Emerson House Portland Staff

Linda Thomas —Residence Director
Linda came to Emerson House with 30 years of experience in the long-term care industry. After being certified as an administrator by the Oregon Assisted Living Facilities Association Linda stepped into her role as Residence Director in 2000. Linda understands that the success of Emerson House rests with our ability to deliver compassionate and professional care. To meet that challenge, Linda has placed great importance on training, motivating, and retaining the best health care professionals, from our registered nurse to our direct care staff. As a result of her staffing decisions, we are fortunate enough to have many staff members throughout the building who have been with us since we opened in 2000. The pride and dedication of the staff cannot be denied. In her spare time Linda enjoys interacting with her family, especially her grandchildren, and baking special cakes, pies and cookies. "There is so much to learn about Alzheimer's. The daily lessons we learn from being in the presence of our Residents are priceless. We can only attempt to repay them with compassionate hands and a kind heart." – Linda Thomas

Kathryn Nash — R.N.-Health Services Director:
Kathryn came to Emerson House in March of 2008 as Director of Health Care Services. As a nurse with an extensive background in body-mind sciences, holistic therapies, mental health, nutrition, and relationship-based care, she brings a committed sense of elder health and well-being advocacy into her role as the Emerson House nurse. Comfort, safety, dignity, and prevention are at the top of her list in working with our residents. She works to navigate and bridge communication with families, staff, doctors, and allied health professionals as part of her community care. She works closely with the care giving staff to promote education, awareness, compassion, and integrity in the living and dying processes.

Timothy Sebree — Health Services Supervisor:
Timothy is seen as a staple around Emerson House. Having started in 2000 at the birth of the facility, he's known as one of the Emerson House pioneers. After studying Biology and Psychology at the University of Kentucky, along with the many skills obtained through his on-the-job experience, Timothy helps in facilitating the Health Services Department in the position of Supervisor. His passion for the residents, his hands-on approach, as well as his strong relationship with the staff and outside providers make him the man for this job. One may bestow the title "Jack Of All Trades" as he is involved with many different aspects of Emerson House. His dedication as well as commitment have proven strong.

Melissa Fisher Moore — Community Relations Director:
Melissa joined the Emerson House team in October 2011 as the Community Relations Director. She brings over 20 years experience in marketing to the position, including experiences as a regional community relations director for a non-profit for adults with developmental disabilities and as marketing director for independent living, residential care and skilled nursing communities.  Growing up among elderly relatives, Melissa understands the special challenges facing both the caregiver and the person in need of services.  Melissa loves her job at Emerson House and is quick to note "what a unique gem Emerson House is, from our residents who delight staff with their wry humor about Alzheimer's and profound wisdom about life our staff and families whose creativity, patience and love in working with our residents never fails to inspire."  In her spare time, Melissa volunteers for a variety of community projects, including serving as a board member of a farmer's market.  She also loves to cook for family and friends, travel, take long walks with her dog, Nicky, work on projects for her writer's group, and play competitive Scrabble with friends.

Kenny Field — Life Enrichment Director:

Kenny has been a member of the Emerson House Family for 4 years.  He grew up in SE Portland surrounded by Grandparents and even Great Grandparent that lived into their hundreds.  People often think of him as an old soul that could’ve lived in the era that most our residents are from, the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s.  At Emerson House he puts his efforts forward to stimulating the residents mind, body, and sprit with his activity planning.  He loves running larger groups with the residents but also understands the importance of meeting each resident’s individual needs.  Kenny is a drummer in two local Portland bands and brings those talents to Emerson House with percussion and singing groups. In 2007 Kenny started Rock Against Alzheimer’s, a benefit concert raising money for the Oregon chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  To date Rock Against Alzheimer’s has raised $6500.  In 2009, Kenny was a co-presenter at the McGinty Conference and in 2010 presented at the Ombudsman Conference, speaking about innovative, beneficial and practical life enrichment activities.   Along with music, Kenny enjoys baseball, reading, history and being with friends and family.  Kenny has been married to his high school sweet heart Kandace for 5 years and currently lives within biking distance of Emerson House in SE Portland.  In many ways the residents of Emerson House have helped Kenny with his life path and truly he loves his job.

Irena Krog — Administrative Assistant:
Irena joined the management team at Emerson House in March 2008 and has worked in a position as office manager as well as community relations director. In 2011 Irena became a mom and returned to Emerson House accepting a new position in the company as an Administrative Assistant. Irena has well developed and intuitive people skills and she takes delight in helping families, residents and staff members. She brings a dedicated sense of aesthetics and flow of communication at Emerson House and her office is considered a hub and heart of Emerson House's Administrative System. Irena enjoys her baby, international travel and flamenco dancing.