Meet Our Team

Laurel was born and raised in New Iberia, Louisiana. She has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in

Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Child Life. Prior to her arrival at The Blake, Laurel

worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist at a local hospital where she helped pediatric patients and

their families cope with their hospital stay.

After the death of her grandfather, Laurel felt called to serve a different age population. She is

excited to provide family-centered care while continuing to utilize her knowledge and expertise to help

ensure that the residents have the opportunity to engage in fun-filled, meaningful interactions and

activities.

Laurel’s passion for children and family overflows into her life outside of work as well. She

enjoys spending time with friends and family as much as possible. She also enjoys doing arts and crafts.

Matthew is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and The University of Texas at Austin's advertising graduate program and Texas Creative Sequence. He is currently obtaining teaching certification for accessible, trauma-informed yoga for system-impacted people. He is a Nationally Certified Dementia Practitioner.

Matthew is passionate about engaging people through healthy living and the arts. In his spare time, he enjoys illustration, design & photography, collecting vinyl, running, reading, yoga and experiencing life with his two sons.

Matthew is thrilled to be stepping into the new role of Director of Memory Care. He is enthusiastic about incorporating innovative ideas for person-centered care in the community. His goal is to create an environment that is supportive, dignified, and full of life and laughter for our Memory Care residents.

Chante was born and raised In St. Martinville, Louisiana. From cooking to decorating, Chante and her sister grew up helping their mother with all the preparations for an events at their local event hall. Of the experience, she says, "Before creating a single special event that cost thousands of dollars, family and friends got together and pitched in to create magical memories." Because she was a kid, she wasn't paid, but she learned to remain humble and grateful through the process. This was the beginning of her passion for coordinating programs: helping her mother.

Chante later went to school in Early Education, but it wasn’t until she found herself taking care of the elderly as a CNA that she discovered the need to do more. Planning person-centered activities was something she has always done through her daily routine as a CNA. When a Dementia Program Coordinator position opened at her previous job, she found herself in taking over that position. The role was "honestly meant for me," she says. "That road brought me in many different directions, and finally where I am today."

Dementia is something that she has firsthand experience with, as both her grandmothers were diagnosed. She sees them every day in our residents, and it is her love and her passion that pushes her to strive to make every program purposeful.