The Laurels of Hilliard 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 Hilliard, 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 Hilliard 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 Hilliard 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.

Valerie McConnell, Director of Nursing

Valerie McConnell was born in Newark, Ohio and is a graduate of Licking Valley High School, where she graduated one year early. Valerie began her career in the skilled nursing industry during high school as a Dietary Aide and has been in health care ever since, holding various positions, including: Accounts Payable, Medicare Billing and Payroll. In addition to skilled nursing experience, Valerie also has acute care experience, having worked at Licking Memorial Hospital. Valerie worked as a State Tested Nursing Assistant while obtaining her LPN from Central Ohio Technical College. She then worked as an LPN for eight years, ultimately being promoted an Assistant Director of Nursing position while obtaining her RN license from Ohio University. She has several years experience as a Director of Nursing in the Columbus Market and has been with The Laurels of Hilliard since February, 2011. Valerie currently resides in Nashport, Ohio with her two sons, Jaiden, 11 and Cohen, 3. Valerie and her sons have two dogs and enjoy fishing, camping and other outdoor activities.

Jessica Kline, Director of Marketing

Jessica has been in healthcare Marketing since 2007, getting her start at a hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. She has been in long-term care in the Columbus market since 2009. Jessica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from Ohio University and specialized in Advertising, Management and Public Relations. She currently resides in Dublin, Ohio and enjoys playing with her god-daughter in her free time. She has a passion for healthcare and loves having a role where she can both help people and serve the community.

Chris Puskar, PT, Rehabilitation Services Director

Chris Puskar began his role as Rehabilitation Services Director at The Laurels of Hilliard in September, 2011. Prior to his current position at The Laurels of Hilliard, Chris worked as a Regional Director of Rehabilitation Services for eight years throughout the states of Ohio and West Virginia. Chris is a graduate of Youngstown State University, where he was a four-year letterman on the Men's Tennis Team before earning his bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy in 1999. He currently resides in Pickerington with his wife and two children.