Front row: (L to R) Kandace Frazier, Jack Lank, Joy Lavery
Back row: (L to R) Kelly Westbrooks, Laurel Newson, Rosemarie Holmes,
Executive Director Todd Funk, Dave Martens

Royal Braintree Announces New Leadership Team

July, 2011 – If you want to be the best, you need to put a great team on the field, and Todd Funk knew exactly what his first job needed to be as the new Executive Director of the Royal Braintree Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: assemble a team of winners to join the core of dedicated healthcare pros already in place there. And that’s exactly what he’s done, starting with the facility’s new Director of Nursing, Kandace Frazier.

“The role of the nursing director is absolutely critical at a skilled nursing facility,” said Funk, “especially one of our size and scope – 192 beds ¬- and we are so fortunate to have been able to bring Kandace on board. She brings a wealth of experience to the position, and is committed to making Royal Braintree the very best we can be. And we intend to be the best.”

Other key newcomers include Director of Social Services Laurel Newson, Business Office Manager Joy Lavery, Activities Director Jack Lank, MDS Coordinator Kelly Westbrooks, Director of Admissions Rosemarie Holmes, and Director of Food Services Dave Martens, who has already undertaken the introduction of family style dining at the facility.

Kandace Frazier started her health career in the early 1980’s as a counselor for a homeless shelter and a liaison for mentally ill residents. As a volunteer, she formed a counseling group that offered support and guidance to troubled teens. Her passion for helping others eventually led her to a career in nursing. She is no stranger to the role of Nursing Director, having held that position elsewhere for many years, making many friends along the way.

“She really cares about the patient first. People who know her and have worked for her in the past want to work with her here,” said Unit Manager Paula Frye, another newcomer to Royal Braintree. “She’s fair, direct, and holds everyone accountable, because the focus needs to be on the patient at all times.”

Frazier’s hands-on approach with patients means you will hardly ever find her in her office.

“True enough,” laughs Frazier. “There is always paper work, but for me to do my job well, I need to be with our residents. They are what we are all about.”

“I’m extremely pleased with the team Todd Funk has assembled,” said Royal Health Group owner and CEO Jim Mamary, who bought the facility in 2008. “We are a family company which has always operated on the idea of ‘our family helping your family.’ That remains true today, and Royal Braintree is now uniquely positioned to play an expanded role in skilled nursing care on the South Shore.”

“This facility has come a long way since the Royal Health Group took it over,” said Todd Funk. “I want to continue along that path to make Royal Braintree the best nursing and rehab facility in the region.”

And he’s now got the team to get him there.