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Our Team

We have a great team at The Grove Senior Living – guided by goodness, loyalty, faith, and fun. Contact us anytime, we would love to meet you!

Join Our Team

Pam Roberts

Campus Executive Director

Pam is a Native Oregonian and was born here in the Rogue Valley. Pam entered the senior living industry in 2000. At that time, Pam was pursuing her education in Nursing, however as time went on, realized she was more interested in the facets of the oversight with operational flow of senior living. After working in skilled nursing and the hospital environment, Pam quickly was intrigued by the residential care setting. This meant an opportunity to develop long term relationships and nurture team members that aspired to advance their careers. In 2010, Pam became an Executive Director and has maintained that role in the Rogue Valley since. Pam’s passion is to bring an elevated experience to residents, team members, and guests.

When not in the office, Pam enjoys the beautiful nature offerings of Southern Oregon by hiking, paddling, camping, and riding.

Liz Gherna

Memory Care Administrator

Liz joined The Grove in May 2026 as Memory Care Administrator. Liz moved to Rogue Valley from Los Angeles in 2021 after 15 years working in community-based behavioral health with vulnerable populations. In April, 2026, Liz made the decision to return to a community-based residential care environment – leading her to arrive at The Grove.  Memory Care is very close to her heart and she cherishes the opportunity to serve this community.

Liz brings strong organizational, administrative, clinical, and interpersonal skills to her work.  She brings compassion, kindness, and the desire to improve the lives of residents, their families, and staff.

 Liz is also a songwriter and musician who feels grateful to have been given the opportunity to bring her guitar and her music into many care communities over the years. 

Julie Ersepke

Associate Executive Director
Independent Living

Julie was born and raised in the Rogue Valley. Julie began her career in broadcasting as an account executive in television, where she built a reputation as a trusted partner by consistently putting the needs of her clients first.

In 2019, Julie discovered her true passion—supporting seniors and their families—as a Community Relations Director. Today, Julie is dedicated to helping seniors find not just a place to live, but a place to truly feel at home. She takes pride in creating an environment where each day is warm, welcoming, and filled with comfort and connection.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her adult children, grandchildren, and traveling with her husband.

Tish Cofer

Community Relations Director

Tish serves as our Community Relations Director in Medford, Oregon, bringing nearly two decades of experience in senior living and a deep understanding of resident care, operations, and family support. Tish began her career in Memory Care in 2006 and became a Licensed Residential Care Facility Administrator in 2011, building her leadership experience through years of hands-on experience. Tish found that one of the most meaningful parts of her work was helping families navigate the important decision of finding the right senior living community for their loved one. Her transition into community relations reflects her passion for building connections, offering guidance, and serving as a trusted partner during times of change. Tish values relationships and believes that every family deserves thoughtful support, clear communication, and confidence throughout the decision-making process.

Outside of work, Tish enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, visiting the beach, attending concerts, and watching scary movies.

Laura Babb

Campus Business Office Director

Laura is an Oregon native, born in Medford and has lived all over the state, from the Oregon coast to the Eastern high desert. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in art history and continues to learn and work in the community to make art accessible to the public. Her work experience has included customer service, management and bookkeeping in many industries, but senior living was an opportunity to display all her skills in one role. Laura is inspired to guide and aid the residents, their families and her fellow team members, knowing that the support happening behind the scenes is what helps to enhance the lives of our residents.

In Laura’s off time, she can be found in her garden, on a mountain trail or lake, shooting archery with her daughter, touring a museum or instructing a class in plein air.

Dalton McGowan

Business Office Director
Independent Living

Born and raised in the Rogue Valley, Dalton has spent most of his life immersed in an assisted living community. Growing up in a family dedicated to senior care, Dalton developed a deep appreciation for supporting and serving the elderly from an early age.

Dalton began his professional journey in 2008 at the same community where his family worked, where he started as a server. Over the years, Dalton expanded his skills by working in the kitchen and eventually becoming a Dietary Manager. Dalton’s career continued to evolve as he transitioned into reception and later into a bookkeeping role. After 17 years of dedicated service, Dalton brought his experience and passion to The Inn at the Grove.

With a lifelong commitment to compassionate care, Dalton is driven by the example set by his family and remains passionate about enhancing the lives of the residents he serves.

Mayra Romero

Wellness Director

Mayra serves as the Wellness Director at The Grove Senior Living, where she brings both compassion and clinical expertise to her role. Mayra earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential and holds an Associate of General Studies degree from Rogue Community College. Mayra began her healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Through that experience, she discovered her passion for caring for seniors and was inspired to further her education in nursing. Mayra has been a part of the team here since the community opened in 2020. As a Wellness Director, Mayra’s goal is to foster a collaborative environment where team members feel confident, supported, and motivated to provide exceptional service. Mayra is deeply committed to the well-being of residents and takes pride in making a positive difference in their daily lives.

Outside of work, Mayra enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and cheering on the sidelines at soccer games on the weekends. Mayra is excited to continue growing as a leader and advancing her ability to serve both residents and staff.

Laura Kiepert

Registered Nurse - BC

Laura Kiepert has been at community-based care as a Registered Nurse since October 2019. In 2008, she started her career as a caregiver and medication technician in Central Oregon and obtained her nursing degree in 2015. Laura started her nursing career in the dialysis segment and soon learned that the desire to assist the geriatric population was where her heart was set. To serve her seniors at a higher capacity, Laura obtained additional Gerontological Nursing certification in 2023.

Laura grew up in the Sacramento, California area then moved to the city of Bend, Oregon with her family where they spent many years. Later, Laura moved to Grants Pass in 2015 to start her nursing career.

Laura is a wife, mother of two girls, and a nurse. When Laura isn’t at the office, she can either be found at the beach, sitting near the pool, or spending time with her family.  Laura also has the love of three fur babies (Labradors) at home. Each day the greet her by waiting to play ball with them every day.

June Umu

Resident Care Coordinator

June serves as the Resident Care Coordinator at The Grove Senior Living and brings a well-rounded background in senior care. June was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa. After leaving Samoa, June spent several years in California until she moved to Southern Oregon in 2021. Since then, June has grown within the field, working as a Med Tech, Scheduler, and Team Leader before stepping into her current role as Resident Care Coordinator. June is passionate about supporting residents and ensuring their needs are met with care and attention. June’s diverse experience helps her create a smooth and supportive environment for both residents and team members.

Outside of work, June enjoys baking and designing custom treats for birthdays and special events. June also loves the outdoors and has hiked iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, Crater Lake, and Yosemite. June speaks three languages, including Samoan and Tongan.

John Trapp

Dining Services Director
Assisted Living and Memory Care

John was born and raised in Hacienda Heights, California. John was eager to enter the culinary world and joined the restaurant industry in his early teens. Soon thereafter, John Moved to Prague CZ in 1992, where he trained with chefs and graduates from Le Rouche Switzerland Hospitality. John moved to Rogue Valley in 1995 and has enjoyed the valley since. John has an extensive background with local high-end restaurants and pubs where he worked as an Executive Chef.

Not only does John have an elevated culinary passion and eye, but he is also well versed with the Compass Café as he has served several years as a local Dining Services Director for a sister community.

Robert Gentle

Dining Services Director
Independent Living

Robert is the Dining Services Director at The Grove Senior Living and has had a passion for cooking since the age of nine. Robert began his journey in the culinary world by volunteering at a food bank in Redding, California, where he discovered his love for giving back to the community.

In 2000, Robert started working in an assisted living community as a server, where he quickly moved into cooking and has been cooking ever since. Over the years, Robert has built extensive experience, including managing a café in Lakeview, Oregon, and later a local burger and brew restaurant in Talent.

Robert enjoys creating meals that bring comfort and joy to residents. Outside of work, Robert enjoys photography, caring for his houseplants, drawing, and exploring the Rogue Valley. No matter what Robert is doing, he’s always thinking about food.

Claire Pence

Campus Life Enrichment Director

Claire serves as our Life Enrichment Director, bringing compassion, purpose, and joy to senior living through meaningful resident engagement. Claire holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has called the Rogue Valley home since relocating from Phoenix in 2005.

After stepping away from her career to care for her sister during her journey with Parkinson’s disease, Claire felt called to return to senior living with a renewed sense of purpose to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults. Since before 2021 as a Life Enrichment Director, Claire has focused on creating opportunities that honor each resident’s individuality, dignity, and sense of belonging.

Claire believes life enrichment is about helping every resident feel seen, appreciated, and significant while bringing joy, connection, and fulfillment each day. Her approach centers on creating experiences that bring purpose and warmth to the community.

Robert McGowan

Campus Maintenance Director

Robert is the Maintenance Director at The Grove Senior Living and has over 30 years of experience in maintenance. Robert developed a strong work ethic at a young age while helping his grandfather with odd jobs and assisting others, which inspired him to pursue this field.

Born and raised in Medford, Robert takes pride in supporting the community and enjoys working with seniors. He is dedicated to making sure residents have everything they need to live comfortably and safely each day.

Outside of work, Robert enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family. Robert’s daughter, Holly, is his whole world. Robert also has an older sister, two younger brothers, and many nieces and nephews, including two great-nephews.