising the care of our community members. With a deep background in federal, state and local standards for long-term care, I am passionate about patient-centered care and creating a home-like environment for our community members. My career experience also includes working as an occupational therapy director in a long-term care facility and as a pharmaceutical rep.

Whitney Gray, Social Service Director/Admissions/Marketing

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.

Deborah McGehee, Health Information Manager

medicalrecordsWL@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, but my job of choice is health information. I am passionate about making sure that our staff has all the documentation they need to provide our community members with the best care.

Juana Berry, MDS Coordinator/ Infection Control Specialist

I’ve been in the healthcare field for more than 25 years. I got my CNA/CMA in 1998. Shortly afterward, I graduated from Wichita Area Technical College with my LPN degree. I’ve been a hospice nurse for over 10 years. In July 2020, I became our MDS coordinator. My goal for the near future is to become a successful RN.

Catherine Sook, RN, Director of Nursing

donWL@advenagroup.com

I started my career here in July 2020 as the Assistant Director of Nursing, becoming Director of Nursing in May 2021. I am responsible for leading, supervising and developing the nursing personnel and communicating with community members, families and physicians as needed. My nursing experience includes a background in acute care and medical surgery. I often bring my dog Theo to work to cheer up the community members and staff. As a vegetarian, it’s also my goal to advocate for healthy choices for our community members.

Kristi Jones, Business Office Manager

bomWL@advenagroup.com

I have served in this role since March 2020, bringing more than 10 years of healthcare administrative experience. I assist in the implementation of company policies and procedures. I also manage and oversee the administration of HR policies, programs and practices within the company, and I maintain accounts payable, receivables and monthly billing. After earning bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration and health science, I gained experience in the clinical research world and decided to obtain a master’s degree in business administration. I’ve lived in Wichita since 2005.

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.

Danielle Harris, Activities Director

Born and raised in Wichita, I have been in the healthcare field for more than 15 years. I received my CNA license in 2006, then became an SSD in 2013. Healthcare is my passion. I began my current role in April 2021, and a few weeks later I received my certificate as an activities director. My goal is to become a successful life coach for healthcare workers. I’m a people person and always open to meeting new people who I can learn from.

Cary McClellan, Maintenance Director

maintenanceWL@advenagroup.com

I started with Advena on Woodlawn in 2018 as a maintenance technician and became Maintenance Director in August 2021. I have worked in maintenance for long-term care facilities since 2015. I oversee all things maintenance and housekeeping, and I really enjoy the daily interaction with the staff and community members.

I was born and raised in Tulsa, Okla., and have lived in Wichita since 2001. After graduating from high school, I attended Butler County Community College. When I’m not working, I spend time with my big family – 14 siblings and too many nieces and nephews to count!

Debra Lowry, Certified Dietary Manager

I have been a Dietary Manager since 1983. I have an associate degree in Dietetics from the University of Florida at Gainesville. I have an advanced certificate in Food Management from the University of North Dakota. I am a member of the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals. I have been Central district president of Kansas for ANFP for the past 4 years, I am state treasurer for Kansas ANFP. I have been a Certified Dietary Manager since 1999. I have been a manager in Michigan, Illinois, Vermont, and Kansas. I love working with my residents.

Tiffaney Brown, Transportation Manager

Tiffaney Brown has been with Advena Living on Woodlawn since 2012. Tiffaney brings over 25 years of healthcare experience with her. She started her journey with healthcare in high school when she received her CNA and then became a medical assistant in 2001. She then joined the company in 2012 as a CNA and moved to Transportation in 2018.

When Tiffaney is not working she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Tiffaney has a great bond with every resident in the facility and she is the first person they meet upon admission, and we would not have it any other way.