Celebrating the Nurses Behind the Leisure Care Difference

May 18, Alissa Sauer

At Leisure Care, health services have always been about more than just meeting physical needs. Especially in assisted living and memory care, true wellness means understanding the whole person, their routines, preferences, relationships, life story, and what helps them continue to feel connected, confident, and purposeful each day.

That approach is only possible because of the compassionate, highly skilled nurses and care teams who support residents every day across our communities. From helping residents navigate changing health needs to offering reassurance to families during transitions, nurses play an essential role in creating the warmth, dignity, and sense of belonging that define the Leisure Care difference.

In honor of National Nurses Month, we’re proud to spotlight four incredible nurses from our home office team whose leadership, expertise, and passion continue to shape the care and wellness philosophy across Leisure Care communities. Their work not only supports residents and families but also helps empower the community teams delivering thoughtful, person-centered care every day.

This National Nurses Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to nurses everywhere for the compassion, dedication, and care they bring to the lives of others every single day.

Meet the Leisure Care Health Services Team!

Candace Ortega, RN
Senior Health Services Director

With nearly two decades of nursing experience, Candace began her career in a skilled rehabilitation setting at Lemay Ave Health and Rehab in Fort Collins. Candace was inspired to pursue nursing by family influence, following in the footsteps of her grandparents. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to advocating for residents and patients—an aspect of nursing she identifies as her greatest source of pride.

She is passionate about ensuring residents feel safe and supported, and values education and connection with both residents and families. Candace also recognizes the challenges of the profession, including burnout, and brings both experience and empathy to her leadership.

Her advice to new nurses emphasizes exploring different areas of nursing to find the right fit, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the field.

Outside of her professional role, Candace enjoys afternoon tea, travel, and spending time with her cats.

Sylvia Brown-Smith, LPN
Corporate Health Services Nurse

Sylvia Brown-Smith is a dedicated nurse whose passion for caregiving began early—first inspired by her grandmother’s work as a nurse and shaped by hands-on experience as a hospital volunteer at age 13. She began her career at Portage County Nursing and Rehab Center and takes pride in making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents, families, and colleagues.

Known for jumping in to help wherever needed, Sylvia is committed to ensuring every individual feels seen, heard, and valued—not just as a patient, but as a person. She encourages new nurses to prioritize their well-being, build strong support systems, and find the areas of nursing that truly recharge them.

Outside of work, Sylvia enjoys the outdoors, reading, music, and early mornings—often starting her day with a sunrise.

Hilary Patterson, LPN
Corporate Health Services Nurse

Hilary Patterson has dedicated her career to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, inspired early on by her experience working in a skilled nursing facility as a CNA and the encouragement of a trusted instructor. With a strong foundation rooted in both personal influence—following in the footsteps of her mother, an RN—and hands-on clinical experience, she has built a career defined by compassion and leadership.

She began her clinical journey in long-term care, working as a CNA/PCT in a skilled nursing environment before advancing into nursing leadership as a supervisor in a high-acuity memory care setting. These early experiences shaped her commitment to quality care and team development. Hilary takes the greatest pride in the impact she and her teams have on residents’ daily lives. She is especially passionate about supporting Health Services teams in delivering high-quality care and putting best practices into action across communities. Her approach emphasizes connection—taking time to truly know residents, listening, and creating meaningful moments that enhance quality of life.

Throughout her career, Hilary has been continually inspired by the wide range of opportunities within nursing and the many paths the profession offers. She is a strong advocate for collaboration and support, encouraging new nurses to lean on their teams and not navigate challenges alone.

Known for her thoughtful, relationship-centered care, Hilary helps ensure residents feel seen, valued, and supported every day.

Laura Parker, LPN
Corporate Health Services Nurse

Laura has wanted to be in healthcare for as long as she can remember. When she was four, she was already fascinated by the human body and how to help people feel better. That passion led her to enroll in a Health Sciences program at 15, where she became a CNA and started working in a skilled nursing community. She loved the work, but knew she wanted to do more—so she became a Medication Aide and eventually returned to school to become an LPN.

Her first nursing job was at Meridian Nursing Home in Comanche, Oklahoma, where she built the foundation for the nurse she is today. Over time, her role has grown, and now, as a Corporate Health Services Nurse, she is most proud of the peace of mind she can give, not just to residents and families, but also to the communities and HWDs. If there’s one thing that defines how she cares for people, it’s listening. She knows that while it might seem small, it makes a big difference. Taking the time to truly listen helps residents feel confident sharing what they need, and it builds trust with families and teams.

One thing that surprised her about nursing is how much she would love it. What started as an interest has turned into something incredibly meaningful and rewarding. Her advice to new nurses is simple: listen, follow through, and be honest about what you can deliver. Trust and respect come from consistency and accountability—even when things don’t go as planned.

Outside of work, she enjoys collecting Titanic memorabilia, spending time with her five cats, and most importantly, being a mom to her two amazing sons—they are her “why” and the reason she continues to show up every day ready to make a difference.