OUR LEADERSHIP

Desi became executive director in January 2022, but she’s not new to the PMMA system. Desi joined Salina Presbyterian Manor in July 2008, became the health services director in May 2013 and served as executive director from July 2017 to May 2020. She is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, Kansas, where she serves as a volunteer member of the School of Nursing Advisory Board. She received her licensed practical nurse training at North Central Kansas Technical College, Beloit, Kansas. In 2019, she was a member of the LeadingAge Kansas Center for Leadership.

Chris joined Presbyterian Manor in June 2021. Prior to joining Presbyterian Manor, he worked in senior Medicare sales for four years, telecom sales and consulting for 7 years and worked in media and marketing for 5 years. Chris has an associate of arts degree in business management from Texas State Technical College and was once a Kansas Licensed Private Investigator. He is involved in the Topeka Civitan group, serves as media coordinator for his church and volunteers in multiple areas for the needy. When he is not working, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and tinkering with his project car and his project boat. He also loves to scuba dive and snorkel.

Stacey joined Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in May 2022 after spending some time working with children. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She's been a behavioral health technician and interventionist. Stacey enjoys being active, running and hiking with her three dogs. She hopes to one day become certified in animal-assisted therapy.

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Director of Nursing Wade Walckner returned to where it all began. Wade's first job in the community was in 1997 as an LPN. He left to pursue other opportunities in healthcare and returned as an agency nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, he came back full-time because of his love of our community. And fun fact -- Wade met his wife at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor during his first stink. "I proposed to her in front of our residents. It was incredibly meaningful and memorable," he recalls.

Brian started working with Cura Hospitality in October 2021 but has been in the food service industry for many years, as a chef and food services director. Brian has volunteered with the Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals (ANFP), and has prepared others to take the national Certified Dietary Manager's exam. He's a Registered Dietetic Technician, a Certified Dietary Manager, and is studying to become a Registered Dietitian.

Kim joined Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in October 2019. She previously worked in senior living and for adult protective services for the State of Kansas. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan., and a master’s of arts degree in aging studies from Wichita State. She is a licensed bachelor’s social worker (LBSW).

Bailey joined Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in August 2020 as an administrative services assistant and was promoted in November 2021. She is CPR certified and started volunteering with hospices when she was 12 years old. She also spent time as a sales volunteer for the Shriners' Circus in Topeka. Bailey is a self-taught artist and was accepted into her high school's Advance Technical Theatre program during her junior year as "Make-up/Hair Designer and Chief." She contributed to five productions including Oklahoma and Macbeth.

Lisa joined Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in December 2022. She previously worked as an HR Specialist at a Topeka senior living community. She also has more than 20 years of experience working with the state of Kansas, including the Department of Transportation, Department of Revenue, and the Kansas State Gaming Agency. Lisa holds Master's Degree in Management and Leadership from Friends University. Outside work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and being outside taking nature pictures.

Claude joined Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in January 2023 but he's very familiar with our community and our organization. He's been the director of environmental services at Emporia Presbyterian Manor since October 2012. He has many years of experience in long-term care and he previously taught Life Safety for Healthcare Facilities at the Geriatric Research Training Institute in Olathe, Kansas. Before coming to Kansas, he worked in environmental services for a school district in Iowa for 18 years and served in the United States Navy for seven years. He and his wife have two grown daughters and grandchildren and he enjoys spending time with them.

Rev. Richard "Rick" Russell joined us in October 2022 after a 20 year career serving as a chaplain in hospice care. His previous career means he's been familiar with Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for a while after spending quite some time here for bible study, memorial services, and other activities. When not working, Rev. Rick enjoys fishing and spending time with his family, including his wife of almost 40 years, two children and four grandchildren.