Meet the Team

Meet the People Behind Grace Team

Experience matters. But so does the person bringing that experience to the table.

Our team brings decades of experience across senior living and long-term care—but what connects us is something more important: a belief in people, a commitment to relationships, and a desire to help organizations and the people within them thrive.

We don't simply bring expertise. We bring people who care about your people.

Leadership & Management

RYAN J. GRACE | PRESIDENT

Building relationships and helping organizations bring their vision to life.

Ryan leads Grace Team's relationships with current and prospective clients and, alongside the CFO and COO, helps guide the organization's consulting, development, and management services.

Before joining Grace Team, Ryan served as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator with Ascension Senior Living, Prime Healthcare, and Santa Marta, a Catholic diocese-sponsored life care community. He also worked with ARI, a national long-term care consulting firm.

Ryan is a graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management and a Master's of Public Administration.

"I enjoy building relationships with people who are trying to make a difference and helping turn their vision into something real. The most rewarding part of what we do is coming alongside organizations, solving difficult problems together, and making a difference."

ERIC HUEBERT | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Helping organizations make informed financial decisions and build sustainable futures.

Eric leads Grace Team's financial and managerial accounting services for the organization and its management clients. He also provides financial modeling and pro forma development, supports project development, and works with banks to secure short- and long-term financing.

Prior to joining Grace Team, Eric was a partner with ARI, a national senior living consulting firm. His experience includes new development, management consulting, and operational assessments for nonprofit senior living organizations across the country.

Eric holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and is a licensed adult care home administrator (inactive).

“What I value most about my work is knowing that what we do behind the scenes helps organizations better serve their elders and the communities they represent.”

DANA RICE | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Helping leaders strengthen operations while keeping people at the center.

Dana serves as Grace Team's Chief Operating Officer and provides operational guidance and support to our Administrators.

Before joining Grace Team, Dana spent 21 years with the Good Samaritan Society of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She began her career as an Administrator at the Minneapolis Good Samaritan Center in Kansas before becoming a Regional Quality/Performance Improvement Consultant and then the Manager of Quality Services supporting 160 facilities nationwide.

“My passion is helping leaders be successful by empowering and equipping their teams to make improvements and provide personalized care to make life better for the elders we serve!"

MELISSA PARMLEY | REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Helping communities strengthen leadership while honoring the people and relationships that make them unique.

Melissa brings 14 years of experience as an Administrator, along with additional experience in Human Resources and the Business Office.

As a Regional Executive Director, Melissa works closely with Grace Team Administrators, providing guidance and support with daily operations, leadership, and the challenges that come with leading a senior living community. She serves as a resource and sounding board, helping Administrators navigate challenges and strengthen their teams.

Her experience as a community leader gives her a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing senior living and long-term care organizations.

"I do what I do because I genuinely enjoy people and the relationships I’ve been fortunate enough to build throughout my career in long-term care. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is being able to walk alongside our Administrators as they grow into their leadership roles. I love being someone they can call, talk things through with, learn from, and lean on when things get challenging. Seeing their confidence grow and watching them become strong leaders is incredibly rewarding to me."

Clinical & Operational Expertise

CHRYSTAL RICHMOND | REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL OPERATIONS

Helping teams strengthen clinical excellence, compliance, and person-centered care.

Chrystal has dedicated her career to long-term care, beginning in 2004 as a CNA and progressing through roles as a CMA, LPN, and RN. Over more than 20 years in the industry, she has served in leadership roles including Skilled Rehab Nurse, MDS Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Director of Nursing.

Today, Chrystal works alongside community teams to develop and implement policies, procedures, and training programs that improve care quality, compliance, and staff development. Her experience reflects a deep commitment to person-centered care and empowering healthcare teams.

“It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together."

REESA LEGLEITER | REGIONAL CLINICAL CONSULTANT

Helping clinical teams provide quality care, strengthen compliance, and create better experiences for elders.

Reesa supports Grace Team Directors of Nursing and interdisciplinary leaders throughout Western Kansas. Her career in skilled nursing and long-term care has included roles as a CNA, LPN, RN, MDS Coordinator, Clinical Care Leader, Director of Nursing, and Regional Clinical Reimbursement Specialist.

Reesa holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from Kansas State University, an Associate Degree in Nursing from North Central Kansas Technical College, and certification as a Kansas Social Service Designee.

“I’m passionate about caring for elders and helping teams provide person-centered care while maintaining compliance, strengthening their processes, and enhancing quality of life.”

TERESA TALLANT | REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY & HR CONSULTANT

Using experience, guidance, and practical support to help teams succeed.

Teresa supports Grace Team communities in Environmental Services, Safety, and Human Resources. She brings more than 30 years of industry experience along with a broad range of hands-on and leadership experience.

Teresa enjoys using her experience to guide others and help them achieve success.

“Supporting others as they expand their knowledge and achieve professional growth is my greatest motivation."

Culture, Workforce & Development

TAMMY PETTIJOHN | REGIONAL GRACEFUL LIVING & WORKFORCE CONSULTANT

Helping communities build cultures where elders thrive and staff feel empowered.

Tammy supports Grace Team communities through Graceful Living, leadership development, and staff recruitment. She also manages the Kansas apprenticeship program across Grace Team locations, helping create a workforce pipeline for the future.

A Kansas native, Tammy graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. She began her career in mental health before becoming a nursing home administrator in Smith County in 2011.

Tammy is passionate about small-home environments, elder-centered living, staff empowerment, and creating strong cultures.

“I’m excited to bring my passion for small homes, elder-centered living and staff empowerment to all of our Grace Team locations. Creating culture is the key.”

JONA FREEL | MARKETING & FUND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

Helping communities build relationships, grow their census, and find resources to advance their mission.

Jona received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in psychology. She brings over 30 years of experience in the senior living and long-term care industry, enjoying 20 years as a regional consultant serving communities across a six-state area.

Jona is passionate about helping organizations share their stories, build meaningful relationships, and highlight the person-centered care and positive team environments they provide.

“Helping others to be successful is my passion. Building relationships is key!”