Live the Life You Envision

Dori Marietta is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She received a bachelor’s in business administration, double majoring in marketing and business statistics. Starting her food service career in 2003, Dori has spent most of her professional food service career serving large communities, such as Bank of America and Georgia Institute of Technology. She is passionate about taking dining programs to the next level through servant-leadership, employee development, food and safety expertise and sustainability initiatives. In her free time, Dori enjoys adventures with her husband, Josh, and two children Sam and Chelsea. She is very involved in her church and volunteers with the Public Housing Authority monthly. Dori is also a certified Herbalist and has an herbal products company.

Jessica grew up in Powhatan, Virginia. She attended Longwood University for her undergraduate degree and Virginia Commonwealth University for her master’s degree. Jessica joined the Lakewood Community in August of 2023 but has worked in the senior living industry for almost 8 years – most of her career experience has been in non-profit Life-Plan Communities like Lakewood. Jessica and her husband, Michael, live in Midlothian with their dog, Georgia. In her free time, Jessica can frequently be found visiting with friends, spending time with family, or reading a good book!

Jennifer brings nearly 20 years of senior living experience to Lakewood. She has served as a Regional Director of Operations for multiple independent and long-term care communities and as Executive Director of assisted living and memory care communities. Most recently, Jennifer worked on an emergency preparedness project with the Virginia Healthcare Association-Virginia Center for Assisted Living before joining Lakewood, drawn by her passion for working with residents, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. In her spare time, Jennifer can be found on the golf course or near water. At home, she enjoys spending time with her cats, one of whom loves walking on a leash through the neighborhood and has his own Instagram page!

Hillary joined the Lakewood community in January of 2017. She grew up in the west end of Richmond and attended Collegiate Schools and graduated from Freeman High School. She earned a bachelor of arts in psychology and Spanish from Gettysburg College and a master of science from McDaniel College in human services management. Hillary has over 20 years of experience in senior living and was most recently a Director of Sales and Marketing at a continuing care retirement community in Southbury, Connecticut. Hillary is married and has two children.

Frank Simal, originally from Chicago, joined the Lakewood team in 2018. He has been involved with facilities management in the senior living industry since 2014. He graduated from Marquette University in 1990 and has worked in commercial construction and facilities management for more than 30 years. Frank and his wife, Melissa, have been married more than 20 years and have six children. He enjoys working with the residents and looks forward to being a part of the continued growth of the community.

Sally is a Massachusetts native who moved to Virginia in 1972. She grew up a few miles from Lakewood in Tuckahoe Village. Sally has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, having worked at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond and Winchester, St. Mary’s Woods, and most recently VCU Health System. She loves entertaining at home, dining out, attending live theater and music events, and cheering for the Flying Squirrels. Sally first transitioned from LifeSpire of Virginia’s home office to her role as Lakewood’s Director of Resident Services before her role as Community Outreach Liaison.

Lori Welty grew up in in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, where she attended school in Green County at the G. C. Technical school during her junior and senior years of high school for nursing. Lori moved to Richmond in 1987 where she met her husband, David. They have been married for 33 years. She joined Lakewood in 2002, left in 2013, and then returned in 2019. Lori has served as the Executive Director’s Administrative Assistant, Director of Administrative Services, and currently as the Director of Resident Services. When not at Lakewood, Lori can be found gardening, driving through the Appalachian Mountains, or down the eastern coast soaking up the sun.

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University and brings more than 40 years of culinary excellence to Lakewood. His distinguished career spans leadership roles at Richmond-area country clubs, private restaurants, and most recently as Culinary Director for a hotel management company overseeing 37 properties nationwide.

“Food brings people together,” says John. “I’m committed to enhancing our residents’ experience through exceptional cuisine and service that invites them to truly enjoy every aspect of dining at Lakewood.”

A passionate mentor, John works hands-on with his team, sharing the expertise he gained from strong mentors early in his career. He finds particular fulfillment in helping team members—especially those in their first professional role—develop skills that will serve them throughout their careers. When not at Lakewood, John enjoys golf, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Jackie, their three children, and two grandchildren.

Chandler Gilmore, originally from Culpeper, Virginia, joined the Lakewood team in 2025. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in human resources and her master’s degree in education from Virginia Tech. Chandler brings a blend of experience in education, operations, and human resources to her role as Director of HR.

Chandler began her career as a high school teacher before transitioning into HR and operations, where she discovered a passion for supporting teams and building strong workplace cultures. She and her husband enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring Richmond’s local restaurants, and cheering on the Hokies during football season. Her greatest recreational joy is when she can be found walking or running in one of Richmond’s many beautiful parks.

Belinda was born and raised in Oceanside, California, where she began her career cleaning military base housing for white glove inspections. From those early lessons in discipline and excellence, she has gained experience in every facet of cleaning—from hotels and resorts to healthcare facilities and senior living communities. Her passion is creating clean, safe, and welcoming environments where people can truly thrive. Belinda and her husband are blessed with four adult children and five grandchildren. Her greatest recreational joy is when she can be found gardening, cooking, and reading inspirational books.

Meredith brings extensive healthcare experience to Lakewood, joining the team in May 2021. With over 19 years as a Case Manager at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital and additional experience in nursing homes and opening an assisted living community, she has dedicated her career to supporting seniors and their families through healthcare transitions. Lakewood holds a special place in Meredith’s heart—she grew up just across the street in Tuckahoe Village, where her parents continue to reside. When she’s not at work, Meredith enjoys beach getaways to the Outer Banks, exploring new recipes in the kitchen, and spending quality time with her two teenage daughters.