Directions / Map >The Laurels of Steubenville Staff
What differentiates one skilled nursing & rehabilitation center from another? The answer is... the people who work and reside there! The people set the tone, the atmosphere, and the expectations. At The Laurels of Steubenville, we take great pride in ensuring that everyone feels like part of our family, and that they are treated as special "guests" in our home.
The Laurels of Steubenville employs a team of highly qualified medical professionals, including a Medical Director, Registered Nurses, Restorative Care Nurses, a Wound Care Nurse, state tested Certified Nursing Assistants, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and a Speech Therapist. Our on-site Rehab, Dietary, Social Work, and Activities departments provide personalized and compassionate care to each guest. From the moment you walk through the front doors, the warmth and caring of the staff will begin to gain your trust and confidence, as they strive to exceed your expectations.
Unlike other facilities that use "contracted" staff members, each member of the team at The Laurels of Steubenville is directly employed, not "contracted". Each Team Member takes great pride in portraying "The Laurel Way of Caring", as they strive for excellence in providing only the highest standard of care and services to every guest, and to every family member and visitor. Come on in! Visit a while! Let us show you our very best... let us show you The Laurel Way.
Melissa Ross-Merkel, Administrator
Melissa has been in the long-term care industry since 1997. She started as a Nurse’s Aide in high school and transitioned to Marketing Director for two years at her uncle’s Skilled Nursing Facility while finishing her degree. She became a Licensed Administrator in 2001 and most recently served as the Administrator for Carriage Inn of Cadiz.Melissa is from Cadiz, Ohio and is married with one son.
Jacquie Gorza, RN, Director of Nursing
Jacquie was promoted to Director of Nursing at The Laurels of Steubenville in August 2011. She joined the staff of The Laurels in 2009 and has worked as a Unit Manager, Staff Development Director, and Assistant Director of Nursing. She has over 24 years of experience with long-term care facilities in the area.
A native of Martins Ferry, Jacquie attended Ohio University Eastern campus, where she studied psychology and sociology. She is a graduate of the Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing.
Karen Pinkerton, COTA, Rehabilitation Services Director
Karen was born and raised in Wellsville, Ohio and has been employed with The Laurels of Steubenville since its opening in 2008. Karen graduated in 1992 from Kent State East Liverpool with a degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting. She has been a Rehabilitation Director in long-term care since 2001 and is also certified in Gerontology through the American Occupational Therapy Association.