Meet the Team

Meet Grace Team!

John Grace grew up in Wamego Kansas and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Washburn University in Topeka and then a Master’s in Studies in Aging from the University of North Texas. From 1979-1984 he was the first Executive Director of Meadowlark Hills, a newly constructed continuing care retirement community in Manhattan, Kansas. In 1984, Grace became the President of the Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, a trade association serving 150 not-for-profit aging service providers in Kansas and served in that role for 20 years. In 2004 John began providing management and development services to aging service across the nation.

John R. Grace, Founder (retired)

Ryan J. Grace, President

Ryan is responsible for developing new client relationships and, together with the CFO and COO, overseeing and guiding GraceTeam’s services, including consulting, development, and management. Prior to GraceTeam, Ryan worked as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator for Ascension Senior Living, Prime Healthcare and Santa Marta, a Catholic diocese sponsored life care community. He also worked for 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.

Eric is responsible for the financial and managerial accounting services of the organization and its management clients. As part of project development services, Eric provides financial modeling and pro forma services as well as working with banks in securing short and long-term financing. Prior to Grace Team, Eric served as a partner in the national senior living consulting firm, ARI. He has been in involved in new developments, management consulting services and operational assessments for numerous nonprofit, senior living clients around the nation. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is also a licensed adult care home administrator (inactive).

Eric Huebert, Chief Financial Officer

Dana Rice, Chief Operating Officer

Dana Rice serves as our Chief Operating Officer and offers operational guidance to all of our Administrators. Prior to joining Grace Team, Dana worked for the Good Samaritan Society of Sioux Falls South Dakota for 21 years. She began her career as an Administrator at the Minneapolis Good Samaritan Center in Kansas and then served as a Regional Manager, Quality Services for their 160 facilities nationwide. Dana graduated from KSU in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Secondary Major in Gerontology and Long-Term Care Administration. Dana shared, "My passion is focused on person directed care and changing our industry towards this model of care."

Melissa joins Grace Team with 13 years of experience as Administrator plus additional years of experience working in Human Resources at Peabody Health and Rehab. Outside of work, Melissa is a mom to two grown children, Cody and Corin and "Mimi" to two grandsons Koen and Parker. Melissa and James, her husband of 26 years, enjoy living as the 6th generation in their family farmhouse outside of Cedar Point. When Melissa is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, working on the farm, and gardening.

Melissa Parmley, Regional Executive Director

Chrystal Richmond, Regional Clinical Consultant

Chrystal has dedicated her career to long-term care, starting in 2004 as a CNA and progressing through roles as a CMA, LPN, and RN. With over 20 years of experience, she has excelled in various leadership positions, including Skilled Rehab Nurse, MDS Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Director of Nursing. Now a Regional Nurse Consultant with GraceTeam, Chrystal collaborates with community teams to develop and implement policies, procedures, and training programs that improve care quality, compliance, and staff development. Her journey reflects her deep commitment to person-centered care and empowering healthcare teams. She shares, “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.”

Reesa supports Grace Team Directors of Nursing and interdisciplinary leaders as a Regional Clinical Consultant for Western Kansas. She has served in a variety of roles within skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, including 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. She cares deeply for elders and is dedicated to helping teams maintain regulatory compliance, foster person-centered care practices, and implement effective systems that enhance quality of life while reducing risk.

Reesa Legleiter, Regional Clinical Consultant

Teresa Tallant, Regional Environmental, Wellness, & HR Consultant

Teresa supports locations in the areas of Environmental Services, Safety, HR and Wellness. She has broad range of hands on experience and leadership that brings great value to the team. Teresa has over 25 years in the industry and shared, “I love to use my experience to guide others in their achievement of success.”

Tammy supports locations with implementation of Graceful Living, Leadership training, and staff recruitment. Tammy manages the Kansas apprenticeship program at all our locations and is excited to offer this as a workforce pipeline. A Kansas native, Tammy graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1994 with a bachelor’s of science in psychology and a minor in sociology. Tammy spent the early years of her career working in the mental health field before becoming a nursing home administrator in Smith County in 2011. “I’m excited to bring my passion of small homes, elder centered living and staff empowerment to all of our GraceTeam locations. Creating culture is the key.”

Tammy Pettijohn, Regional Graceful Living & Workforce Consultant

Jona Freel, Marketing and Fund Development Consultant

Jona supports our communities with census building, promotion/marketing, and fund development efforts. Jona has 25 years of experience in the industry, 14 of these as a regional consultant for a 6 state area. Jona is involved in helping communities share their work of providing person centered care and positive team environments. Jona shared, "Helping others to be successful is my passion. Building relationships is key!"