Meet the Team
Our Team
We pride ourselves on providing residents with clinical excellence and “compassionate care with heart” in their journey to recovery. Our newly built facility sits safely on the hospital campus of Woodland Park, CO. With gorgeous mountain views, everyone is sure to find Forest Ridge Senior Living a relaxing and enjoyable environment. Our friendly and highly trained nursing staff provides an encouraging and comfortable stay for all. For both short-term guests and long-term residents, we offer an exceptional setting ensuring a positive experience for you and your family. Whether you need rehabilitation, long-term skilled care, memory care, or in-patient hospice stay, Forest Ridge is sure to make you feel right at home. We look forward to answering any of your questions, and welcome you to Forest Ridge.
Administrator
Jerrick Payne
Chief Operations Manager
Valerie McAfee BSN RN
Director of Nursing
Valerie McAfee joined the Forest Ridge team in April of 2022. Valerie is an RN and has experience in pediatric nursing as well as long term care nursing. Valerie is a certified Director of Nursing Services and Infection Preventionist. Valerie grew up in Texas and moved to Colorado in 2019. Valerie enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 sons playing golf, hiking, skiing, and playing with her 3 mini Australian Shepherds.
Amanda Christensen BSN RN
Director of Nursing Assistant
Jamie Hutchins RN
Clinical Reimbursement Coordinator
Jamie Hutchins began pursuing an education in nursing after being a homemaker and home educating her 4 children. Jamie began working in Colorado Springs at a skilled nursing facility as a charge nurse and then became a primary care nurse for a hospice organization. When Forest Ridge Senior Living opened, Jamie was among the first group of nurses hired. Jamie came on as Resident Assessment Coordinator in June of 2016. In her years at Forest Ridge, Jamie has worked in the capacity as Director of Nursing, Transitional Care Manager, Resident Assessment Coordinator, and Infection Preventionist. Through her work at Forest Ridge Senior Living, Jamie desires to honor the Lord by serving others — the residents, their families, and the Forest Ridge staff. This desire is summed up in a statement often heard at Forest Ridge Senior Living — “Compassionate Care with Heart.” When Jamie is not working, you will find her exploring the beauty of Colorado or playing Disc Golf with her husband or spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Matthew Berlin
Director of Rehabilitation
Lauren Kent
Business Office Manager/ Human Resources Manager
Lisa Dunston-Higgs
Activities Director
Lisa Dunston-Higgs Activities Director, joined the Forest Ridge team in 2022 as an activity assistant. Lisa is also certified as a nurses aide, restorative aide, and dementitia care. She has worked in long term care for many years. and was nominated in the spotlight on excellence in 2020. Lisa also has a back ground of working in the school system. Lisa is a Colorado native. When not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 dogs being outside working around the house, camping and off roading the many trails in Colorado. Lisa takes every opportunity to spend time with her nieces and nephew. Lisa loves being a voice for our residents and making their home the best it can be.
Martina Kent
Dietary Director
Martina has been a part of the Forest Ridge team since 2020 and worked as a dietary aide, dietary manager assistant and now is the Dietary Manager. Martina has a passion for ensuring the residents have delicious and nutritious food. When not working, Martina enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Melissa Snyder
Social Service Director
Linmary
Housekeeping/ Laundry
Bob Reynolds
