WCBR has a new team to lead the charge in nursing – with Garrett McIntosh as our Director and Liz Richardson the Assistant Director – and so far our community is everything they had been looking for, just as they are what WCBR was seeking.

Garrett is new to this part of the country, having been Director of Nursing at a 120-bed skilled nursing facility in Missouri. He’s quite sure divine guidance brought him here.

Last summer, he and his wife started talking about moving. They went on a wide-ranging road trip around the country with their kids. “We were inspired to try something new,” he says, “and this is the direction in which God led us.”

“We liked the mountains; we liked the beach,” he says. And where they are now, “We can see the mountains, and we are just a couple of hours from the beach.”

But it’s not just about the natural surroundings. WCBR itself drew him to his new job, which involves responsibility for the care that’s offered in our assisted living and healthcare neighborhoods.

“Having a chance to meet Sandy and John and Gary, face to face” is what made the difference. “They understand the importance of a positive, team-oriented culture. A lot of people don’t put an emphasis on that, because it’s not as cost-effective.”

“Again and again, it came up,” he said. “That’s powerful. That’s hard to find.”

Liz Richardson didn’t have to travel quite as far. She was already in Virginia. In fact, she and her husband and their two younger children (they have two older ones, and six grandchildren) had recently moved to a 12-acre home about 50 minutes away, near Orange. She finds the drive from there to Charlottesville an inspiration rather than a chore, as the countryside is “absolutely amazing.”

She was drawn to WCBR first because of its reputation. Before she came here, she knew, “They are regarded as one of the best.”

She was impressed not only by the leadership, but by associates throughout the organization. Since arriving in December, she’s had that impression confirmed, getting to know people in key roles, “most of whom have been here a significant amount of time.” Having 30 years in nursing herself, she immediately recognized the uniqueness of WCBR and the success in maintaining tenure of their associates.

She has found herself the member of an amazing, supportive, cooperative team, with Garrett and other leaders. Speaking of both herself and Garrett, she says “I don’t think we could have found a better match.”

For his part, Garrett says “transparency” is one of the main things that makes a team work – just being open and honest with each other, and doing your best.

He sees WCBR as a great community, and he wants to be a part of making it even better, and that involves listening. “If you don’t like something we’re doing, come and talk with us about it.”

This team is ready and eager to solve any problem.