Directions / Map >The Laurels of Norworth 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 Norworth, 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 Norworth 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 Norworth 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.
Rodney Stearns, LNHA, Administrator
Rodney grew up in Toledo, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. He completed his Administrator in Training program at First Community Village where he spent his first 4 years in long-term care. He started with Laurel Health Care Company in 2001 as Administrator at The Laurels of Worthington. In 2005, he transferred to The Laurels of Norworth where he has been serving as the Administrator ever since. Rodney has served on various boards and committees that include: the Board of Trustees for the Worthington Chamber of Commerce, the Alzheimer's Spring preview committee, and the Worthington Business/School Partnership Committee. He is currently active on the board for The Ohio State University's Core of Knowledge program and sits on the President's Board for Laurel Health Care Company.
Michelle Bennett, Director of Nursing
Michelle Bennett was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. She moved to Ohio in 1989 to attend college, where she graduated from Capital University in 1998 with a B.S.N. in Nursing. Her nursing career began in Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital. She was drawn to work in long-term care in 2007 and has held several jobs that included Staff Development Coordinator, Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing and several years as a Director of Nursing. She returned to Stuttgart, Germany where she spent 2 ½ years as a school nurse & teacher. Michelle recently returned to Ohio from Dallas, Texas. She has a girl and a boy ages 17 and 15. She enjoys being in Columbus and is a huge Buckeye fan!
Diane Held, Director of Marketing
Diane grew up in Wheeling, W.Va. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marketing and Merchandising from West Virginia University. She began her career with The Harts and Big Bear Company in Columbus, Ohio as a junior buyer in their corporate office. After several area store closings, she decided to change career directions and earned her Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Columbus State Community College. After 5 years working as a Respiratory Therapist, she was recruited by Endo Pharmaceuticals as a sales representative. After nine years in the pharmaceutical industry, she was drawn to work in long-term care by the need to return to patient contact. Diane feels that the Director of Marketing position is the perfect marriage of all her previous learned skills and experiences. It combines sales and marketing with the ability to help patients.
Yolanda Adams, OT/L, Rehabilitation Services Director
Yolanda Adams is a native of Columbus, Ohio and a graduate of The Ohio State University where she received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Allied Health Sciences with a specialty in Occupational Therapy. Since her graduation in 1995, Yolanda has spent her entire professional career in Geriatric Rehabilitation. As an Occupational Therapist, Yolanda's specialty is in Cognitive Impairment and has developed programs for her patients to improve independence and quality of life while living with dementia. Since 2003, her focus has been in management responsible for implementing multiple programs in all rehab disciplines. She is also involved in several community outreach programs. Yolanda is a wife and mother of two beautiful children.