Our team at Reflections at Garden Place in Columbia, Illinois.

Our Team

We have a great team at Reflections at Garden Place. We invite you to get to know them and come meet them in person.

Leha Russell, Executive Director at Reflections at Garden Place in Columbia, Illinois.

Leha Russell, Executive Director

I started my career in the healthcare industry at the age of 17. I became CNA certified and worked as a CNA for 5 years. During that time, I had my son and decided I needed to further my career. I always loved caring for the elderly. I decided to pursue my nursing degree. After graduating from LPN school I became a pediatric home health nurse for about a year. Though it was a great learning experience, my heart was not in it. I then went on to get a job at a local SNF where I worked for 5 years. I loved it there, but an opportunity arose for a position at Reflections and I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I have been with Reflections at Garden Place since 2014. I started out as a night nurse, then moved to days, then became the Assistant Director and eventually took on the roll as Executive Director. I can’t imagine not taking the risk of leaving my position prior to Reflections! I couldn’t be happier with where I am at! When I am not working, my family and I enjoy camping, jeeping, going to concerts, and being with friends and family. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 10 years and we have 2 amazing sons. I am truly blessed and thankful!

Gwen Wolfe, Life Enrichment Director

Gwen has been a member of the Reflections family since 2016. She was working at a local hardware store when the opportunity to join the team occurred. She started at Reflections as a night shift care companion. She then went to housekeeping and is now our Life Enrichment Director. It is the perfect position for Gwen! She is full of energy and has a fun, out going personality. She isn’t afraid to poke fun at herself, and the residents just love her. She can make anyone laugh! Gwen has been married to her husband Michael for 20 years, even though they were married on April Fool’s Day! They have 2 beautiful daughters. Samantha who is 16 years old, and Sarah who is 30. The love of her life though is her grandson Aiden. On her free time, she enjoys watching Aiden play football, boating, relaxing in the pool, and being with her family and friends. She is an awesome asset to have on our team!

Gwen Wolfe, Life Enrichment Director at Reflections at Garden Place in Columbia, Illinois.
Jaysa Pfaff, Community Relations Director at Reflections at Garden Place in Columbia, Illinois.

Jaysa Pfaff, Community Relations Director

Jaysa is thrilled to be working in community relations for Garden Place Senior Living! A Columbia resident, Jaysa takes pride in helping the seniors in her surrounding communities find a safe and loving home at Garden Place. Jaysa graduated with a B.A. in Cinema and Photography and a B.A. in Radio and Television. Her career has taken many exciting paths including working in television production, managing small businesses, marketing and sales. She is so happy to be a vibrant part of the Garden Place family and to be able to put her skills to work enhancing the lives of our local seniors!

Katy Staub, Dining Services Director

Katy started her career with Garden Place as a cook working at two of our 5 locations. When the opportunity for the dining services director was offered to her, she was excited to take on the new roll and bring her enthusiasm and knowledge for food and spread it through all the communities. Katy has and associate degree in culinary arts and is a certified dietary manager. When not at work Katy loves to spend time with her husband, son and two fur babies.

Katy Staub, Dining Services Director at Reflections at Garden Place in Columbia, Illinois.
Tony Lay, Maintenance Director at Reflections at Garden Place in Columbia, Illinois.

Tony Lay, Maintenance Director

Tony has been in maintenance for 10 years, and really enjoys working in eldercare. Tony says, “I love building relationships with the residents by talking with them, helping them put puzzles together, and gardening with them – making them feel comfortable with me in their home where I am working.”

In his time away from work, Tony enjoys spending time with his family. He coaches soccer for second grade girls, and is a St. Louis Cardinal’s fan.