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.
Dee Crow
Administrator
Dee has a background in nursing. She was a medic in the army and has worked in the school system, hospitals, and nursing homes. She brings a wealth of nursing home knowledge and a deep compassion for caring for the elderly and their families. She has strong leadership skills to encourage the Forest Ridge team to excel in compassionate care with heart. Dee is a Colorado native and grew up in the Westcliff area. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Misty. Her door is always open so feel free to stop in and say hi.
Wendy Peel
Transitional Care Manager
Wendy Peel was born and raised in Minnesota. She moved to Colorado in 1988. Wendy was a stay-at-home mom of 4 and decided to get into the medical field when her youngest was 5 years old. Wendy attended IntelliTec College Pueblo and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 2006 with an Associates of Science in Medical Assisting. Wendy has a passion for caring for others and joined the Forest Ridge team in August 2022. Wendy enjoys crafting, movies, sports and spending time with her children, grandchildren and her dog Walter.
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.
Jay Mass BSN RN
Assistant Director of Nursing/ Infection Preventionist
Jay Mass joined Forest Ridge Senior Living on September 30th, 2024. Jay received her RN in 2008 and BSN in 2014. Jay brings 16 years of nursing experience to the team. Jay has practiced nursing in several areas to include Labor & Delivery, Cardiac Care, Home Health Care, Correctional Nursing, and Long Term Care Nursing. Jay grew up in Iowa and moved to Colorado in 2017. Jay enjoys spending time with her husband, 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 3 pups, and 3 kitties.
Jamie Hutchins RN
Resident Assessment 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.
Shane Kenne
Director of Rehabilitation
Shane grew up in Nebraska but moved to Colorado in 2012 after graduating from Clarkson College. He enjoys and has always had a passion for working with the geriatric population. He has been providing physical therapy to the geriatric community since graduating in 2012. Outside of work, Shane lives in Florissant, Colorado and enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He also enjoys going on hikes with his family, hunting, fishing and all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer.
Christi Conner
Business Office Manager/ Human Resources Manager
Christi has chosen healthcare as her career for the past 34 years, starting as a nurse’s aide in Missouri. After arriving in Colorado, she obtained her gerontology certification and her Assisted Living Administrator License at UCCS. Christi was quickly recognized for her skills and was promoted to a regional business office consultant overseeing multiple Colorado and New Mexico facilities. When Forest Ridge opened, she decided to quit travelling to spend time with her family. Here at Forest Ridge, she currently manages both the Business Office and Human Resources Departments. Christi brings great knowledge, passion and compassionate care to the residents, family members and employees of our Forest Ridge family. Her passion and love of the profession carries over to her co-workers who nominated her to the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce employee of the year in 2022. Christi won this distinguished award with grand accolades from the community and her co-workers combined. In her spare time Christi can be found hiking the local trails, reading a great book, playing with her dog and spending time with her spouse, son and seven grandkids.
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.
Scott Swanson
Environmental Services Director
Scott was raised in Minnesota. Scott has been with Forest Ridge Senior Living since 2020. He began as an Environmental Service Director Assistant. In 2023 Scott transitioned into the role of Environmental Service Director. Scott has experience in the construction industry. When working you can find Scott working on many home projects, at the river, or spending time with his family.
Donna Copeland
Social Services Director
Donna Copeland grew up in Texas and moved to Colorado in 2019. Donna has over thirty years working with the geriatric and special needs community. After her daughter started school, she decided to go back to school herself. Figuring out the field she wanted to study was difficulty, but she decided to focus on psychology and earned her bachelor’s degree. Donna has been a part of the Forest Ridge Team since June 2022. Donna is married with one adult daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Donna lives in Green Mountain Falls and enjoys spending time with her family and two Shih Tzus dogs. Donna also enjoys walking, gardening, reading, crocheting, and anything that involves her grandchildren.
Michael Dunphy
Human Resource Director
Michael is a Colorado native and has a background in human resources. Michael has earned several trophies in tennis. Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.