The Laurels of Canton Staff

What differentiates one skilled nursing & rehabilitation center from another? The answer is... the people who work and reside there! The people set the tone, the atmosphere, and the expectations. At The Laurels of Canton, we take great pride in ensuring that everyone feels like part of our family, and that they are treated as special "guests" in our home.

The Laurels of Canton employs a team of highly qualified medical professionals, including a Medical Director, Registered Nurses, Restorative Care Nurses, a Wound Care Nurse, state tested Certified Nursing Assistants, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and a Speech Therapist. Our on-site Rehab, Dietary, Social Work, and Activities departments provide personalized and compassionate care to each guest. From the moment you walk through the front doors, the warmth and caring of the staff will begin to gain your trust and confidence, as they strive to exceed your expectations.

Unlike other facilities that use "contracted" staff members, each member of the team at The Laurels of Canton is directly employed, not "contracted". Each Team Member takes great pride in portraying "The Laurel Way of Caring", as they strive for excellence in providing only the highest standard of care and services to every guest, and to every family member and visitor. Come on in! Visit a while! Let us show you our very best... let us show you The Laurel Way.

Jennifer Fess, LNHA, Administrator

Jennifer graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1997 with a degree in Recreational Therapy.  She started her long-term care career in Cleveland, working as an Activities Director.  Jennifer then became an Administrator in 2002, and has operated several buildings in the Cleveland-Akron area, joining The Laurels of Canton in 2010.  Jennifer is married, has 2 children, and enjoys time with her family, sailing, hiking and cooking.

Pam Kowalski, RN, Director of Nursing

Amy McDermand, RT, Director of Marketing

Amy graduated from college in West Virginia in 1994 with a degree in Respiratory Therapy.  She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA.  She worked at Aultman Hospital as a Registered Respiratory Therapist until 2004.  She has worked in sales/marketing since then and joined The Laurels when it took over their new facility in Canton in 2010.  She currently covers both The Laurels of Canton and The Laurels of Massillon locations as their marketing director.  She has 3 sons and enjoys playing with her children, football, her flower gardens, musical plays and theater.

Beth Jones, PT, DPT, Rehabilitation Services Director

Beth graduated in 2008 with her Doctorate’s Degree from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA and with her undergraduate degree from Ohio Northern in 2006.  She graduated from McKinley High School with honors in 2002.  She is on the Board of Directors for the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation, which provides college scholarships for high school seniors and financial assistance to families impacted by cancer.  She lives in Canton with her husband and daughter.  Her hobbies include reading, running, and being with her family.