Teamwork.

Heath Foust has served in the senior living industry for 23 years, 15 of which he managed the day-to-day operations of the Physical Plant. Upon moving into his new position as Executive Director, he has earned multiple certifications to help him better understand and manage his senior living community in Lufkin.  Heath has earned two certifications in Leadership and Management, one of which was earned through the Texas Leading Age Leadership Institute.  He holds a certification as an Assisted Living Administrator and one in Hospitality Management through the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association. One of his greatest accomplishments was enlisting in the U.S. Air Force following high school graduation.

Heath is married to Cindy and they reside on Lake Sam Rayburn.  They have two boys and two girls and one grandson. While not working, Heath and Cindy enjoy camping, fishing and anything outdoors.

Hannah Pierce joined MRC in 2012 as a social worker for PineCrest Healthy Living Community in Lufkin, Texas. She completed the Administrator in Training Program in April 2014 and was named the administrator for all health care areas in 2015. Hannah obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2012, as well as her nursing facility administrator license in 2015, in addition she obtained her Eden Alternative Educator Certification in 2021 which allows her to train employees across the MRC organization in person directed care and culture change.

Hannah has enjoyed working in long term care since 2011. She strives for excellence in all her endeavors. Her passion is promoting the best quality of life for the residents through coaching, managing and mentoring staff.

Hannah is married to Jason and they have 3 sons and 1 grand daughter.

Shalana has been a Registered Nurse for 21 years that graduated from Angelina College with her associate degree in nursing. Shalana joined PineCrest in 2020 as the Assistant Director of Nursing and was promoted to Director of Nursing in 2022. Shalana has been involved in elder care since childhood as her mom has served as a Director of Nursing for many years. She has been married for 25 wonderful years to the Love of her life  and best friend.  Shalana has 2 handsome boys  that keep her busy.  She loves being a Nurse and being able to  make a difference in other’s lives.  

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Claudia Pena joined the MRC PineCrest team in 2022, as the campus HR Coordinator. Claudia has over 12 years of experience in the non-profit sector, serving the majority of that time in Human Resources and Employee Relations. Her background includes hospice, bereavement counseling, and home health.

Claudia obtained her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University. She is a graduate of the Leadership Lufkin Class 37 and is pursuing a green belt in Lean Six Sigma. Claudia’s passion is working alongside the PineCrest team, fulfilling our mission to: Honor and serve older adults as an expression of Christ’s love.

Claudia is married to Sergio and they have two children.

Suzanne joined the PineCrest team in 2015 as a charge nurse but has been working with those living with memory loss since she was a teen, which is when she discovered her passion. Shortly after joining the team, she was promoted to the role of Assisted Living Nursing Supervisor before she grew to take on the role of Director of Assisted Living in 2022. Smith obtained her credentials of LVN at Tyler County School of Vocational Nursing and received the runner up best nurse in the 2021 Best of Lufkin competition. She is also a CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) and Certified Dementia Practitioner Trainer (CDPT). While away from work, you'll find Suzanne cheering on the Astros or, doting on her grandson and granddaughter, as well as spending time with her son and daughter.

Karen Lazarine serves as the Sales & Marketing Director at PineCrest Retirement Community, where she combines her passion for people with a commitment to helping older adults and their families navigate important life decisions. With more than 20 years of experience in senior living management, Karen understands the importance of listening carefully, building trust, and helping each family find the right path forward.

She enjoys creating genuine relationships, strengthening community connections, and introducing prospective residents to the fulfilling lifestyle and sense of belonging PineCrest offers.

Karen and her husband, John, have been married for 34 years. Together, they have three adult children, two grandchildren, and another grandchild on the way. Her faith, family, and love for people are at the heart of everything she does.

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Kirsten Redd serves as Healthcare Sales Counselor at PineCrest Retirement Community. With years of experience in senior healthcare, marketing, community outreach and business development, she enjoys helping seniors and their families navigate the many choices involved in finding the right care and community. Her experience throughout East Texas has given her a strong understanding of the full continuum of senior living, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Short-Term Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care.

Originally from Northern Virginia, Kirsten moved to Texas in 1996 and has proudly called East Texas home ever since. She and her husband, Gary, have been married for more than 20 years and have three sons and four grandchildren. Outside of work, Kirsten enjoys attending church, fishing, camping and spending time with her family—especially cheering on her youngest son at his basketball and baseball games. She is proud to be part of the PineCrest team and considers it a privilege to help families find a community that truly feels like home.

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Mike Higuera brings more than 25 years of food service and hospitality experience to his role as Dining Director at PineCrest. His career has spanned restaurants, quick-service dining and nonprofit organizations. A servant leader at heart, Mike has found his calling in creating meaningful dining experiences and building genuine relationships with the residents he serves.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys traveling, visiting friends and family in his hometown of Port Neches and spending time with his dog, Atlas.

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Paul Johnson joined MRC in 2024 as a social worker for PineCrest Healthy Living Community in Lufkin, Texas. Paul has over 20 years experience in the healthcare and social work field. Paul obtained his Bachelors and Masters degree in Social work from Stephen F. Austin State University. Paul always knew he would answer God's calling to be a Social Worker. He loves to serve in ministry at his church home and enjoys sharing the word of God with our elders.

He is originally from Lufkin and has been married to his wife Jere for 25 years and together they have 3 sons.

Angel Johnson-Branch joined MRC PineCrest in October 2006 as case manager for their new and growing home health department. She’s continued to serve as director of nursing licensed care for the past eight years. During that time, she earned her Certified Aging Service Professional certification from the University of North Texas, graduated from the LeadingAge Texas Leadership program, and earned her certification as a cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructor. She’s also been serving MRC PineCrest in the leadership role as director and administrator of home health for the last three years. Angel’s health care experience started in 1988 when, as a senior in high school, she received training as a certified nursing aide by one of MRC PineCrest’s current residents. Angel’s love for serving people has given her the privilege of working in post-partum and dialysis, as well as serving the community as a pastor’s wife, a member of the Angelina College Nursing Advisory Board, and a board member of the Parent, Teacher and Student organization for Lufkin Middle School. She seeks to continue her mission of being commissioned by God to work in love and provide excellent service with continuity care to the lives of our seniors and the community.

Karla Kendrick has been certified in life enrichment for over 15 years, and most of that time has been spent with the residents of PineCrest.

She’s been able to provide lively, fun activities to seniors in all stages of life, giving seniors opportunities to live life to the fullest no matter what their limitations may be.

She’s an ordained minister and is passionate about spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Karla’s been married for 27 years, has two children and a sweet little dog named Lu-Lu.

Samantha joined the PineCrest team five years ago as a receptionist before advancing into her current role as Executive Assistant. Throughout her time at PineCrest, she has built meaningful relationships with residents, families and coworkers while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. She finds fulfillment in supporting others, helping daily operations run smoothly and ensuring those around her feel valued.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with her husband of 10 years and their dogs. She is grateful for the journey that brought her to PineCrest and looks forward to continuing to learn, grow and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

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