The Laurels of Blanchester Staff

Our Staff

What differentiates one skilled nursing & rehabilitation center from another? The answer is... the people who work and reside there! The people set the tone, the atmosphere, and the expectations. At The Laurels of Blanchester, we take great pride in ensuring that everyone feels like part of our family, and that they are treated as special "guests" in our home.

The Laurels of Blanchester employs a team of highly qualified medical professionals, including a Medical Director, Registered Nurses, Restorative Care Nurses, a Wound Care Nurse, state tested Certified Nursing Assistants, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and a Speech Therapist. Our on-site Rehab, Dietary, Social Work, and Activities departments provide personalized and compassionate care to each guest. From the moment you walk through the front doors, the warmth and caring of the staff will begin to gain your trust and confidence, as they strive to exceed your expectations.

Unlike other facilities that use "contracted" staff members, each member of the team at The Laurels of Blanchester is directly employed, not "contracted". Each Team Member takes great pride in portraying "The Laurel Way of Caring", as they strive for excellence in providing only the highest standard of care and services to every guest, and to every family member and visitor. Come on in! Visit a while! Let us show you our very best... let us show you The Laurel Way.

Lori Byrom, LNHA, Administrator

Lori was born and raised in Highland County. She graduated from Lynchburg-Clay High school. Following High School, Lori graduated from Chatfield College in 1995, with an Associate's Degree in Business Management. She then received her Bachelor's degree from Wilberforce University. Prior to joining The Laurels, Lori had been employed in the healthcare field as Admission Director, Marketing Director and Social Service Director. Lori began her career working for Laurel Health Care Company in 2001, as the Director of Marketing at The Laurels of Hillsboro. She then became the Asst. Administrator in 2004, and Administrator in 2005. Lori subsequently transferred to The Laurels of Blanchester in 2010. Lori is a member of the Highland District Hospital Foundation Board, Hillsboro Rotary and Kentucky Colonels. In her own words, Lori "strives to make sure family ties don't end during a nursing stay and that families are a part of decision-making process. My goal is to make a difference in our guest's lives every day"

Rod Bradford, RN, Director of Nursing

Rod is originally for West Virginia and now resides on the east side of Cincinnati, OH.  He attended Marshall University and graduated from Southern State Community College with an Associate's Degree in Nursing.  Rod has been the Director of Nursing at the Laurels of Blanchester for almost 5 years.

Jana Wells, Director of Marketing

Jana Wells joined The Laurels of Blanchester in April of 2010. Although she is new to The Laurels, she has lived in this area all of her life. A native of Lynchburg, Ohio she has spent most of her working career in the banking industry. Jana brings over 20 years of extensive customer service and sales skills to her new position. Jana is excited to be working for The Laurels of Blanchester and for having the chance to make a difference in the lives of the guests and their families.

Beth Baker, COTA, Rehabilitation Services Director

Beth was born and raised in Bethel, Ohio.  She graduated from Bethel Tate High School in 1987 and then attended the University of Cincinnati earning an Associate of Arts in Social Services in 1989.  Beth graduated from Cincinnati Technical College in 1991 with an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy.  Beth has worked in Long Term Care for 16 years.  She lives in Bethel with her 2 daughters.