Leadership Team | Heritage Lane Behavioral Assisted Living

Reed Gunnell, Principal Partner

Mr. Gunnell is the original founder of Heritage Lane and comes with years of experience in post-acute care and behavioral health. As a former nursing home and post-acute care administrator, he has the professional skills to employ, train and manage the right individuals to carry out the important mission at Heritage Lane Behavioral Assisted Living. It is his passion to care for those who suffer from mental illness. To offer a higher functioning environment whose premise is based on goals and positive reinforcement. Mr. Gunnell believes in offering a less restrictive environment to all of Arizona residents who are placed in restrictive settings where if given the opportunity could live and thrive in a less restrictive community. Mr. Gunnell is also passionate about self-worth and where that comes from. When one is dependent upon others for most things, underlying mental health related issues become forefront and the lives of those in support can also be negatively affected. In contrast, achieving something with little support from others, gives all of us a sense of accomplishment. We have an increase in will and a desire to repeat it. This is the absolute focus of Heritage Lane’s program and the passion of Mr. Gunnell. Residents of Heritage Lane Behavioral Assisted Living have individualized plans that help them achieve small objectives with positive reinforcement systems. As a result, behaviors begin to modify and life quality improves while feeling a sense of purpose in a broader community.

Dr. Lana J. Peterson, DNP, PMHNP, MSN, BSN, MA, RN, Psychiatric Program Director

Dr. Peterson is a highly successful psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with impressive credentials and experience. Dr. Peterson is the founder of Heritage Lane’s successful behavioral model and has worked in post-acute and long term care settings as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and gained a love for the elderly very early on. She first became licensed as a CNA at the age of 15. Dr. Peterson continued her education and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Gerontology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Continuing on with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University and a Master’s of Science in Nursing Arizona State University. Finally, received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice with psychiatric focus from Rocky Mountain University. She is a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Arizona. Dr. Peterson also has over 20 years of experience treating Arizona residents who suffer from mental illness related diagnosis and disorders and her practical hands-on experience is vast. She is an expert in psychopharmacology with extensive knowledge and experience in drug-to-drug interactions and how these psychotropic medications affect the mind and body in the treatment of mental disorders. She is also a co-founder of the behavioral program at Heritage Lane Behavioral Assisted Living and currently employed as the Psychiatric Program Director. Dr. Peterson manages all prescribed psychotropic medications, writes all individualized resident behavior plans, meets with residents regularly in person and provides all behavioral focused monthly training to the employees of Heritage Lane.

Jake Harris, Executive Director

Mr. Harris started his career at Heritage Lane nearly a decade ago. He gained incredible experience and insight into our important work and is passionate for the mission of Heritage Lane Behavioral Assisted Living. Mr. Harris played an integral role in the success of Heritage Lane, helping it to grow and expand into the community it is today. He represents the mission very well and truly cares about those residents and families he interacts with. Mr. Harris has a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and has experience in the operations and management at Heritage Lane. He has very strong interpersonal communication skills and is very effective at maintaining the positive culture at Heritage Lane Behavioral Assisted Living. Mr. Harris has the skills to interact with residents, families and friends in a professional and respectful manner. He represents the good in our work to everyone he meets and is great with people and very professional.

Jennifer Cassaday, LPN, Clinical Nurse Manager

Jennifer Cassaday is an accomplished Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with over 16 years of nursing experience. Originally from Missouri, Jennifer moved to Arizona in 2012 to pursue her passions. She has spent her career in nursing caring for others in long term care. Jennifer has a true passion for patient care and loves nursing. Her number one goal is the health and safety of the residents of Heritage Lane. She approaches the residents with the knowledge that she has gained from years of skilled care and has a unique insight to clinical management. She is an example to all she comes in contact and can truly lead by example having worked side by side with medication technicians and caregivers. In her down time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and attending musical concerts. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated nurse as a member of our team.

Brandon Gaffney, Admissions Director

Brandon Gaffney has many years of experience in Sales and Marketing which he has brought to Heritage Lane in early 2020. This experience includes being the head of large districts within Arizona and Las Vegas during his career. He has very strong communication skills and a positive attitude with anyone he interacts with which the residents can feel. Mr. Gaffney has family in which he has dealt with behavioral health needs and the impacts in can have on everyone around them. For that reason he has a strong belief in the mission that every resident receives their dignity and a great quality of life at Heritage Lane. Mr. Gaffney’s parents moved him to Arizona when he was 3 years old and he has called it home ever since. In his free time he loves to be with his kids and make life long memories with them. They love going on walks with the dogs, going to events, frequent travels to the beach, and even just having family movie nights at home.

Shelli Truax, Human Resources

Ms. Truax began her career at Heritage Lane in August of 2011 while the transition to behavioral health was in motion. She worked as a front desk receptionist answering phones and supporting the residents’ daily needs. Through this job, she learned about each resident and developed skills to effectively communicate with a diverse group of residents with mental health issues. She has extensive knowledge of the Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS) payment system. She has excellent claim and accounts receivables knowledge. She is meticulous and accurate to ensure the community is receiving all necessary funds to operate efficiently. She has excellent abilities to multi-task in some of the most difficult circumstances. She is always on target with her goals and works to achieve her best every single day. She is instrumental in helping the residents maintain financial stability and independence.

Tracy Penkoff, Financial Clerk

Tracy is from Huntington Beach California. She moved to Arizona in 1988 and joined the Air Force in 1989. Her accounting background has been diverse from manufacturing, trucking, waste disposal, legal services and retail. Tracy found herself wanting more out of “just a job”, she wanted to be part of a team and a community where she can truly make a difference in people’s lives. Tracy’s best attribute is her daughter who graduated in 2019 from the University of Arizona with her Doctorate in Audiology. During her downtime she loves to ride my Harley, go off-roading in the Arizona desert, do home improvements and relax with her dogs. Tracy is excited to have joined the Heritage Lane team just this past Feb 2020, and she says it has really changed her life.

Cameron Gillespie-Henderson, Activities Director

As Activities Supervisor, Cameron Gillespie-Henderson brings to us a multitude of years experience within the Behavioral Health field. Post earning her first degree in Psychology, Cameron began her career as a Clinical Associate at a local adult Substance Abuse (SA) facility. Though she continues to possess a deep desire for assisting residents on their journey of breaking their SA cycle and moving on to lead happy, healthy and productive lives, she chose to transition within the behavioral health field to focus her expertise on assisting in the behavioral modification of others. During her career, Cameron has assisted both adolescents and adults as a Behavioral Health Technician within a residential treatment center setting, as a Behavioral Wellness Coach, within the Glendale School District, and as the Manager of a private behavioral residency. Cameron is extremely passionate in implementing the utilization of the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support Model (PBIS) in all that she does, and firmly believes in communicating with a compassion and respect for others, adhering to the concept of dignity for all. Cameron’s personal enjoyment in her down time has consistently reflected her love of family, creating art, painting, and nature. The quote “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” is currently reflected for Cameron daily here at Heritage Lane, her passion for her role as Activities Supervisor is palpable upon meeting her, as well as in witnessing the residents’ guided artistic creations throughout our facility.

Durrell Pierson, Dietary Supervisor

Durrell is a chef with several years of experience in Southwestern cuisine, and he brings that expertise to Heritage Lane as the Dietary Supervisor. Durrell strives to maintain high food standards for our residents, bringing ingredients and dishes from all over the world to plates here at Heritage Lane. He loves to try out new cooking techniques on classic dishes, and encourages his team to think outside the box when preparing items. In his free time, Durrell enjoys spending time with his son, playing music, and auto racing.

Rosa Arreguin, Housekeeping Supervisor

Ms. Arreguin is known at Heritage Lane Behavioral Assisted Living for being tough and on point. She is a meticulous cleaner and allows nothing to slip by. She has decades of experience cleaning large commercial buildings to houses and has a special ability to making sure the community environment is clean. Ms. Arreguin is extremely engaged in the cleaning system and her style ensures Heritage Lane is clean and odor free.

Kevin Mengus, Maintenance Director

Kevin Mengus is a Maintenance Director with years of experience working in apartment maintenance, electrical, and HVAC repair. Kevin ensures community grounds continue looking good and provide a safe and attractive environment for residents, families, visitors, and staff. Kevin is a powerful force in the workplace and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. In his free time, Kevin likes to fish, work on cars, and travel.