Meet Our Team
Donna Cella, RN, MMHC, BCPA
Founder, Board Certified Patient Advocate
Donna Cella, RN, MMHC is the founder of ElderCARE, LLC. She has over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse and has worked in hospital and community settings in direct care, supervisory and leadership roles. She has served as the Director of Case Management and led care management teams supporting patients as they navigate the fragmented health care system. For the last six years, Donna has supported health systems across the country in the evolution to Value-Based Care and improving cross-continuum care coordination.
Donna is dedicated to supporting patients and families who are navigating the health care system, while helping them to maintain independence and make informed choices about their health. In addition, she believes that focusing on the “4Ms” (Mobility, Mentation, Medication and What Matters), as set forth by the Institute for Health Care Improvement (IHI), is the key to successful aging.”. To provide the best care and outcomes, Donna has built ElderCARE’s multi-disciplinary team of care managers who are uniquely qualified to support patients and families in Middle Tennessee.
Donna received her Bachelor of Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University and her Masters in Management in Health Care from Vanderbilt University. In addition, Donna is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate and recently completed her training to be a Facilitator/Trainer for “Respecting Choices,” a nationally recognized program for Advance Care Planning.
Donna lives with her husband Michael, two daughters, mother and dog Woody in Franklin.
Donna Cella, RN, MMHC, BCPA
Founder, Board Certified Patient Advocate
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DONNA
Teresa Keffer, PT, DPT, CFPS
Physical Therapist, Care Coordination,
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist
Teresa Keffer, PT, DPT, CFPS is a physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience and is a Certified Falls Prevention Specialist. Teresa utilizes her physical therapy experience, passion for advocacy and education to bring valuable knowledge and solutions to improve the health and quality of life of her clients.
Teresa uses a client-centered, collaborative approach to find a successful blend of individual choice, safety, and available resources. She is committed to caring most about what matters to her clients. Teresa provides compassionate care, believing that no senior should ever feel they’re alone in navigating aging and the health care system.
After earning an undergraduate degree in exercise science at Auburn University, Teresa continued her education and received a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1995 and recently completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University. In addition, she is a former adjunct faculty member at Belmont’s School of Physical Therapy.
Teresa lives with her husband, Jim, and has three children, two in college and one in high school. She enjoys teaching fitness classes, walking, reading, playing games, spending time with family and their goldendoodle, Rosie.
Teresa Keffer, PT, DPT, CFPS
Physical Therapist, Care Coordination,
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TERESA
Kim Easton, ODT
Occupational Therapist, Care Coordinator
Kim Easton is a noted specialist in senior care with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and more than 25 years in practice. Her experience in geriatric rehabilitation at acute hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient practice settings has equipped her with an expert understanding of health systems and the barriers that make navigating the next steps challenging.
Her passion for client outcomes and success is the foundation of her desire to advocate for you and is the basis for her comprehensive knowledge of resources and interventions. Kim has personally developed and taught clinical applications such as assistive technology for aging in place, treatment for incontinence, dementia interventions that focus on what clients can do, and interventions that maximize activity engagement, safety and independence.
Kim’s past experience as a clinical and reimbursement consultant enables her to help clients make the most informed decisions. She believes successful client outcomes are achieved by approaching the interrelated connection between a person’s physical, emotional and spiritual being. A native of Canada, Kim spent 20 years in Southern California and today is pleased to call Tennessee home. When not busy working, you’ll find Kim mountain biking or hiking in the hills, cooking unique and flavorful dishes, entertaining at home, and serving at her church.
Kim Easton, ODT
Occupational Therapist, Care Coordinator
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KIM
Heather Johnson, RN
Care Coordinator, Faith Community Nurse
Heather Johnson is a Registered Nurse and has been involved in caring for clients with acute and chronic illnesses for over 26 years. She is very familiar with the Nashville and Franklin health care systems and has worked closely with multiple physicians, specialists, social workers, and local community organizations.
Heather specializes in “whole person” care for individuals, including the needs of the caregiver. She is passionate about supporting patients in making informed choices and educating her clients and families about their health conditions and long-term care options. She operates by the Golden Rule, and “See a need, fill a need.” She has a passion for patient advocacy, which she practices daily with clientele, friends, and family.
Heather received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kennesaw State University and is also a Faith Community Nurse. She has assisted fellow congregational members navigate the complexity of the health care system. Her passion for advocacy is also demonstrated by volunteering for congregational care meetings; home and rehabilitation visitations; and organization of a successful Children of Aging Parents and Alzheimer’s series at her local church.
Heather is married with three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching softball, hiking, yoga and long walks with friends.
Heather Johnson, RN
Care Coordinator, Faith Community Nurse
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HEATHER
Christy Painter
Christy Painter
Christy has over 26 years of experience in medical social work with an extensive knowledge of discharge planning, community resources and insurance benefits for utilizing post-acute care. Christy has a passion for working with older adults and their families to ensure that they have the resources they need based on insurance coverage to support their ongoing care.
Christy was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee before moving to Williamson County and settling in Franklin. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with her Bachelor’s of Social Work, Christy worked for National Health care Corporation at NHC Franklin and NHC Dickson where she gained experience working in skilled and long term care. She then transitioned to a position in acute care at Williamson Medical Center and obtained her Master’s of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work in Nashville.
Christy is married and has three children. She spends her free time hiking with family and relaxing with her two cats. She never turns down an opportunity to travel to Perdido Key and sit by the Gulf of Mexico.
Christy Painter, MSSW
MSSW
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRISTY
Christy Painter
Christy Painter
Christy has over 26 years of experience in medical social work with an extensive knowledge of discharge planning, community resources and insurance benefits for utilizing post-acute care. Christy has a passion for working with older adults and their families to ensure that they have the resources they need based on insurance coverage to support their ongoing care.
Christy was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee before moving to Williamson County and settling in Franklin. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with her Bachelor’s of Social Work, Christy worked for National Health care Corporation at NHC Franklin and NHC Dickson where she gained experience working in skilled and long term care. She then transitioned to a position in acute care at Williamson Medical Center and obtained her Master’s of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work in Nashville.
Christy is married and has three children. She spends her free time hiking with family and relaxing with her two cats. She never turns down an opportunity to travel to Perdido Key and sit by the Gulf of Mexico.
Christy Painter, MSSW
MSSW
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRISTY
Garlan Adams
Garlan Adams
Garlan is a medical Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with an extensive background in a variety of acute care settings, including Level 1 trauma, private and teaching hospitals, focusing on the diagnosis and management of swallowing disorders. Over the course of her career, Garlan has gained experience in addressing a broad spectrum of conditions related to swallowing, speech, and language deficits with medically complex patients while implementing evidence-based practice. She places great importance on providing services and education tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Garlan received a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Tennessee State University where she completed her internship at the VA Medical Center. She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
Garlan is a native of middle Tennessee. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and traveling to national parks with her husband and 3 boys.
Christy Painter, MSSW
MSSW
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRISTY
Christy Painter
Christy Painter
Christy has over 26 years of experience in medical social work with an extensive knowledge of discharge planning, community resources and insurance benefits for utilizing post-acute care. Christy has a passion for working with older adults and their families to ensure that they have the resources they need based on insurance coverage to support their ongoing care.
Christy was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee before moving to Williamson County and settling in Franklin. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with her Bachelor’s of Social Work, Christy worked for National Health care Corporation at NHC Franklin and NHC Dickson where she gained experience working in skilled and long term care. She then transitioned to a position in acute care at Williamson Medical Center and obtained her Master’s of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work in Nashville.
Christy is married and has three children. She spends her free time hiking with family and relaxing with her two cats. She never turns down an opportunity to travel to Perdido Key and sit by the Gulf of Mexico.
Christy Painter, MSSW
MSSW
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRISTY
Christy Painter
Christy Painter
Christy has over 26 years of experience in medical social work with an extensive knowledge of discharge planning, community resources and insurance benefits for utilizing post-acute care. Christy has a passion for working with older adults and their families to ensure that they have the resources they need based on insurance coverage to support their ongoing care.
Christy was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee before moving to Williamson County and settling in Franklin. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with her Bachelor’s of Social Work, Christy worked for National Health care Corporation at NHC Franklin and NHC Dickson where she gained experience working in skilled and long term care. She then transitioned to a position in acute care at Williamson Medical Center and obtained her Master’s of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work in Nashville.
Christy is married and has three children. She spends her free time hiking with family and relaxing with her two cats. She never turns down an opportunity to travel to Perdido Key and sit by the Gulf of Mexico.
Christy Painter, MSSW
MSSW
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRISTY