Leadership

Leadership Team

• Erin Kolb, MSW, LCSW, NFA / Chief Executive Officer“It is because of our seniors that I look forward to coming to work each day. I love learning from their life experiences and stories they have shared with me and the Poydras Home team. You could not ask for a more rewarding job.”

  

  With Poydras Home since 2005

  Erin Kolb is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator with more than 20 years of healthcare experience and extensive experience working with the senior population.

   

• Laura Smith, NFA / Senior Vice President of Healthcare Administration / Guide of Gardenia and Heron Houses“I love working with seniors because it gives me the chance to help them maintain some of their independence and better their quality of life. They also have fascinating childhood stories to share. All we have to do is take a few minutes to listen.”

  

  With Poydras Home since 2020

  Laura Smith has more than two decades of healthcare experience spanning from long-term care physician medical credentialing to being a Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator.

   

• Joy Cochran, BSN, RN, CMSRN / Vice President of Health Services / Director of Nursing “Seniors are at a time in their life when they need help but also need to retain their sense of self and independence. I like being able to provide that for them. I feel I am making a positive difference in their lives.”

  

  With Poydras Home since 2017

  Joy Cochran has more than two decades of healthcare experience, working in a hospital setting for most of her career. She was a Medical-Surge nurse for 11 years and then went into education and management before coming to long-term care.

• Tonja Geis, RN / Director of Assisted Living / Guide of Egret House"Providing care goes beyond addressing physical needs. It involves building relationships and creating an environment where elders feel valued and cared for over time."

  

  With Poydras Home since 2024

  Tanja Geis brings 16 years of experience, both in hospital and long-term care settings, to her role.

• Elena Cambre / Director of Memory Support & PHASE Day Program“Having had loved ones living with cognitive changes, I know how important having loving, knowledgeable caregivers is for families and elders experiencing dementia. I love being able to help make someone’s day better, even in a small way.”

  

  With Poydras Home since 2012

  Elena Cambre has worked in senior care for more than 15 years. Since completing her Masters in Gerontology and Program Administration, she has devoted her professional life to advancing best practices for the care of people living with dementia and supporting all those impacted by the illness. She offers community education and caregiver support for Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases.

• Breann Kelly, LMSW / Director of Admissions"After taking care of my grandmother for many years, I knew I had a calling for working with older adults. Getting to know each of the elders and providing support to them at Poydras Home is truly a rewarding experience."

  

  With Poydras Home since 2022

  Breann Kelly is a licensed master social worker. Over the past seven years, she has worked in acute care settings, home health and hospice and understands the value of working in long-term care.

   

• Patty Welsh, LCSW / Social Services Coordinator"Watching my mother care for her parents left a deep impression on me growing up. I am drawn to working with elders now because I honor their vast and varied life experiences and value building meaningful, supportive relationships with them and their families."

  

  With Poydras Home since 2026

  Patty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. A Tulane University alumna, she brings more than 10 years of experience working with elders in hospice and community mental health to her position.

• Dave Wright / Vice President of Hospitality Services / Executive Chef "Learning about the amazing lives of the elders is an invaluable experience that brings meaning and happiness to me at work every day."

  

  With Poydras Home since 2023

  Dave Wright brings his experience at New Orleans Country Club to Poydras Home. Most recently, he owned his own restaurant for the past 10 years. Dave’s extensive knowledge of the culinary landscape of New Orleans and kind demeanor make him an excellent addition to the Poydras Home Leadership Team.

• Lynette Watler / Director of Life Enrichment “I enjoy the elders’ appreciation for you being their caregiver, but most of all I enjoy the jokes and stories we hear from our residents that can keep us both laughing for hours! It’s very rewarding when we are having a great time together.”

  

  With Poydras Home since 1992

  Lynette Watler has worked in healthcare for more than 35 years, transitioning from being a Certified Nursing Assistant to designing seniors’ days through providing Life Enrichment activities and entertainment programming.

• Erica Arnold, MT-BC / Director of Model Integrity / Guide of Begonia and Camellia Houses"I am so thankful to be working with elders, implementing my passion for the arts and meaningful life. Our interactions bring joy into my life, each and every day."

  

  With Poydras Home since 2017

  Erica Arnold is a Board Certified Music Therapist who has worked in healthcare for 20 years, both in mental health and in long-term care. She is Poydras Home’s Model Integrity Coordinator serving to reinforce our delivery of the Green House Project model of care as well as Montessori programming at Poydras Home.

• Don Wheat, CPA / Chief Financial Officer"I have great memories of my great grandmother and her transition into an amazing, assisted living facility and I love being able to play a part on the Poydras Home team and this historic institution."

  

  With Poydras Home since 2023

  Don Wheat has over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting including many years as an audit partner in local and regional public accounting firms. The last seven years prior to joining Poydras Home were as CFO of a large and growing not for profit education organization.

• Jackie Marchand, PhD, HcEM-B / Vice President of Administrative Services & Community Resilience "Being part of the elders' lives is so rewarding. They have so much to offer younger generations in wisdom and experience."

  

  With Poydras Home since 2012

  Jackie has more than 10 years of experience in long-term care. Her PhD studies focused on emergency management and disaster planning for elderly populations. She is a certified healthcare emergency manager.

• Jennie G'sell / Vice President of Human Resources“Growing up, my granny was my hero! She was the best cook and had the best stories. By working with seniors at Poydras Home, I get to experience the same feelings I had spending time with her. This is truly the most rewarding work I have ever done.”

  

  With Poydras Home since 2015

  Jennie Gsell has worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for more than 15 years from restaurants and catering to administration. She also has more than 15 years of direct Human Resources experience.