Experience Comfort at the John B. Parsons Assisted Living Community

Joe Laque has served as Executive Director of John B. Parsons Assisted Living since 2024, leading efforts to enhance resident services, improve staff training, and strengthen person-centered care. He holds certifications as a QAPI Certified Professional (QCP) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), reflecting his commitment to quality improvement and specialized support for older adults.

Prior to entering healthcare administration, Joe spent nearly a decade in nonprofit leadership, including roles as Executive Director of Horizons Delmarva and the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce. His work—spanning youth advocacy, business development, and national consulting—has focused on strategic growth and mission alignment. A Salisbury University graduate with degrees in Media Marketing and Business Management, Joe remains active in community engagement. Outside of work, he’s a proud family man, often found on the sidelines of his kids’ sporting events or school concerts, raising four children alongside his wife and embracing the organized chaos of family life.

Crystal has been with Harrison Senior Living for over five years now.  Working with people has been the focus of most of her career as her experience covers 15 years in human resources and 27 Years in payroll administration. More recently, she became the Director of Quality Assurance at John B.  Parsons. In this role, Crystal puts a great deal of passion into quality of care, ensuring the safety of all residents and staff.  She also does her best to assist, direct, and help the residents and staff in any way possible. Crystal and her husband have two beautiful daughters who are pursuing a career in the nursing industry.  In her spare time, she enjoys attending & participating in racing events, camping and spending time with my family while following guidance and strength through God.

Kristi Truitt brings over 16 years of experience in Healthcare and Senior Living, including 14 years of dedicated service at John B. Parsons. She began her career as an activity aide at another community before joining the team at Parsons as the Activity Director. Her strong leadership and commitment to resident well-being led her to her current role as Director of Resident Services.

Kristi oversees a variety of Departments including the business office, Activities, Reception, and she assists with Admissions. Her responsibilities include resident billing, scheduling, Activity calendars, event planning, staging rooms and common areas, helping to manage transports, ordering supplies, supporting families, coordinating our social media efforts, and more!

She is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment and making sure every resident feels engaged, valued, and at home. Kristi feels a deep commitment to quality care and compassionate leadership and is proud to be a part of the community’s success and spirit.

With over 25 years in healthcare marketing, Donna knows the importance of cultivating relationships and building trust with the clients she has served.  At John B. Parsons Assisted Living, Donna takes great pride in connecting seniors and their families with a warm and welcoming environment where they can thrive with dignity and purpose.

Donna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Salisbury University and a Master of Science in Marketing from Wilmington University.  With decades of healthcare experience, she knows the importance of relationships, honest communication, and meeting people where they are – especially during times of change. Donna’s role at John B. Parsons is more than just marketing; it’s about making a difference in people’s lives.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys spending time with friends & family, reading, biking and exploring the Delmarva Peninsula’s beautiful beaches and waterways. Donna and her husband John, enjoy spoiling their grandkids and two pups, Mandy the Maltese and Moka the Toy Poodle.

With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, Gwendolen began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, dedicating 11 years to providing compassionate, hands-on care. She’s been a Licensed Practical Nurse for the past 9 years. Gwendolen started her journey at
John B. Parsons as a Supervisor before being promoted to Director of Nursing. In this leadership role, she’s committed to fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and patient-centered care.

Outside of work, Gwendolen is deeply rooted in her faith and serves as the Praise and Worship Leader at her church. She’s also a proud mother of two sons and a loving grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter. She loves going to the movies, concerts and comedy shows. But spending time with her family; especially her parents, means the most to Gwendolen.

Shafiq, otherwise known as “Slim” to the residents at John B. Parsons, is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts.  Slim brings passion, creativity, and deep experience to the kitchen.  His culinary journey began in senior living settings, with early roles as a cook at Wicomico Nursing Home, Chesapeake Cottage, and Chesapeake Manor. These roles helped build a strong foundation in nutrition, menu planning, and resident-centered dining.

In 2018, Slim joined the culinary department at John B. Parsons, where he continued to refine his skills in delivering high quality, comforting, and nutritious meals in a supportive community environment. Slim left John B. Parsons to take a position with Sterling Care and then a managerial position at Harbor Pointe.  Slim returned to John B. Parsons in 2024 where he leads with heart, flavor, and a commitment to excellence in every dish.

Mac oversees building maintenance and operations at John B. Parsons, bringing over eight years of hands-on experience and dedication to the role. He takes pride in being a dependable team player, always ready to support colleagues and contribute to a smooth, safe, and well-functioning environment. Mac believes his proactive approach and strong work ethic are a vital part of daily operations.  In his free time, Mac likes to spend time with family and his cat, Crystal.  He also enjoys outdoor activities, such as camping and exploring.

Shelby Laque joined John B. Parsons in 2024 as our Delegating Nurse, bringing nearly a decade of diverse nursing experience. After earning her RN in 2016, she began her career in neurosciences at TidalHealth before traveling the country as an ICU nurse, working in units ranging from small-town hospitals to large urban centers. In 2019, she returned to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to lead TidalHealth’s Wound Center as Clinical Nurse Manager, where she implemented innovative care strategies. She later transitioned into Workers’ Compensation Insurance Case Management and served with Coastal Hospice, broadening her expertise in care coordination.

Now certified as a Delegating Nurse, Shelby plays a critical role in ensuring quality and compliance in resident care at John B. Parsons. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and their four children.

Adopted from a shelter in 2014, Henry has become a cherished member of our senior living community. With a calm presence and a loyal heart, he offers comfort to residents missing their pets and helps new arrivals feel at home. Known for his gentle nature, impressive repertoire of tricks, and protective instincts, Henry brings joy, connection, and companionship to all who meet him.