Our Team of Compassionate Caregivers

Sylvie Cotnoir has served as Executive Director of Laurel Place Assisted Living since its doors first opened in 1996. With more than 40 years of experience in senior care and healthcare leadership, Sylvie has dedicated her career to creating a warm, supportive environment where residents feel safe, valued, and truly at home. Prior to joining Laurel Place, she spent ten years as Director of Human Resources at a long-term care facility, where she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of compassionate, resident-centered care.

To Sylvie, Laurel Place has always been far more than a workplace — it is “her baby.” Her passion for helping others, particularly older adults, is reflected in every aspect of the community. From the welcoming atmosphere and close-knit environment to the longstanding staff who provide consistency and familiarity, Sylvie has helped cultivate a place where meaningful relationships flourish and residents are treated like family.

One of the things Sylvie values most is the opportunity to build personal connections with residents and their loved ones. She takes immense pride in the caring culture that defines Laurel Place and considers it a privilege to be part of residents’ lives each day.

Greg Batchelder brings 25 years of healthcare experience to his role as Executive Director of The Inn at Fairview. He is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer with extensive experience in rehabilitation, long-term care, and assisted living.

After graduating from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership, Greg began his healthcare career as an Occupational Therapist. He later served as a Rehab Manager and Nursing Home Administrator before transitioning into senior living leadership. He joined The Inn at Fairview in 2016.

Greg is passionate about supporting families through the memory care journey and helping them find peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving compassionate, personalized care. He values building meaningful relationships with residents and learning about their life experiences and personal stories.

Outside of work, Greg enjoys spending time outdoors, especially golfing, skiing, and paddle boarding.

With more than 30 years of nursing and leadership experience, Amy Valera serves as Director of Nursing at Fairview Senior Living, where she oversees all aspects of resident care and the nursing department. Her primary goal is to ensure every resident’s needs are recognized, addressed, and advocated for, while also empowering staff and providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed. Amy is deeply passionate about serving the senior population within the community she calls home and is committed to delivering high-quality care with expertise, compassion, and respect.

Amy earned her nursing degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1992. Throughout her career, she has built extensive experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and healthcare leadership. Prior to joining Fairview Senior Living, she held both clinical and leadership roles, including serving as Assistant Director of Nursing and Acting Director of Nursing. Her diverse background and dedication to resident-centered care have made her a trusted leader and advocate for both residents and staff.

Amy resides in Hudson, New Hampshire. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her growing family of six children and four grandchildren, with two more grandchildren on the way. She also enjoys trips to the ocean, exploring new restaurants, and listening to live music.

Felicsha Young brings more than 18 years of healthcare experience to her role as Staff Development Coordinator and Infection Control Nurse at Fairview Senior Living. Known for her dedication to education, safety, and compassionate care, Felicsha plays an important role in supporting both residents and staff across the community.

In her position, Felicsha oversees staff training, professional development, and infection prevention and control initiatives. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and well-prepared environment through ongoing education, mentorship, and collaboration. Her commitment to continuous learning has also led her to become a Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor, and she is currently in the process of becoming an LNA Instructor through LNA Health Careers, where she will help teach Fairview’s LNA Training Program.

Felicsha began her healthcare career in 2008 as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), working in a variety of long-term care and rehabilitation settings, including Hillsborough County Nursing Home, Maple Leaf Health Care Center, Bedford Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and The Arbors of Bedford. In 2020, she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from Harmony Health Care Institute and later served as a Care Nurse Supervisor at Benchmark Senior Living until May 2024.

Inspired by the compassionate nurses who cared for her family members when she was young, Felicsha knew early on that she wanted to dedicate her life to helping others. During nursing school, she was recognized for her hard work and clinical skill, earning the Clinical Excellence Award and being named to the Dean’s List.

Felicsha resides in Manchester, New Hampshire. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, attending sports games and concerts, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Michelle Lopez brings more than 40 years of experience in long-term care and rehabilitation to her role at Fairview Senior Living. As Resident Care Director, Michelle oversees the daily operations of the nursing department, ensuring residents receive the highest quality care in a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment. She is dedicated to supporting both residents and staff, and takes great pride in fostering a strong, resident-centered approach to care.

Throughout her healthcare career, Michelle has served in a variety of nursing and leadership roles since 1986, including Resident Service Director, Charge Nurse, and Medication/Treatment Nurse. She joined The Inn at Fairview in 2018 as an LPN and was promoted to Resident Care Director in 2023. Her decades of hands-on experience, leadership, and commitment to resident advocacy have made her an invaluable part of the Fairview team.

Michelle is especially passionate about making a meaningful difference in residents’ lives — whether through providing comfort, offering support, or advocating for their needs. In addition to her work at Fairview, she volunteers with the Nashua Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Southern New Hampshire Emergency Medical Response.

Michelle resides in Nashua, New Hampshire with her husband and three teenagers. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting with her Cricut, camping, and spending quality time with her family.

Eileen Long brings 30 years of healthcare experience to her role as Admissions Coordinator at Fairview Senior Living.

In her role, Eileen oversees the admissions and discharge process for Fairview Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing, working closely with residents, families, hospitals, physicians, and care teams to help ensure smooth transitions into care. She also maintains strong relationships with referral sources throughout the community and serves as a trusted resource for families navigating long-term care options.

Before joining Fairview Senior Living in May 2021, Eileen held a variety of healthcare positions, including 11 years as an Admissions Director and 11 years as a Scheduler. She is passionate about helping people during some of the most challenging times in their lives and believes that compassion, guidance, and attention to detail can make a meaningful difference in the recovery journey.

Originally from Manchester, NH, Eileen enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, as well as relaxing with a good book — especially at the beach.

Leigh Richards brings over 20 years of healthcare experience to her role as Human Resources Manager at Fairview Senior Living. In her role, Leigh oversees the daily operations of the HR department, including recruiting, interviewing, and hiring staff, employee onboarding and development, administering pay, benefits, and leave, enforcing company policies and procedures, and managing employee relations. She is especially passionate about building strong relationships with staff and takes great pride in helping employees learn, grow, and achieve their goals.

Prior to joining Fairview Senior Living, Leigh spent more than 20 years in the travel industry, including serving as a Team Leader at American Express Travel, where she managed multi-million-dollar accounts and earned the prestigious Pacesetter Award for her outstanding dedication and performance. Following the events of September 11th and the major changes within the travel industry, Leigh transitioned into healthcare human resources at Lowell General Hospital, where she worked for ten years and was recognized as a Star Performer for her contributions and commitment.

In 2016, Leigh was recruited to Fairview by a former colleague and has remained an integral part of the team ever since. Originally from Westford, Massachusetts, Leigh has been a New Hampshire resident for more than 30 years. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends at her cottage on Newfound Lake, traveling, playing cards, and relaxing with a nice glass of wine.

Desiree Placey brings more than 18 years of healthcare experience to her role as Director of Rehabilitation at Fairview Senior Living. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the rehabilitation department, leading the team in providing high-quality, personalized therapy services that help patients regain strength, independence, and confidence.

Before joining Fairview, Desiree worked as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant in Hanover and Lebanon, New Hampshire. She joined Fairview in May 2019 as Assistant Director of Rehabilitation and was promoted to Director of Rehabilitation in February 2023. In her role, Desiree is passionate about helping each patient reach their goals, improve their quality of life, and, in her words, “get their power back.” She is committed to creating a supportive, compassionate environment where patients feel encouraged, understood, and cared for as individuals.

Originally from Bradford, Vermont, Desiree enjoys kayaking, camping, live music, going to the beach, watching and attending sporting events, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

As Director of Maintenance at Fairview Senior Living, Don Rankins oversees all maintenance operations at Fairview Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing, The Inn at Fairview Memory Care, and Laurel Place Assisted Living. In his role, he is most passionate about helping the older generation and takes pride in making residents’ lives easier whenever he can.

Don began his career in construction, working alongside his two brothers, who own companies in New London, New Hampshire and Upton, Massachusetts. After looking for a position closer to home, he joined Polyclad Laminates, where he quickly advanced through the company. After four years, he was leading his department; after five years, he became supervisor; and after six years, he was managing more than 40 employees.

In 2008, Don accepted a position at a small 42-bed nursing home. Wanting the opportunity to work with his hands again, his supervisory experience and construction background made him a perfect fit for the role of Maintenance Director. He ultimately joined the Fairview team in 2011.

Don is originally from Milford, Massachusetts. After the Blizzard of 1978, his family relocated to Southern New Hampshire, where he has proudly lived ever since. In his free time, Don enjoys camping, riding motorcycles, playing softball, and spending time with his family.

Joe Melo has been a valued part of the Fairview Senior Living family for over 38 years. While his primary role focuses on building maintenance and upkeep, Joe is always willing to step in wherever he’s needed. Known for his kindness, reliability, and strong work ethic, he brings a positive energy to the community each day. Whether he’s helping a coworker, assisting a resident, or joining in on activities to make residents smile, Joe’s caring nature leaves a lasting impact on everyone around him.

Born in Portugal, Joe enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family outside of work. He also has a passion for camping, biking, and martial arts.

Jill Favereau brings over 30 years of healthcare experience to her role as Director of Social Services at Fairview Senior Living.

Growing up in a family with a strong medical background, Jill’s passion for caring for others was ignited early in life. After graduating from Plymouth State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and minors in Psychology and Child Development, Jill became a Licensed Social Worker in Massachusetts. She began her career working with adults living with Huntington’s disease and traumatic brain injuries before transitioning into geriatric care in both long-term and short-term settings.

Jill has worked at Fairview Senior Living for 15 years. She serves as the medical social worker for the short-term rehabilitation unit, where she works closely with an interdisciplinary team of therapists, nurses, physicians, and outside agencies to help ensure residents receive high-quality, compassionate, and goal-oriented care throughout their stay — from admission through discharge. She also collaborates closely with the long-term care social worker to support residents and families within Fairview Skilled Nursing.

Jill finds great satisfaction in helping residents and families navigate the transition process and ensuring residents have the tools and support needed for success, both during their stay at Fairview Senior Living and once they return home.

Stephanie Saouma has worked at Fairview Senior Living for over 30 years. As Food Service Director, she oversees all operations of the food service departments in Fairview Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing, The Inn at Fairview Memory Care, and Laurel Place Assisted Living. She creates and plans seasonal menus with healthy and delicious dishes made from scratch, and hires, manages, and supervises all food service personnel. She is passionate about testing new recipes, and spreading joy and comfort to residents and staff through her homemade meals.

Stephanie was born and raised in Hudson, NH. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time near the water, and creating fiber art.

Joanna Quigley brings over 20 years of healthcare experience to her role on Fairview Senior Living’s Social Services team. She works closely with residents and their families to provide guidance, support, and compassionate care, helping ensure each resident’s individual needs are understood and met with dignity and respect.

Joanna discovered her passion for long-term care during an internship in Concord, New Hampshire. After earning her degree in Recreation Therapy from the University of New Hampshire in 2002, she began her healthcare career as an Activities Assistant before relocating to Florida in 2004. There, she spent ten years serving as a Dementia Unit Program Director in long-term care, where she developed extensive experience supporting residents living with memory impairment and their families.

In 2014, Joanna returned to New Hampshire and continued her work in social services at a long-term care community in Hampton before joining the Fairview family in January 2016.

Originally from Mont Vernon, Joanna enjoys spending time with her family and brings a compassionate, family-centered approach to her work each day at Fairview Senior Living.

Missy Pinard brings over 35 years of experience in clinical nutrition and management to her role as Registered Dietitian at Fairview Senior Living. She is fully licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and ServSafe certified.

Missy has worked at Fairview for over 18 years, where she is a valued member of our interdisciplinary clinical team. Her primary responsibilities include completing full nutrition assessments for residents, attending family and care plan meetings, and working closely with the Food Services Department to ensure the nutritional adequacy of all meals. She also works closely with the MDS Coordinator to assist with MDS assessments. In her role, Missy is most passionate about the relationships she has formed with residents, many of whom remind her of her grandmother.

Missy graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Nutritional Services and completed her internship at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience in long-term care, acute care, and psychiatric care before ultimately joining the Fairview family in 2008.

In her free time, Missy enjoys cruising, camping, traveling, crafts, and spending time with her family.

Diane McLay brings over 40 years of nursing experience to her role at Fairview Senior Living. As MDS Coordinator, she is responsible for completing comprehensive resident assessments and helping to develop individualized care plans that support each resident’s unique needs and overall well-being.

Diane earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University.

Candace Bobb brings more than a decade of experience in environmental services and senior care to her role at Fairview Senior Living. She first joined Fairview in 2012, inspired by her family’s deep connection to the community. Her mother, Cindy — who was deeply loved by residents and staff alike — dedicated 18 years to Fairview as Director of Environmental Services. Candace’s grandmother was also a resident, and her sister worked as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA). After spending time in California, Candace returned to Fairview in 2021 and stepped into her current role following her mother’s retirement in 2024.

As Director of Environmental Services, Candace oversees the daily operations of the department, helping to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for residents, families, staff, and visitors. She takes great pride in maintaining high standards throughout the community and is passionate about creating an environment where residents feel comfortable, cared for, and at home.

Originally from Nashua, Candace is the proud mother of six children, who keep her busy and bring great joy to her life. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and making lasting memories together.

Diana Peralta brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience to her role as Business Office Manager at Fairview Senior Living. Inspired by her passion for helping others, she has dedicated her career to supporting residents, families, and staff while helping ensure the community operates smoothly behind the scenes.

In her role at Fairview, Diana oversees the day-to-day operations of the business office with efficiency, compassion, and attention to detail. She takes pride in contributing to a positive, welcoming environment and values the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and their families.

Originally from Fitchburg, Diana enjoys hiking with her dog, trying new recipes, and attending live music events in her free time.

Yunting Li is a compassionate music therapist who specializes in supporting older adults, including individuals living with dementia. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music, with a minor in Psychology, and has completed advanced training in Neurologic Music Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Yunting’s clinical training and internship at Hebrew SeniorLife gave her experience working with diverse populations, including children with autism, adults with developmental disabilities, and seniors with dementia. This background has shaped her thoughtful, person-centered approach, allowing her to tailor each session to residents’ needs, abilities, and preferences.

At Fairview, Yunting uses music to encourage emotional expression, cognitive engagement, movement, and meaningful connection. Whether residents are singing, playing instruments, listening to familiar songs, or simply enjoying the moment, she creates a warm and welcoming space where everyone can participate in a way that feels comfortable and joyful.

A skilled vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Yunting incorporates a wide range of musical styles into her sessions, including pop, R&B, musical theater, cool jazz, and traditional Chinese music. Originally from Beijing, China, she is passionate about using music to enhance quality of life, spark memories, and bring joy to older adults.

Joy Griggs brings 30 years of experience in mental and behavioral healthcare to her role as Program Director at The Inn at Fairview. A Certified Dementia Practitioner, Joy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health with a minor in Psychology from Rivier University and has dedicated her career to compassionate, person-centered care.

Widely regarded as the heart of The Inn, Joy leads the community’s programming with exceptional care, creativity, and attention to detail. From daily activities and special events to meaningful one-on-one moments with residents, she creates experiences that foster comfort, purpose, connection, and joy. Her warmth, dedication, and ability to build genuine relationships with residents and families alike have made her an invaluable part of the community.

Joy’s passion for caregiving began in high school while volunteering at a day program for developmentally disabled adults, where she was later hired full time as a Job Coach overseeing social and recreational programming. She later served as Site Manager at Vinfen and spent 12 years at North Suffolk Mental Health as both Program Coordinator and Senior Program Coordinator. Inspired by her oldest brother, who has Down Syndrome, Joy developed a lifelong commitment to helping individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered.

Outside of work, Joy enjoys camping and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Anoli Bragdon brings a wealth of experience in recreation and community engagement to her role as Activities Coordinator at Laurel Place Assisted Living. With a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Anoli’s career began in youth camps and evolved into leadership roles, such as Assistant Director of Programming at a New Hampshire camp in the early 2000s, and activities staff for a prominent cruise line in the 2010s.

At Laurel Place, Anoli plans, organizes, and executes a diverse calendar of activities designed to enrich residents’ lives, enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being while fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. She is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that make Laurel Place feel like home.

A proud New England native, Anoli enjoys spending time with family and friends, rehabbing her home, learning new hobbies (currently, it’s playing the cello!), and spoiling her cats.

Amanda LaForge is the Activities Director at Fairview Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing, where she brings energy, creativity, and compassion to her work each day. Drawing from her background in education and lifelong love of dance and creative expression, Amanda designs engaging, person-centered programs that support residents’ social, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

Amanda earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Endicott College in 2019 and began her career as a teacher. Her classroom experience helped shape her thoughtful and inclusive approach to senior living, creating activities that are meaningful, enjoyable, and tailored to residents’ unique interests and abilities.

Amanda joined Fairview in 2022 as an Activities Assistant and quickly discovered a passion for enriching the lives of older adults. In 2025, she stepped into the Director role, bringing with her a strong sense of purpose, a heart for connection, and a deep commitment to creating a vibrant, welcoming community for residents.

Originally from Lynn, Massachusetts, Amanda now lives in Nashua, New Hampshire. Outside of work, she enjoys reading mystery novels, spending time outdoors, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Elle brings 15 years of experience in public relations, communications, and digital marketing to her role at Fairview Senior Living. As Director of Marketing and Social Media, she leads and oversees strategic marketing initiatives, social media management, public relations efforts, and community outreach.

Originally from Orlando, FL, Elle graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Media/Communication Studies before beginning her career in television production in New York City, working with NBC, cable networks, and independent production companies. She later transitioned into public relations and marketing, working with hospitality, lifestyle, and consumer brands throughout New England.

Elle joined Fairview Senior Living in March 2020, where her passion for storytelling and community-focused marketing aligns naturally with her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults and their families.

She currently resides in Franklin, TN with her two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, watching horror movies, cheering on New England sports teams, and spending time with family and friends.