Our Team
Medicalodges is often one of the largest employers in the communities we serve. We pride ourselves in taking great care of our residents, and our valued staff members.
Our multidisciplined team of professionals is led by our Administrator and Director of Nursing. These two leaders ensure that we provide excellent care to the residents we serve. Other management personnel such as Dining Services Manager, Housekeeping Supervisor, Environmental Services Manager, Social Services Director, and Activities Director work with our fellow team members each day to ensure that we meet and exceed the expectations of our residents, their family members, and the communities we serve.
Many of our team members have dedicated their careers to serving our residents. As a 100% employee-owned corporation, we take great pride in the longevity of many of our staff members. You will find that many have worked for Medicalodges in excess of 10 and 20 years. This is yet another reason that you may place your trust in us.
Amy Higgins
NHA Executive Director
Email: akhiggins@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
30 years
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
26 years
Professional Bio
I was born and raised in Parsons, Kan. I have nearly 30 years of long-term care experience, ranging from CNA to RN. I joined Medicalodges Columbus in 1999 as a charge nurse and was quickly promoted to the Director of Nursing role. I completed my AIT in 2013 and became the facility Executive Director that year. I love working with the elderly and have a passion for teaching CNA and CMA classes to help fill the need of our workforce to provide the highest quality of care for our elders.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
I teach certified nurse aide and medication aide classes for the community.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
I enjoy listening to the laughter of the residents visiting with each other and the staff, and hearing the great stories they share.
Melissa True
Business Office Manager
Email: mdtrue@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
17 years
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
8 years
Professional Bio
Born in Columbus, Kan., I have been in long-term care for 17 years. I left Medicalodges in 2012 and came back where home is. Medicalodges is what I consider home for myself and our residents. I enjoy the people that I work with and the families that we care for.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
I like to read in my spare time and camp with my family.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
I love the smiles that we receive from our residents. Every day when I come to work there are smiles and good mornings.
Karen Perry
RN Director of Nursing
Email: klperry@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
30 years
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
less than 1 year
Professional Bio
Raised in Southeast Kansas, I bring a strong hospital nursing background to my new role in long-term care. Since joining Medicalodges in February 2025, I’ve been dedicated to sharing my nursing experience with our team. My goal is simple: ensuring our residents feel both safe and at home every single day.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
I play the piano, and I love my dogs and camping.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
The family-like atmosphere, the bonding with residents through their stories and knowledge.
Kelsie Foster, RN
MDS Coordinator (Nurse Care Manager)
Email: klfoster@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
9 years
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
3 years
Professional Bio
I’ve called Southeast Kansas home my entire life. I have nine years of nursing experience with the last three being in long-term care here at Columbus Medicalodges. I am passionate about providing the best care to our residents and being there for them and their families to celebrate the victories and provide support in the hard times.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
I enjoy crocheting and other crafty tasks.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
Learning from our residents and their stories. Their life experiences are intriguing.
Rebecca Tillman “Becky” RN
Medical Records, Infection Prevention, Wound Care
Email: rjtillman@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
48 years, in both hospital and long-term care
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
Started here in 1977 and was here 13 years and just returned to this facility this year in March.
Professional Bio
I want to end my career where it began. I have lived in Cherokee County, Kansas for most of my life. I began here at Medicalodges in Columbus my senior year of high school in the laundry department and worked in many positions. I have returned here after 28 years of acute care hospital nursing to bring my knowledge and skills to finish my career where it began.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
I love spending time with my family, especially the grandchildren—taking them places and sharing new experiences with them.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
The family atmosphere. The residents become family and think of the coworkers as their family. It is really nice to know each of them and their families.
Rebecca Bertella, LPN
Gran Villas Operator
Email: rlbertella@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
21 years (6 yrs CNA and 15 yrs LPN)
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
4 1/2 years
Professional Bio
I am from Mississippi, but moved to Southeast Kansas 28 years ago. I have more than 20 years of experience in long-term care. I joined Medicalodges of Columbus because of their great reputation of providing a caring, loving, and compassionate facility.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
I like to dress up in costumes to make people smile and laugh.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
The bonds and relationships I create with the residents and their families.
Richard Parker
Environmental/ Maintenance Supervisor
Email: raparker@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
3 years
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
Less than one year
Professional Bio
Born and raised in Columbus, Kansas, I’ve worked in our area for 30 years. I recently transitioned to my role here at Medicalodge, and I couldn’t be happier.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
I’m a amateur wood worker in my free time.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
I love being appreciated for whatever I do at work, and no one shows appreciation like our seniors. They’re truly the best!
Sandra Robles
Social Services Director
Email: sarobles@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
10 years as a CNA 4 years as SSD
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
4 years
Professional Bio
Born and raised in California, I have lived in Kansas for six years. I have more than a decade of experience as a CNA and 4 years as Social Services Director. I joined Medicalodges to make a difference in our residents’ lives.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
Making a difference in one’s life.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
The chance to make a positive impact on their well-being.
Kesha Clark
Activity Director
Email: klclark1@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
4 years
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
4 years
Professional Bio
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Kanses,. I came into health care as the Activity Director 4 years ago and have since acquired my CNA license, along with my CMA license.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
These residents touch your heart every day, they truly become family.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
I love watching their faces as they accomplish something they never thought they would be able to do again. I love when they realize that not all hope is lost, when they rediscover their joy.
Rebekka Sanchez
Dietary Manager
Email: rjsanchez@medicalodges.com
Years in the Industry
1 month
Years with Medicalodges (at this Facility)
1 month
Professional Bio
I am from all over the United States. I was raised in a military family. I worked in health care for 12 years, and wanted to get back into this field.
Fun Fact or Unique Skill
I’m an artist and like to draw portraits of people.
What do you enjoy most about working in senior care?
I’m still learning my job and like the people so far.