MARC VORKAPICH,
PRINCIPAL & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Marc’s calling to senior living began in 1991 during a volunteer experience that instilled a passion for ensuring excellence in serving seniors.

Prior to assuming executive leadership roles, Marc honed his skills working with some of the nation’s leading health care providers developing a depth and breadth of knowledge in start up and turnaround initiatives, sales, and operations management. As VP of Sales and Marketing, Marc developed the “RISE model” to drive a collaborative approach to strategic planning. Working with teams in identifying opportunities for improved performance Marc has launched reorganization strategies resulting in explosive census growth during times of economic downturn and industry-wide occupancy decline.

As a first time Chief Operating Officer and then President and CEO of a regional operating company, Marc focused his efforts on cultivating Servant Leaders. By inspiring trust his teams enjoyed dramatic improvements in Net Operating Income (NOI), record high occupancy levels, and won numerous national awards for excellence. Marc was honored to receive the Servant Leadership Award from his peers in recognition of his significant contributions in successfully driving culture change across the company.

Today, Marc brings to Watercrest Senior Living Group more than 20 years of accomplishment in acute care, long-term residential, and outpatient settings. Leading a team of well established industry experts in the design, development, and operations of senior living communities, Watercrest’s new community development pipeline is approaching $500 million and more than 30 communities throughout the southeast.

When asked what the he believes is the key to success? Marc is quick to say, “Our people.” Adding… “Our collective values will determine the extent to which our collective vision is realized.  Being a beacon of quality in senior living is the result of welcoming, caring for, and serving others.”

Marc holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from Virginia Tech and is currently considering thesis topics in completion of a Masters in Health Care Administration from Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, Marc is driven to publish the “RISE Model” as well as other practical applications of Value Centered Leadership for aspiring executives. Residing in Vero Beach, Florida, Marc is blessed with the love of his life, Kathryn, their son, Chandon, daughters, Palmer and Saylor.

JOAN (“JOANIE”) WILLIAMS,
PRINCIPAL & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

When presented with the opportunity to enter the senior living industry in 2007, Joanie was thrilled to bring her 25 plus years of leadership experience to serving seniors. She is a seasoned operationally oriented CFO with a successful track record of bringing financial discipline and leadership to each of high growth, well-established, startup and turnaround situations. Joanie brings to Watercrest Senior Living Group the ability to make immediate improvements on cash flow, operating efficiencies, financial reporting and controls, human resource utilization, and strategic planning. She oversees Watercrest’s finances with the highest level of compliance, integrity and credibility in financial reporting. Joanie has comprehensive, in-depth knowledge and experience across all Corporate Finance functions, accounting, Treasury, Risk Management, Information Systems and Human Resources. Drawing on her relationships with clients, investors and bankers, Joanie brings significant experience to Watercrest Senior Living Group in M&A and raising capital (private equity, private debt, bank debt and bond financing).

Joanie has built very strong teams using her keen ability to recognize talent and develop and mentor associates. Her passion is to share her knowledge and best practices with her teams enabling them to excel and attain their personal goals. She has a Servant heart and works tirelessly to improve systems and trains continually to ensure excellence. “I understand that everything I do as CFO should ultimately translate into higher quality of care for our seniors.”

Joanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Joanie has been married to her husband Phil for 41 years and they have two grown children and Joanie’s 101-year-old dad lives happily at Watercrest Winter Park.  Joanie and Phil enjoy their home on the water and traveling to exotic places whenever Phil can get Joanie off the golf course.

JOHNITA JACKSON,
Vice President of Clinical Operations

I was born in Philadelphia, PA and moved to Florida at the age of 10. I have always had a passion for helping people. I started my career in the healthcare field as a Medical Assistant for over 20 years. Over those years I worked for many physicians throughout Palm Beach County, FL. Becoming a Registered Nurse was my childhood dream and in 2006 I decided to return to school to pursue this dream. I received my Nursing Degree in 2009at which time I began my career in senior care as a floor nurse in a skilled nursing facility before being promoted to Nurse Manager for the Rehab Unit. It is in this role that I fell in love with caring for seniors. After 4 years as a nurse manager I accepted a position as the Health and Wellness Director for a 175 bed Assisted Living Facility. In this role I excelled as a leader. I am passionate about Nursing Leadership because I love to assist nurses in reaching their full potential and providing exceptional care to our seniors during their “Golden Years”. I am a mother of 4 young adult children. I currently reside in Port Saint Lucie, FL with my husband. I enjoy hosting gatherings for family and friends, cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles Football team and shopping for my daughter’s clothing boutique.

KALEIGH PETREE,
Vice President of Sales Operations

With over a decade of experience in senior living sales, marketing, and operations, Kaleigh Petree is a dynamic executive known for building high-performing teams and fostering strong, purpose-driven cultures. Her journey began as an activities volunteer and evolved through nearly every role in the industry, giving her a deep, hands-on understanding of both people and process.

 Kaleigh leads with integrity, consistency, and a humble heart—believing that real leadership is about showing up the same way every day, especially when it’s hard. She is passionate about mentoring others, elevating workplace culture, and aligning strategy with meaningful impact.

Her greatest inspiration in leadership came from her stepfather, Joe Cain, whom she lost to ALS in 2022. His legacy lives on in her core values and leadership style, which are grounded in humility, compassion, and strength.

 She’s also a proud advocate for organizations like the Georgia Senior Living Association and the ALS Association—always striving to be a voice for progress in the field.

Kaleigh lives just outside of Atlanta with her husband (and built-in best friend), Jake, and their fluffy sidekick, Charlie. On her days off, you’ll find her at the lake, connecting with nature, enjoying good music, hunting for vintage fashion finds, or savoring a great cup of coffee.

STEPHANIE L’HEUREUX,
Vice President of Financial Operations

Stephanie (“Steph”) comes to Watercrest with an extensive background in Senior Living Accounting, including expertise in Skilled Nursing, Cost Reporting, and Profit and Loss Analysis. She started her accounting career in the hospitality industry with Starwood Hotels where she worked as Accounting Manager for a large scale waterfront Conference Center in New Hampshire, also working with the owners on the development project of a new Westin Hotel in the same area.

Following her success in hospitality, she brought her talents to the Senior Living industry as Regional Accountant where her responsibilities included financial statement preparation and analysis of 8 assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing communities located in Florida, South Carolina, Michigan and Alabama. Steph’s experience also includes construction project accounting, cash management, revenue analysis, budget compilation, Medicare and Medicaid cost reporting, extensive profit and loss analysis, and general ledger maintenance.

Steph has a passion for sharing her knowledge and training with her colleagues on a variety of accounting and industry specific topics while helping them succeed. tephanie is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from the Whittemore School of Business, and now enjoys the Florida lifestyle spending free time at the beach and paddle boarding with her three children Drew, Taylor and Corey.

SHEENA JEFFRIES,
Director of Resident and Family Experience

Sheena Jeffries, TRS, CADDCT, began her tenure at Watercrest Senior Living in 2016 as the Memory Care Director at Watercrest Lake Nona, and now serves as Watercrest’s Engagement Specialist, supporting her initiatives with respect to dementia services and programming.

Sheena’s core value, Collective Cooperation, is practiced through her leadership by working alongside her fellow Memory Care Team. Sheena is a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with a focus on adaptive methods and technology, to improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Under the guidance of leading researcher and renowned NIH researcher, Sheena lead trial and analysis programs for Montessori Methods within dementia care. On the Dementia Excellence Committee, she acted as an employee advisor and dementia educator for senior care communities in Cleveland Ohio, and in 2010 Sheena was featured in the Future Age Magazine for her “Learn and Create” fine arts program for individuals with memory impairment.

In her free time, Sheena loves spending time with her fiancé Robert and 3 years old son Israel. Education through play is one of her family’s favorite things to do, and they can often be found exploring, learning, and sharing experiences in their community that fosters that passion.

JESSICA DESJARLAIS,
Director of Associate Experience

Jessica brings over 9 years of customer services experience to the Watercrest Family. She is a true native to Florida, born and raised on the Treasure Coast. Jessica attended St. Lucie West Centennial High School, graduating at the top of her class and ranking among the top 25 students. She then continued her education at Indian River State College receiving two Associates degrees as well as her CNA certification. Jessica is currently working towards earning her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, after which she plans to obtain her Master’s.

One of Jessica’s favorite things to do is give back to the community. Jessica has dedicated over 500 hours of volunteering in various organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. Jessica truly believes there is no greater feeling than to give back and make a difference within our community.

Jessica and her husband spend their free time doing various activities with their four German Shepherds named Athena, Loki, Luna, and Malibu. Together they love taking their 4 “kids” to the beach or the dog park, even though the dogs are just as happy with going on a simple car ride getting treats from the pet store.

Kim Haddon,
Regional Director of Operations

Kim resides in Niceville, FL with her husband Will and their pet cats, while their three adult children are off “living the dream.”

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and senior living, Kim began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and went on to build a well-rounded background serving in roles that span memory care, culinary, operations, executive leadership, mentorship, and programming. This broad expertise allows her to see the bigger picture while also appreciating the details that make each department and team successful.

She is known for her reliability and for fostering a culture of trust by encouraging follow-through and consistency. Kim embraces challenges with positivity, knowing that great teamwork is the secret to achieving great things. She also believes deeply in the power of mentorship and finds joy in watching others grow, learn, and develop into strong leaders.

Passionate about creating enriching, inspiring, and rewarding environments, Kim is dedicated to residents, families, and associates alike. Outside of her professional life, she is committed to animal rescue, having rehomed over 100 cats and kittens since 2015. She also loves to bake and share her creations, and she finds peace and inspiration at the beach.

Anna Dodd,
Regional Director Sales Operations

Anna Dodd discovered her passion for serving seniors at a young age, beginning her healthcare journey in middle school as a volunteer with a non-profit organization that gave back to her community. She continued this path through a four-year medical program at her high school, graduating as a Certified Nursing Assistant and earning top honors in Health Occupations Students of America, placing 1st in the region, 3rd in the state, and among the Top 30 internationally as a Clinical Nurse competitor.

Starting as a CNA, Anna’s dedication and compassion quickly led her into senior living sales, where she found fulfillment through genuine connections, guiding families through important decisions, and helping seniors embrace lifestyles filled with purpose and joy. Over the years, she has had the privilege of supporting multiple communities, mentoring peers, local and national commercials, and leading corporate trainings — all while keeping her focus on improving the lives of seniors and their families.

Anna has also successfully launched new-build senior living communities, bringing excitement, class, and vitality daily. Her greatest reward is witnessing seniors embrace the lifestyle they desire, rekindle relationships, and create meaningful new chapters in their lives. Today, she is honored to serve as Regional Director of Sales Operations with Watercrest Senior Living, where she continues her mission of leading with compassion, excellence, and heart.

Samantha Sipe,
Operations Specialist

Samantha brings to over 12 years of experience in Senior Living to Watercrest. She believes in servant leadership and providing tools for our leaders and front-line teams to be successful. Samantha has tremendous heart and passion for serving seniors and helping them to live their life to the fullest.

Samantha graduated with a Bachelor’s in Arts from Millersville University and looked to pursue a career in Interior Design. Shortly after graduating she felt that she had a greater purpose in life. She enrolled in a CNA program and began clinicals in a skilled nursing facility. Upon completing her clinicals she knew that Senior Living was where her heart was. She was determined to make a difference in the lives of the residents. While searching for a career as a caregiver in senior living, Samantha was hired as a director to oversee an Alzheimer’s community. While working with residents living with Alzheimer’s, Samantha quickly realized that she found her purpose, her why. Samantha is a licensed Administrator in Pennsylvania and is currently working to become a licensed Administrator in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Samantha and her husband, Colton, live in Palmyra, Pennsylvania with their two beautiful daughters, Denali and Aurora. They also have two Labrador retrievers, a bunny, and three hermit crabs. In her free time Samantha loves spending time with her family and being outdoors. She loves riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes, camping, kayaking, tubing, boating, and being on the beach. Samantha also enjoys cheering on her favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles!