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.
Dana Barney brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in elder care to Williamsburg Senior Living Community. Together with her husband, she co-founded and operated a successful in-home care business, providing compassionate services to the elderly and developmentally disabled. Dana’s commitment to enhancing the lives of those she serves has been a driving force throughout her career.
In her role as Health Services Director, Dana focuses on the overall health and wellness of our residents. She is passionate about building personal relationships and ensuring that each individual receives attentive and empathetic care. Dana’s nurturing nature and calm demeanor contribute to a comforting environment, fostering a sense of peace and well-being among residents.
Outside of her professional life, Dana enjoys spending quality time with her family. She and her husband are avid outdoor enthusiasts, often engaging in activities such as fishing and boating. Dana also has a passion for gardening and cherishes moments spent in nature. Her love for the outdoors and commitment to family reflect the values she brings to her role at Williamsburg.
Monica was born and grew up in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. She got married and had two daughters. Monica worked for many years at the East Ascension Telephone Company. She quit working for the telephone company and moved to Alabama. She lived there for ten years. “Roll Tide” is a phrase Monica loves to use to tease the die-hard LSU fans.
When she returned to Louisiana, Monica began volunteering at Williamsburg and eventually became a private caregiver. She soon realized that Williamsburg was a part of her. When a position became available in activities she quickly applied. Monica has had many jobs in her past, but feels that Williamsburg is her present and future. She loves all the residents and enjoys seeing them having fun.
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.
As the Director of Housekeeping, Margarette’s mission is to provide a safe and clean environment for the residents of Williamsburg. She supervises and assists the housekeepers that clean each Independent Living Apartment once a week and each Assisted Living Apartment twice a week. That’s in addition to keeping the rest of Williamsburg beautiful every single day.
Margarette has been with Williamsburg for over 25 years which makes her the longest tenured employee that is currently on staff. Her smile and positive personality is remarkably contagious. You can’t help but come away from any interaction with Margarette feeling great. All of this in addition to her amazing work ethic has made Williamsburg that much more of an amazing experience for all our residents.
Margarette lives in Baton Rouge and enjoys watching classic movies and TV shows as well as listening to old music. Her eyes light up when she starts talking about stars such as Betty Davis and Natalie Wood, as well as musicians like the greats Otis Redding and the “Man in Black” calling Johnny Cash by his nickname. She quickly named “Leave it to Beaver”, “Andy Griffith”, “Gunsmoke”, and the more recent “Full House” as wonderful wholesome shows that she loves to watch.
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.
