Fanny Rouse, Executive Director
From early on, Fanny knew she had an affinity for seniors. She was raised by her grandmother, whom she continued to care for after a dementia diagnosis. Originally from Belgium, she earned a CNA certificate at the age of 15, followed by a nursing degree. With experience in hospice, rehab and assisted living, Fanny felt she was improving the clinical care of older adults.
“As executive director, I’m in a position to influence the entire senior living experience,” she said. “That’s exciting!”
As part of a military family, Fanny has lived all over the world. She has been a Colorado resident since 2014. Her oldest of three sons is currently in the US Army. Outside of Springbrooke, Fanny enjoys camping, traveling, barbequing with family and chasing her pooch, Josie.
“Springbrooke is not a big corporate community. There’s a real sense of connectedness among residents and staff. We’re a family.”
Erin Manning, Sales & Marketing Director
A veteran of the senior community world since 2004, Erin brings a wealth of experience and talent to Springbrooke. Erin knows Springbrooke inside and out, having assisted our community in various aspects for a decade.
You’ll find Erin caring, clear and focused on providing the best options for potential residents. She has an uncanny ability to match seniors to the right level of care – whether that’s true independent living, independent living with a helping hand from Companion Plus, or assisted living.
Erin’s near-constant companion is her wee pup, Vivian, who often joins her at work. Stop by and meet them both!
“Springbrooke is unique in that residents can start in independent living and add services when needed, but never move apartments. This is the way senior living should be!”
Albas Hailu, Health & Wellness Director
Thoughtful and measured, Albas has always had a desire to ease the lives of older people. She enjoyed looking after her grandmother in her native Ethiopia while earning her nursing degree. With an eye on medical school and a passion for learning, Albas moved to the United States where she quickly transitioned from caregiver to QMAP. Once her nursing credentials were validated and she completed additional healthcare courses, she advanced to wellness coordinator and then assistant clinical director.
“Older people have rich experiences to share, and I like hearing their stories. I treat them as I’d want to be treated, if I’m lucky enough to reach their age.”
Albas took a deep dive into dementia research to better understand and care for those with the disease. “I want to do it right and provide the best environment and care possible,” she explained. With the support of Springbrooke’s management and staff, Albas can continue to learn and apply that knowledge to improve residents’ lives.
In her free time, Albas likes to hike, explore new restaurants, watch movies and spend time with friends and family.
“I strive for a friendly work environment. Senior care can be intense and residents read our moods. My goal is to make every resident feel loved, cared for and relaxed.”
Ruth Springer, Associate Director
If there is a North Star at Springbrooke, it’s Ruth. She first entered our doors in 1998 as our front desk concierge while earning an Associate of Arts Behavioral Science degree. Her subsequent experience as a mortgage loan processor gave her a strong foundation in accounting. She has been Springbrooke’s associate director since 2008.
When Ruth is not deep into the tasks of balancing Springbrooke’s finances, you’ll find her playing bartender at happy hours, chatting with residents and occasionally serving meals in the dining hall if we are particularly busy. Ruth seems everywhere at once, so it’s no wonder she’s the go-to for our executive director.
“I try to get to know everyone,” she said. “I take care of the staff so that they can take care of our residents.”
Ruth and her husband are the proud parents of three rambunctious dogs, who take them on long walks in the park. The couple also likes to try adventurous restaurants.
“I love the residents, the owners and the staff. It’s a pleasure to work here. Springbrooke is like family.”
Annalise Grace, Life Enrichment Director
As the daughter of a pastor and a teacher in the Midwest, Annalise’s youth centered around service and family. She had plenty of interactions with seniors traveling with her father to retirement communities on Sundays. She knew early on her passion was helping the older generation. She became a CNA in college, eventually earning a degree in human development and family studies with a concentration in gerontology. After working in group homes, memory care and independent living, sampling jobs from the kitchen to resident services, she found her niche in directing activities. She has been a full-time senior living specialist since 2015.
“I am the fun police – engaging seniors and bringing joy to their lives every day. I love making older adults laugh,” she said.
Annalise sees this as a golden era for senior living, given new research into healthy aging and dementia care, plus the growing influence of Boomer residents.
Springbrooke’s excellent reputation, stability and relatively small size drew Annalise to our community. “The owners are here often, know the residents and are open to new ideas,” she said. “That makes a difference.”
In her off hours, Annalise is an avid knitter and crocheter. She’s also kept busy with her two cats and Rottweiler puppy.
“Springbrooke isn’t a huge corporation with outh-of-the-area management. We can quickly change things for the better and personalize experiences.”
Keith Lommatsch, Culinary Director
Keith has been preparing delicious fare for our residents almost from day one. He came to Springbrooke after 25 years in the hotel, restaurant and catering industries. “Because I’m not limited to the confines of a corporate menu, I’m free to be creative in the kitchen,” he said.
A Denver native, Keith fell into cooking while washing dishes as a college student. Soon the restaurant had him prepping for meals. Keith quickly decided that becoming a chef suited him better than an accounting degree. He went on to graduate from culinary school in Portland, Oregon, before returning home to Colorado.
Keith is known as a cut-up in the kitchen as well as with the residents. You’ll often find him in the dining room telling jokes and laughing with residents and their families.
Outside Springbrooke, Keith applies his creativity to playing the guitar and keyboards, and to experimenting with new recipes. He’s also a big Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche and Nuggets fan.
“It’s like cooking for family at Springbrooke. I know the likes and dislikes of nearly every resident, so I know how to make them smile.”
Erica Rodriguez, Marketing Assistant
Erica has worked in senior living since 2004, starting in the business office and finding her niche in sales and marketing. Her sunny personality makes her a favorite with residents. Her experience makes her a valuable resource for those searching for the right retirement community.
“After starting my career at a national chain, I migrated to privately owned communities, which deliver a more personalized, flexible living environment,” she said. “Springbrooke really feels like home in part because of the lack of red tape.”
Erica is the proud mom of two young children and a long-term Colorado resident. She also operates a special events company in her spare time.
“Springbrooke is small, friendly and feels like home. No wonder residents are happy here!”