Meet Our Dedicated Team.
Our Leadership Team
ADMINISTRATOR / CEO
Derek McGill, MBA, NHA
Derek McGill was born and raised in Clinton, Michigan. He attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Derek then went on to Graduate School where he obtained an MBA with a focus in Healthcare Administration. Derek has worked in Healthcare and Human Services since 1990.
He began working in a Day Care at the age of 16 and then transitioned into Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Adolescent Psych, and finally Long Term Care. Derek has been in the role of a Direct Caregiver, Youth Counselor, Recreational Therapist, Nursing Home Administrator, and Chief Executive Officer. He has operated 5 senior living communities throughout Washtenaw, Jackson, Wayne, and Oakland Counties. Derek has been at the Gilbert Residence since January 2010.
Derek lives in Brighton with his wife Julie. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and doing anything outdoors.
ASSISTED LIVING DIRECTOR
Damita Williams, MSW
Damita, originally from River Rouge, Michigan, began her career working with special needs students in New York. After 20 years of working in the New York City school system, Damita completed an internship with Head Start. She gained experience in grant writing, and went on to receive her Masters in Social Work from George Warren Brown School of Social Work in St. Louis.
Damita moved back to Michigan in 2002, and joined the Gilbert Residence team as a Resident Assistant. In 2013, Damita accepted the role as our Assisted Living Director. Damita’s experience, education and passion for our Residents makes her an incredible asset to our team.
DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES
Jennifer Ciufo, RN
jenniferc@gilbertresidence.com
Jen is a Registered Nurse who began her career at the Gilbert Residence in 2015. Since then, she has advanced through several leadership roles, including Charge Nurse and Assistant Director of Nursing. In 2023 she accepted the role as the Director of Nursing. Jen earned her nursing degree from Baker College in 2015 and brings years of clinical expertise and compassionate care to her team and residents every day.
Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with friends, bowling, reading, and playing the piano. She is also a proud mother of three grown children.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES & STAFF EDUCATION
Jami Linn, RN
Jami has been with Gilbert Residence since 2012. She started her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2003. As a CNA, she cultivated a deep passion for working with the elderly population. Jami furthered her education, receiving her Licensed Practical Nursing degree in 2011. She later went on to earn her Masters of Science in Nursing in 2023.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jami finds joy in being a proud mother to three daughters and embraces a variety of hobbies, including fishing, kayaking, decorating, and cooking. Jami’s personal and professional life reflects her dedication, compassion, and drive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
DIRECTOR OF LIFE ENRICHMENT
Maureen Pawlak, CTRS
Maureen is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). She attended Eastern Michigan University and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and minor in Gerontology. Maureen began her career in the field of Recreational Therapy in 2002. She has been with The Gilbert Residence since November of 2017.
When she isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, gardening, word games, audio books, water aerobics, spending time with her friends and family, and her black tabby Nico.
ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
Theresa Saenz De Viteri
Theresa resides in Ypsilanti, where she and her husband raised their three sons. Theresa attended college at Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University. Her work history includes various roles in other health care fields. She began working at The Gilbert Residence in 2007, as the front desk receptionist. She accepted the role of Admissions Coordinator in 2020.
In the past, Theresa has had two family members reside at The Gilbert Residence. She has enjoyed serving on various work committees, and organizes the annual classic car show at The Gilbert Residence. Her other interests include outdoor activities, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Brianne Jones, LLMSW
Brianne, originally from Saginaw, attended Saginaw Valley State University. She specialized in Social Work, earning a Bachelor’s degree in 2019 and her Master’s in 2020. Brianne has a diverse background in mental health care as a Psychiatric Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Behavioral Specialist and working with the geriatric population. Brianne started working at the Gilbert Residence in 2023, where she uses her Social Work expertise to provide quality care to our residents and assisting families.
When Brianne is not working, you can find her working hard in her garden, reading a good book, spending time with family, or exploring the beauty of metro Detroit.
Our Board Members
Officers
Derek McGill - CEO
Ted Schork - President
Barbara Robb - Vice President
Richard G. Timmons - Treasurer
Marcia D Harrison - Secretary
Trustees
Eric Maes
Fred Davis
Larry Doe
Steve Jentzen
Robert Nissly
Dr. Jeffrey J. Colton
Leslie Shanlian
Kirk Profit -Emeritus