Leadership

The Spires at Berry College is a visionary, new Life Plan, or Continuing Care Retirement Community, which opened in June 2020 alongside pristine Eagle Lake at the foot of Lavender Mountain, nestled on the campus of Berry College in Rome, Georgia—“America’s most beautiful college campus.”

As a not-for-profit retirement community, The Spires is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of local business leaders. As part of the campus and resident involvement in the College program offerings, plus student involvement in the day-to-day operations of community life, The Spires will maintain a cooperative relationship with Berry College to ensure ongoing enrichment for all.

The Spires offers the security of accessible healthcare services, including renowned medical centers in downtown Rome only minutes away, and spacious apartments and cottages equipped with lifestyle amenities.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT OF THE SPIRES

Ongoing operations of The Spires are managed by Greenbrier Senior Living, offering a client-focused management solution with proven systems at the ready for any and all levels of care.

THE SPIRES AFFILIATION WITH BERRY COLLEGE

For years, Berry College has received requests from alumni and local residents to create a senior living community near campus. The Spires has turned this wish into a reality.

The Spires has developed a strong relationship with Berry College and worked very closely to develop best-in-class programs and amenities for residents. Residents of The Spires are able to access cultural and academic offerings, from lectures and sporting events, to more than 60 miles of hiking, biking and running trails, to the campus’ wildlife. Additionally, lakeside fine dining and a host of recreational and fitness facilities are also available for residents’ use.

The Spires is not owned nor funded by Berry College.

MEET THE TEAM

Laurie Steber

Executive Director

Laurie joined The Spires team in November 2019. She has been in the senior industry for the past 15 years. Serving residents is her passion and delight. Being a part of this amazing Spires team is a dream.

Laurie and her husband Dan Gitomer moved from Chapel Hill, NC. They love being Romans. Making jewelry, shopping and being outside are her favorite things. And, of course, chocolate!

Sara Bingham

Retirement Counselor

Sara Bingham joined The Spires team as a Retirement Counselor in July 2020. She is a graduate of Auburn University (War Eagle!) and has worked in case management and healthcare marketing since obtaining her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies in 2012.

Sara is originally from Woodstock/Canton but has lived in Rome with her husband and four children for the last eight years.

Sheree Williams

Retirement Counselor

Sheree became a part of The Spires family in June of 2020. She has been serving seniors in several different healthcare settings such as geriatric psychiatry, skilled nursing and assisted living for the last 27 years.

She, her husband Phil, 14-year-old daughter, Keziah and sweet baby kitty, Hunter live in the big city of Aragon. Her favorite hobbies are serving with the youth ministry at her local church, shopping and more shopping!

Ben Baker

Sales Support Specialist

Born and raised in Rome, GA and attended Pepperell High School. Upon graduation, I joined the United States Marine Corps. After serving 4 years, I moved to Pensacola, Florida where I married my wife, Samantha. We have 3 children – Jordan (21), Ben (20), and Spencer (11). We also have 2 German Shepherds, Ace and Pepper.

I have spent the last 9 years in senior living and have thoroughly enjoyed helping the greatest generation in transitioning to their homes and lifestyle! I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, fishing, running, travel sports with our youngest, and taking trips back to Florida. I am blessed and so thankful to be joining the team at The Spires!

Christine Earp

Resident Services Director

Christine has been with The Spires since July 2018. Although she grew up in Rome, she has left and returned three times, this time to stay since her children, grandchildren and parents are here.

Christine lives on the family farm with her husband, two dogs and a cat. She is blessed to have all four sons and their families living here in Rome, as well as parents who live at The Spires. When not on the farm, you can find Christine hiking the trails, paddle boarding down one of Rome’s rivers, working on a home improvement project or playing with her grandchildren.

Melanie Saglimbene

Lifestyles Director

Melanie Saglimbene has been in the Senior Living arena for seven years, leading Active Life. However, she has been a Pastors Wife for 30 years, which has offered her many various opportunities to serve seniors in a lot of creative ways! Her philosophy is “Variety is the spice of life!” and “Chocolate fixes everything!” Building relationships through creative events is her passion!

Melanie is living in Cartersville with her husband, Donald, and her mother, Judy, and their senior dog, Lucy. She and her husband have three children, one grandson, Hastings, with another grandson on the way. She enjoys spending time with her family, travel, and going on dates with her husband.

Dianne Willerson

Director of Human Resources

Dianne joined The Spires team in March 2020. She has worked in Human Resources for 10 years but this is her first job in Healthcare. She is loving her job and The Spires and building relationships with our employees and our residents.

Dianne lives in Armuchee with her husband David. They have two children Maggie and Evan. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends at their lake lot.

Joseph Pearson

Director of Facilities

Joseph Pearson joined The Spires team as the Director of Facilities in July 2020. Joseph has 17 years of Maintenance/Facilities experience, 8 of which are in Skilled Nursing Facilities. His favorite part of the job is the relationships made with residents. Joseph has been married to Berlyne Pearson for 7 years, and their family continues to grow with 3 children and one on the way. When not at work you can find Joseph spending time in the outdoors with his family.

Lemarr Gass

Director of Accounting

Lemarr joined The Spires team in March 2020. He has been in the healthcare industry for the past 24 years. Developing relationships with the residents is what he enjoys most about his position. The Spires is truly a dream job and he is excited about coming to work every day.

Lemarr and his wife Susie have lived in Rome for the past 16 years and are active in the local community. They love the community and enjoy all the outdoor activities the area offers.

Nick Lancaster

Healthcare Administrator

Nick Lancaster, LNHA, is the Healthcare Administrator for Magnolia Place. He has been a licensed nursing home administrator for six years. He received his bachelors from Huntingdon College in business administration, and has lived in Rome with his wife and son for the last seven years. His passion is in service by providing the highest quality of life and care to the residents of Magnolia Place.

Julia Barnes

Director of Assisted Living

Julia joined The Spires team in October 2020. She has worked in geriatric long-term care for the last 6 years and feels her passion is with senior adults. Julia lives in Rome with her husband, Ricky, and their two children: Dawson and Hayden. She loves spending time with her family and going on vacations. Julia feels blessed for this opportunity at The Spires and is excited to make a difference in the community.

Kevin Burges

Director of Housekeeping

Kevin joined The Spires team in May 2020. He has spent 15 years in various roles in Housekeeping Services in the healthcare industry across the south. Before healthcare, he spent ten years proudly serving in the United States Navy. His goal is to provide a healthy and clean environment for the residents and visitors at the Spires.

Kevin and his three kids made Rome their official home two years ago. Moving so many times over the past 15 years, Rome was the first city that made him and his feel like they were part of a real community. Outside of serving the Spires, he enjoys home improvement, woodworking, cooking, being a part-time pit master, and just time with his family.

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Leadership

Leadership

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT OF THE SPIRES

THE SPIRES AFFILIATION WITH BERRY COLLEGE

MEET THE TEAM

Laurie Steber

Executive Director

Sara Bingham

Retirement Counselor

Sheree Williams

Retirement Counselor

Ben Baker

Sales Support Specialist

Christine Earp

Resident Services Director

Melanie Saglimbene

Lifestyles Director

Dianne Willerson

Director of Human Resources

Joseph Pearson

Director of Facilities

Lemarr Gass

Director of Accounting

Nick Lancaster

Healthcare Administrator

Julia Barnes

Director of Assisted Living

Kevin Burges

Director of Housekeeping

BE AMONG THE FIRST

CONTACT US