Caring for the Valley

If you were making a list of the largest private employers in the North Platte Valley, there’s a surprising one you may have overlooked: the Saratoga Care Center.

When the Platte Valley Healthcare Project (PVHP) took over ownership of the Center recently, they learned, among other things, that it has 45 full- and part-time employees.

According to Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Leanna Jones, that makes the Saratoga Care Center one of the Valley’s five largest private employers.

According to Trina Shirley, business office manager, Director of Nursing Stephanie Ponish and Assistant DON Robert Curtis head a staff of 11 nurses or LPNs, in addition to a staff of 12 CNAs directed by Lead CNA Sarah Irby.

Nutritious meals and snacks flow from the kitchen under the leadership of Dietary Director Lana Sanchez and a staff of four dietary workers, while housekeeping is managed by Kylee Conseen and a staff of four who also help out in the kitchen when needed. Sanchez is also in charge of social services for the Center.

Laramie Peak Therapies, also part of the Saratoga Care Center, includes Tammy Lane, OT/Therapy Manager, PT Brad Ferguson and PTA Elizabeth Brown. Activities Director Angie Cooley and two assistants help keep residents from being bored — especially challenging in the long COVID-19-related lockdown.

In addition to Shirley in the main office is Mark Pesognelli, administrator for the management company, Health Management Services, and Maintenance Supervisor Gary Lankford.

“It takes a lot of people working together with care and attention to detail to keep the Saratoga Care Center running as successfully as it has for as long as it has,” said Sonja Collamer, PVHP board member. “Everyone there is looking forward to having new, spacious and up-to-date facilities for long-term care when the hospital is complete.”