Our Staff
Directors
Laurel Derks Nelson
Chief Executive Officer
Laurie is the Chief Executive Officer for The Center for Respite Care and has been so for the past five years. She has led the organization through a complete transformation which includes its new location at The Saint Anthony Center, increased bed count, recipient of tax levy funds and recognition across the community-at-large. Her extensive work in the non profit world includes the Cincinnati Center for Autism and The Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky. Laurie holds an MPA from Northern Kentucky University and is currently working on an MA from Notre Dame University for Non Profit executives.
Debra Martin
Chief Financial Officer
Deb has been a life-long non-profit agency employee and volunteer- fueling her passion for providing resources and transforming the lives of people, particularly in the areas of health and trauma. Her experience includes over 15 years in senior management for non-profit agencies, as well as implementing and directing financial, operational and programmatic activities in a variety of industries. Her understanding of business and procedural issues is broad and deep. Deb has a BA in business and liberal arts and an MA in counseling.
Edward J. Slater
Chief Advancement Officer
Ed is the Chief Advancement Officer for The Center for Respite Care. He has an extensive background in both theology and community work. This includes the Franciscan Province of St John the Baptist and is a co-founder of Tender Mercies. Ed’s life has been committed to improving the lives of those who need support the most. He holds a Masters of Divinity and MA in Business Administration. Ed has been being active in the OTR community for decades.
Medical Operations Lead
Dr. Bob Donovan
Oversees Medical Operations
After being in private practice for several years, Bob Donovan entered the Society of Mary. Following profession of vows, he returned to Cincinnati and became Medical Director of the Cincinnati Health Care for the Homeless Program in 1988. As part of his duties he has delivered primary care to people experiencing homelessness on the Mobile Medical Clinic at several of the shelters in the Cincinnati area for 24 years, and he currently cares for people experiencing homelessness (and others) at the McMicken Health Collaborative in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. He oversees medical operations for The Center for Respite Care.
Medical Recovery Staff
Patrice McDonald, LPN
Nurse Manager
Nursing is core to the success of The Center for Respite Care. Patrice has worked on staff for 12 years. She started at our former Washington Avenue location (in Avondale) and continues in Over-the-Rhine. She truly understands the complexity of the journey of our clients.
A graduate of Brown Mackie College Nursing Program, she previously worked at a local nursing home establishment.
Patrice is the mother of two and the proud grandmother of one incredible grandson.
Shayla Walker, LPN
Nurse Manager
Shayla is passionate about nursing. Her nursing experience includes being a charge nurse, homecare nursing, psyche nursing, hospice care and nursing instruction.
Her well-honed skills make her well equipped to address a multitude of challenges that our patients confront. This includes care for people across the age spectrum. She received her nursing credentials at Bohecker College.
The Management Team
Kay Burlew
Program Director
Kay is the Program Director for The Center for Respite Care. She has spent the past 22 years in the field, working with staff and patients and caring for individuals in a medical environment. She specializes in behavior modification with numerous credentials and certifications. She is a proactive self starter, who is dedicated and compassionate – always putting the needs of The Center primary.
Ashley Campbell
Administrative Services Manager
Ashley Campbell is the Administrative Services Manager for the Center for Respite Care. Before joining the Center, she worked in the food service industry, which included her learning to garner a deep understanding of human nature. She graduated from Miami University with a degree in English Literature. As such, she excels in both the written and spoken word. She is a deep critical thinker who graduated with a stellar GPA and leadership in the English honors fraternity — Sigma Tau Delta. With strong communications skills and deep human empathy — the Center is pleased that Ashley is on the team.
