Charmaine Preiss joined Brandermill Woods in March 2003 as Director of Accounting and Human Resources. She advanced to Independent Services Director in 2011, Associate Executive Director in January 2018, and now serves as the Executive Director. In this role, Charmaine oversees the overall operations and facilities, including The Haven, The Chesterfield, and The Holly Inn. She manages a team of over 300 staff members, ensuring excellent care for residents and their families. With over 30 years of experience in management, accounting, and finance, Charmaine has dedicated 21 years to the healthcare industry.

"It is an honor and privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team, as well as our wonderful residents. Even after 21 years, I still love coming to work at Brandermill Woods," says Charmaine.

Ellen has been a fundamental part of Brandermill Woods since 2006. Starting her journey as a Payroll Specialist, she quickly advanced to Systems Director, and now excels as our Associate Executive Director. In her current role, Ellen ensures seamless operations and strategic alignment across all departments, providing essential support to the Executive Director.

Ellen's leadership spans Accounting, Human Resources, Systems, Security, and Dining, showcasing her multifaceted expertise. Her educational background in Paralegal Studies with a minor in Computer Technology from Aquinas College in Boston bolsters her proficiency in managing complex systems.

With over two decades of experience in restaurant management and handling scheduling and billing for a local home healthcare agency, Ellen brings a wealth of knowledge to Brandermill Woods. Her commitment to our community is mirrored by her family, with her children contributing to Brandermill Woods during their teenage years before heading off to college.

Outside of work, Ellen finds joy in exercising and unwinding at the beach, embodying a balanced and dedicated lifestyle.

As the Sales and Marketing Director for Brandermill Woods, Mary brings a deep understanding of the community, its residents, and the exceptional lifestyle it offers. Over the past 17 years, she has grown professionally through a variety of roles within the organization, building valuable experience and relationships that now help her guide prospective residents through one of life's most important decisions.

Mary’s journey with Brandermill Woods began as a concierge while still in high school. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Longwood University, she returned to the community and excelled in several positions, including Communications Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, Admissions Manager, and Director of Homecare. Her broad experience across multiple departments gives her a unique perspective on the services, culture, and people that make Brandermill Woods special.

Known for her warm personality and ever-present smile, Mary has a natural ability to connect with residents and families. She enjoys helping prospective residents discover all that Brandermill Woods has to offer and takes pride in ensuring a welcoming and supportive experience throughout the decision-making process.

Mary's connection to Brandermill Woods extends far beyond her career. Having grown up in the Brandermill community, she has been part of the neighborhood from the very beginning. Today, she enjoys spending time in the community with her husband and their son, Tomlin, and feels honored to help others find a place they can proudly call home.

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As Environmental Services Director, Gary provides management and oversight for our Maintenance and Housekeeping departments. His first priority is addressing the needs of residents in our community, and he’s spent 25 years honing his skills. Moving up from a Painter’s Helper to Maintenance Technician to Maintenance Supervisor, Gary knows the communities facilities inside and out. He leads a team of 35 employees, holds a certification in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repair (HVAC), and has logged 14 years of past experience maintaining production equipment for Velvet Textile Corporation.

Gary enjoys all things fast, from motorcycles to cars, but his main passion is his family. Between his wife, his grandson, and the residents he gets to help every day, he considers himself lucky to be surrounded by love.

An employee of Brandermill Woods since 2006, Kristen Moore began as Communications Coordinator and Resident Services Director and is now the Independent Living Administrator. She’s responsible for maintaining the exemplary services we provide to our residents. Kristen manages the Independent Living front office, the Wellness Clinic, Activities, Fitness and the Beauty Salon in addition to working with insurance brokers and agents. She also has taken on the management of the Brandermill Woods Foundation and coordinates fundraising activities and events. A graduate from James Madison University, where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Kristen's past experience includes hospitality management and customer service. Before working full time at Brandermill Woods, Kristen was a part time Concierge and Administrative Assistant, and knew this is where she wanted to be!

A mother of two, Kristen is used to being busy. We rely on her to handle so many things, but her love for her job makes her seem to handle it all with ease.

Born in Queens, New York, Steven moved to Virginia at a young age, and was raised in the West End of Richmond. After graduating high school, he attended Johnson & Wales University for Culinary Arts. Once getting his degree, Steven started honing his craft at well known food service establishments in Richmond before switching to the Retirement Industry, where he’s enjoyed serving residents for the last 20 years. What he loves most about his job is that he is able to take his past culinary experiences and offer fresh, tasteful, and seasonal dishes to all the residents at Brandermill Woods. When he’s not creating culinary masterpieces, Steven loves boating, fishing, and spending time with his wife Jillian and son Leo. Steven also loves hosting on their homestead with their Frenchie Uno Marz, 8 chickens, and 2 goats.

Tomeka is responsible for the daily operations of The Health Care Community and Assisted Living, including managing more than 80 staff members, engaging residents, and interacting with their families and loved ones. She has worked for Brandermill Woods for three decades, serving as Certified Nurse Assistant, In-Service Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Nursing Director. Tomeka’s career has specialized in long-term care and skilled nursing, and she studied at John Tyler Community College to become a Registered Nurse. After she attended South Side College in order to learn how to become a practical nurse, Tomeka became chemotherapy certified while working in Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University. She became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator after completing the AIT program at Brandermill Woods.

Whenever a challenge presents itself, Tomeka reminds herself that nothing is impossible. She beat cancer, after all, and the experience has been a completely positive one in the long-term. The whole community appreciates Tomeka’s outlook, which she carries with her no matter what she’s doing — fishing, attending church, traveling, riding motorcycles with her husband, or rooting for the Cowboys.

Both Therapeutic Recreation and Trisha are essential to Brandermill Woods. Originally, Trisha was a dining room hostess and concierge before demonstrating impressive skill managing volunteers as well as daily activities for The Haven, The Chesterfield, The Holly Inn, and the Beauty Salon. The coordinator for Resident Services, Resident Assessments, and Resident and Family Care Plans, Trisha is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner. In addition, she oversees three monthly newsletters, the Therapeutic Recreation staff, and Community Activities, while also contributing to the Minimum Data Set (SigmaCare) program. She also assists the Administrator and Admissions Coordinator with The Health Care Community tours and daily census issues. Trisha attended Ferrum College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Science.

Her daughter, Stefania, has followed her mother’s footsteps into healthcare as does her stepdaughter, Laura, while her stepson, Stephen, attends J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. In addition to keeping up with them, her dog, and her cat, Trisha also loves to read, cook, take motorcycle tours, and go to the beach.

As Homecare Director, Alex provides leadership, oversight, and operational support to ensure the delivery of high-quality, compassionate private-duty home care services. She is dedicated to supporting both clients and team members while fostering an environment of excellence and personalized care.

After graduating Longwood University, Alex began her career in activities and programming before transitioning into clinical care and working in neuropsychology with Bon Secours and VCU Health. She later expanded her expertise through a role in home care operations, and brings a well-rounded perspective to senior living and health care services.

In her role at Brandermill Woods, Alex is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and their families by helping them maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Outside of work, Alex is an avid basketball fan and enjoys fostering kittens. She also loves to cook and enjoys trying new recipes and sharing meals with family and friends.

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Carolyn is responsible for the daily operations of The Chesterfield and The Holly Inn, including managing more than 30 staff members, and engaging and interacting with residents, their families and loved ones. She has worked for Brandermill Woods for two decades as Charge Nurse, Resident Manager, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and now Administrator.

Carolyn’s passion/interest has always been with the senior population. She knows that there’s a lot to learn from them and teaches and encourages her staff to focus on the individual and not their ailments. Carolyn loves reading, attending church and participating in her son Isaiah's school and church activities. Her motto is: Together All Things Are Possible.

As Admissions Manager, Michael’s job is to welcome, tour, and orient new residents to the Chesterfield, the Holly Inn, and The Haven. His main goal is to help people make transitions in their lives with ease and comfort.  Michael grew up in the Brandermill community and started at Brandermill Woods in 2007, working in multiple departments before joining the Admissions team in 2014. He excels at solving difficult challenges, navigating insurances, and providing solutions to our residents’ needs.

Tara moved to Chesterfield from Blackstone, Virginia and attended the Southside Regional School of Nursing, earning her RN designation. She earned her LPN degree while working at Brandermill Woods as a medical records clerk and certified nursing assistant for 19 years. Passionate about health care, she quickly learned that long-term care is where she received her greatest rewards and after a ten-year hiatus, she returned to Brandermill Woods as the Director of Nursing and has since become a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Brandermill Woods has always been home to Tara because of the amazing group of peers and residents. When not serving seniors, Tara is active in community events and enjoys spending time with family, reading, and watching movies. She is married and has one son.

Nikki Nunn is the Human Resources Director at Brandermill Woods, where she manages all aspects of human resources practices and processes. With a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture, Nikki is dedicated to ensuring that all employees feel valued and supported.

Bringing over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Nikki has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, successfully building relationships and fostering collaboration among diverse teams. Her transition to human resources has been driven by a passion for people and a commitment to creating a supportive and productive work environment. She is dedicated to talent acquisition, employee relations, and professional development, implementing effective HR strategies that align with business objectives and enhance overall employee satisfaction.

Having moved frequently, Nikki has honed her adaptability and resilience, thriving in new environments and embracing diverse challenges. This experience has equipped her with a unique ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and foster a sense of belonging.

Outside of work, Nikki is a devoted wife and mother of two adventurous boys. This role adds another layer of excitement and adaptability to her life, enriching her ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities.

Nikki is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Certified Professional and is known for her empathy, active listening, and ability to connect with individuals on a personal level. Her unique blend of healthcare experience, adaptability, and people-focused approach makes her a valuable asset to the Brandermill Woods team.