We understand the importance for the golden years to be stress free and filled with love and companionship. With that in mind we have truly created an environment where residents are family. Williamsburg is staffed 24 hours a day with helpful and smiling employees that are ready to assist with any request. Our caring, respectful, and professional staff members are dedicated to our residents and we are passionate about what we do.
Cheri began her journey at Williamsburg Senior Living Community to work part-time while she completed her degree. Her goal at the time was to seek more permanent employment upon graduation. Her supervisors, understanding of her academic commitments, allowed her to work flexibly around her school hours and greatly encouraged her educational pursuits.
As time went by, Cheri became more and more motivated by the Williamsburg family’s devoted and empathetic approach toward their residents; this, combined with completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, caused her to reconsider her career path. She decided to commit herself entirely to Williamsburg and accepted the role of assistant to the Health Service Director.
Recognizing Cheri’s potential, Williamsburg management soon promoted her to General Manager— a role she found immensely rewarding. After serving in this position for four years, Cheri ascended to General Manager in 2019. Reflecting on her 15-plus years with the Williamsburg family, she expresses immense satisfaction with her career choice and struggles to envision a more fulfilling work environment.
Cheri made a career change in 2023 and became the Health Services Director, returning to a role that she found highly rewarding. In August 2024, she stepped into the position of Acting General Manager, where she continues to demonstrate her leadership abilities and commitment to the community. Her extensive experience in various roles within Williamsburg enables her to effectively guide the organization while maintaining her passion for ensuring exceptional care and service for all residents.
Williamsburg had only been open for a year and a half, when Tonia Griffin began her career as the Social Activities Director in 1989. Tonia fell in love with Senior Adults as the Social Activities Director and was here for over 10 years. Tonia then moved forward to complete her degree at LSU working in the telecommunications/technology sales. Tonia’s passion for working with Seniors prompted her return to Williamsburg as the Marketing Director. She is so happy and excited to be back home. Tonia is a native of Baton Rouge and loves running with the local Varsity Sports running group.
Tamika Rhinehart brings a rich background in social work and healthcare to her role as Health Service Director at Williamsburg Senior Living Community. With a formal education in social work from the University of Southern California, Tamika began her career in mental health, providing counseling services to clients with various mental health conditions.
Her professional path led her through several impactful roles, including serving as a Project Director at a Housing Authority where she built a grant program from the ground up. This initiative helped inner-city youth without high school education obtain their GED and gain certification in construction or as CNAs, tracking their progress for a year after graduation to ensure successful employment.
Tamika later worked as a medical social worker at a hospital in Bossier City, where she assisted patients transitioning from hospital care to home settings, coordinating services such as oxygen and home health care.
At Williamsburg, Tamika’s primary responsibilities include ensuring residents’ needs are met, maintaining updated health information, and keeping the facility in compliance with state regulations. She manages medication changes, tracks residents’ whereabouts, and maintains all necessary documentation.
Her approach to resident care is deeply personal. “I see it as coming into their home every day to take care of them. They don’t come to me, I come to the place where they live,” Tamika explains. She strives to be considerate of residents’ unique perspectives and challenges, recognizing that what might not seem significant to her could be a major concern for someone in their 90s.
Tamika is passionate about working with seniors because she believes they deserve peace and happiness in their later years. “I think they’ve had enough hard times in their life, and they’ve lived long enough. It’s time for them to enjoy their last few years,” she says. She’s convinced that happiness contributes to cognitive strength and overall mental health for seniors.
Outside of work, Tamika enjoys reading, watching documentaries, shopping, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Her organizational approach includes using spreadsheets, checklists, and a whiteboard system to track immediate needs, weekly tasks, and ongoing projects, ensuring no resident concern goes unaddressed.
Samantha brings passion for keeping seniors engaged to Williamsburg Senior Living Community. She has worked in nursing homes throughout her career, with a brief time in photography before returning to senior care.
Samantha’s goal is to make sure no resident ever feels bored. She believes small activities, like passing a balloon in the hallway, can bring joy and laughter. She finds creative ways to engage people who might not enjoy traditional activities.
One career highlight was organizing a circus-themed event during “Nursing Home Week” that was featured in the local newspaper. She loves meeting new residents and hearing their stories of travel and adventure.
With nearly 180 residents, Samantha works to find activities that meet different interests. She plans events around national days and themes.
Outside work, she enjoys photography, fishing, and traveling with family. She believes that working with seniors keeps her feeling alive and motivated every day.
Kirkland Collier brings over two decades of extensive experience in the food service industry to Williamsburg Senior Living Community. A graduate of Southern University, Kirkland began his culinary journey in 1998 with Piccadilly, where he dedicated 11 years. He further honed his expertise by working with renowned organizations such as Compass Group, Aramark, and Sodexo, three of the largest food service companies globally. Before joining Williamsburg, Kirkland served as the Resident Dining Manager at Southeastern Louisiana University, overseeing campus dining operations.
Kirkland’s passion for food service is driven by the dynamic nature of the industry and the daily opportunities to create meaningful experiences for residents. He is committed to delivering high-quality meals and fostering a warm, welcoming dining atmosphere. His philosophy centers on preparing meals with the same care and attention he would offer his own family, ensuring that each dish brings joy and satisfaction to those he serves.
Outside of his professional life, Kirkland is a devoted family man. He takes pride in supporting his daughter, who has overcome significant challenges to achieve academic success, including earning a bachelor’s degree and pursuing a master’s. Kirkland’s experiences as a caregiver have deepened his empathy and commitment to enhancing the lives of others, qualities he brings to his role at Williamsburg.
Known for his caring nature and dedication, Kirkland’s approach to food service is not just about nourishment but also about creating moments of happiness and connection for residents. His personal experiences and professional background make him a valuable asset to the Williamsburg community.
Clara Peeler brings 23 years of housekeeping experience (since 2002) and has served in the hospitality industry since 2020. She now applies this background as Housekeeping Director at Williamsburg Senior Living Community. A desire to create more meaningful connections with the people she serves motivated her transition from hospitality to senior living.
Clara follows in the footsteps of her predecessor Margaret, who was known for her dedication and consistency, often working seven days a week. Clara continues this tradition of commitment, including weekend availability, and plans to retire from Williamsburg.
Her approach to housekeeping is personalized and resident-focused. “You have to learn about each resident and their home,” Clara emphasizes. “The way one wants something done is probably not the way someone else wants it done. Your goal is to find everyone’s likes and dislikes making it welcoming for them.”
Clara has introduced several innovations to the housekeeping department, including a deep cleaning service program that has become popular among residents and bringing decorative touches from her hospitality background, such as creative towel folding.
Under Clara’s leadership, the housekeeping team consistently receives positive feedback during monthly community meetings. She takes pride in maintaining high standards that even impress her predecessor during visits.
Outside of work, Clara enjoys floral design, crafting, event decorating, and party planning. A fun fact about Clara: her nickname is “Cricket.”
Her philosophy centers on creating a positive environment.
“How you start your morning is how you end your day. If residents see your happiness, they’ll smile right back at .”
Nathaniel “Trey” Barnes, affectionately known as Trey, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Maintenance Director at Williamsburg Senior Living Community. His journey began in 2005 with a specialization in painting, a craft he honed over 12 years. Transitioning into maintenance roles within apartment complexes, Trey seamlessly integrated his painting expertise with comprehensive maintenance skills.
Since joining Williamsburg, Trey’s commitment and proficiency have been evident. Starting as a painter, he quickly advanced to Maintenance Technician and, within a year and a half, ascended to Maintenance Director—a testament to his hard work and the high regard in which he is held by both residents and staff.
Trey’s approach to maintenance is proactive and resident-focused. He prioritizes prompt resolution of issues, ensuring the community remains a comfortable and well-maintained environment. His philosophy centers on immediate action and thoroughness, reflecting his dedication to excellence.
Beyond his technical skills, Trey is known for his warm interactions with residents. He often goes above and beyond, assisting with tasks like hanging pictures or simply engaging in meaningful conversations, fostering a sense of community and trust.
Outside of work, Trey enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and boating, and values quality time with his family. His hands-on approach and genuine care make him an invaluable asset to Williamsburg Senior Living Community.
