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Welcome to our new health services director

Leigh Ayers, Emporia’s new health services director.[/caption]

We’re pleased to welcome Leigh Ayers as our new director of health services! Leigh got to know our community while doing clinical practice for her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program.

“I loved being here. It was a joy to be able to come back week after week and work with the same residents. It was an incredible learning opportunity,” Leigh said.

Leigh joined our team in July. She took over the HSD position from Deb Thornton, who retired. “I have big shoes to fill,” Leigh said. “Deb Thornton was an excellent director, and I was fortunate to have her mentor me through the transition process.”

Before she pursued her nursing degree, Leigh had a long career in social services. She worked for a child welfare organization for 17 years, first in a residential facility for children in State of Kansas custody. She later worked in human resources and training. When she went back to school for nursing, she worked at her father-in-law’s store, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

In addition to her BSN from Emporia State University, Leigh also holds a bachelor’s degree from ESU in English with an emphasis in journalism, and a master’s of science in management from Baker University.

Here at Emporia Presbyterian Manor, Leigh said she is focused on keeping our quality standards and ratings high. She also hopes to drive advancement in the state’s PEAK program, which recognizes achievements in person-centered care in adult care homes. Please be sure to give her a warm welcome!

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