08/05/2025
Meet Valerie, Administrator at Ridgewood Specialty Care! ✨
Valerie was born in Puerto Rico, raised in Florida, and recently relocated to Iowa. Her and her husband have three fur babies, Clare, Guinness, and Chi-Chi.
Valerie joined the Army at 17 years old as a supply specialist and later became an LPN through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Over the years, she’s gained experience in long-term care, behavioral health, geriatric psychiatry, med-surg, and even served as a nurse in a maximum-security prison.
Valerie earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University and is now working on her Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration at South College.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and collecting vinyl records.
When asked why she became an Administrator, she said:
"I’ve always felt a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for others, maybe it comes from being the oldest of four. I’m passionate about leading with purpose, solving problems as a team, and creating a positive environment where both staff and residents feel valued and supported."
Thank you, Valerie, for all that you do for our team and residents at Ridgewood Specialty Care! We appreciate your hard work, dedication, and commitment to quality care! 🌟
