Nelia is a physical therapist working in the Assisted Living Facilities at Haywood Lodge and Spicewood Cottages.  She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Memphis in 1990, and has spent her career working with populations at opposite ends of the age spectrum—Birth to three pediatrics and geriatric assisted living/skilled nursing.  She has a great passion for the deeply collaborative care that occurs when patients, providers, family/caregivers, and community members work together to help patients develop and maintain rich and fulfilling lives with as much physical independence as possible.  

 

Nelia lives with her husband in Sylva, enjoying frequent visits from her adult children and grandson, as well as hiking, lake kayaking, taking cross-country road trips, and curling up on her porch with a book and a hot cortado.