We have had some excitement as well as sadness at the Board recently and wanted to bring you up to date.

 We would like to welcome the board's newest staff member, Kristie Mascarella.  In June of this year, Mary Alice retired and Kristie Mascarella was hired as the new Assistant Executive Director.  Kristie has a Masters in Healthcare Administration and became licensed as a Nursing Facility Administrator in January of 2013.  

Shortly after Thanksgiving, our Board Chair, Earl Thibodaux suffered a heart attack and passed away after a valiant fight on December 11th.  Mr. Thibodaux or "Mister T", as many people affectionately called him, was in Long Term Care for 36 years and left a legacy of Love and compassion for those that knew and worked for him.  His favorite parting was "Peace and Joy".  On a personal note, I began working for Mr Thibodaux in May of 1995 when hired as Administrator of Heritage Manor of Houma.  As my Regional, I watched him build a tight knit and loyal team in his South Louisiana homes.  He continued to grow and excel until he became President of Pathways South, LLC.  In 2006, he was nominated by the Governor to serve on our board.  I can say that in the 26  years that I worked for him, I always knew that I could call him with any problem at any time.  There is a huge void for our LTC community in Louisiana but it is time for those that worked and knew him to pay it forward to the next generation of Administrators.  

 Our Vice Chair, Mr. Jamie Shelton has accepted the position as Board Chair and I have no doubt that he will do a great job.  His 30 years experience and his desire to continually improve Long Term Care make him the right person for the position.  

We would also like to welcome our newest Board member, Mr. Cullen Brewer who has taken the place of Mr. Malcolm Tietje.  In December, Mr. Tietje retired from Louisiana Department of Health.  We wish him the best in retirement.  

On a separate topic, I have begun to receive questions regarding Continuing Education for the upcoming registration.  Please note that all CE may be done online for this upcoming re-registration.  

We will be offering our Preceptor training class on February 16th.  If you are interested in attending this, please contact Kristie Mascarella in order to assure a seat for the next class.

Our next NAB Review Seminar will be offered on February 14th and 15th.  If interested in signing up for this class, please call Kristie Mascarella at 225-295-8571.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to call.

Kindest Regards, 

Mark A. Hebert