Why Rural Doesn’t Mean Behind with Traci Haglund of Wakefield Health Care Center
On this episode, hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter talk to Traci Haglund, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator of Wakefield Health Care Center. She shares an unfiltered look at the realities of rural long-term care — balancing limited beds, unpredictable Medicaid rates, and staff recruitment with deep community commitment. From leveraging association leadership to shaping workplace culture that attracts teens and retirees alike, this conversation offers timely insights for anyone navigating the pressures of rural health care leadership.
From Stigma to Strategy: Rebranding Skilled Nursing with Tim Craig of Lincoln Healthcare Leadership
On this episode, we’re joined by Tim Craig, Managing Director of LTC 100 at Lincoln Healthcare Leadership. Tim shares the groundbreaking insights behind LTC 100’s consumer perception initiative and why the long-term care field urgently needs to rethink how it communicates its value. From the importance of storytelling and social media to the danger of clinging to outdated terminology, Tim challenges leaders to take ownership of their message — and their future.
A Journey From Nursing Homes to Senior Living Advisor at Valley Lakes with Don Woods
On this episode, we’re joined by Don Woods, Senior Living Advisor at Valley Lakes Assisted Living. Don shares how a single opportunity in a small-town care community shaped his life-long commitment to senior care. From washing dishes to becoming a trusted leader, his journey is rooted in compassion, connection, and a desire to leave every team better than he found it.
Solving the Staffing Crisis From Within with Aimee Middleton of Good Samaritan
In this episode, Aimee Middleton, Chief Operating Officer at Good Samaritan, shares stories from her journey into long-term care, lessons learned through leadership transitions, and her vision for the future of senior care. From evacuating an entire campus during a hurricane to reducing agency reliance by over 40%, Aimee offers insight into what it takes to lead with heart, grit, and clarity in a challenging industry.
The Dining Director Who Never Left with Tracy Lichti of New Cassel Retirement Center
On this first episode of “People Worth Caring About," hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter talk to Tracy Lichti, President and CEO of New Cassel Retirement Center. Tracy shares her journey and opens up about the emotional depth, purpose, and leadership required in the long-term care industry. She reflects on launching the Nebraska LEAD Program, the power of planting seeds in others, and what it really means for caregivers to make space for families just to be family.