Leadership

Mr. Frank T. Shepke joined Lutheran Homes in 2015 as President and Chief Executive Officer with 25 plus years of progressive experience serving in the health and human service sectors at the senior executive and C.E.O. level. Frank has extensive experience with strategic planning and development of community alliances, including working with affiliated hospitals and community partner organizations. Frank advocates for regulatory support of initiatives involving health care and senior living and focuses upon efforts to recruit, train, and maintain a competitive work force that is resident-centered and outcome driven.

Frank holds Masters Degrees in Business Administration and Social Work and also has been an adjunct instructor at the University level teaching social work and health planning related courses. He also serves on the Board of the Palmetto Health PACE program and the public policy committee of the South Carolina Leading Age affiliate.

“I believe deeply in the principles of servant leadership and that the care of the elderly is one of the most important things we can do in life. I love what we do because I know it makes a real difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

Mr. Horton began his employment with Lutheran Homes of South Carolina in 1990 as Controller after eight years in accounting positions at various hospitals. He has a broad background of experience in health care financial matters, information systems and project planning. Mr. Horton is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in accounting and also holds a masters degree in health care administration from the University of South Carolina. He was promoted Chief Financial Officer and Secretary/Treasurer in 2001. Mr. Horton has served as a board member and treasurer of the Lutheran Financial Managers Association and treasurer of SC LeadingAge Association.  

“I enjoy the challenge of administering sound financial stewardship to position Lutheran Homes of SC for providing care and service to our residents, patients and clients today and in the future.”

Denise Dickinsen joined LHSC in 2004 as the VP of Planned Growth & Development and also served as the interim Executive Director for BeWell@Home in 2022. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with emphasis on aging and special needs from Whitworth University, a Certificate in the Study of Aging from the University of Washington and continued studies in Case Management at Bellarmine University. Starting as a grade school nursing facility volunteer,  Denise’s career includes C.N.A., recreation/respite director; hospital discharge planner, national director for Alzheimer’s and specialty program development and vice president of operations, program and partner development. She has devoted her career to support successful aging, specializing in marketing, operations, employee education, wellness and program development for non-profit and for-profit providers, ranging from single sites to national corporations. Denise is known for her practical training insights for caregivers on aging concerns and has authored several training programs and policy and procedure manuals for long-term care caregivers. Denise served as a board director for the national Alzheimer’s Association chairing the Communications Committee and state chapters in WA and KY, the Multiple Sclerosis Association in WA; Columbia Green, the SC Institute on Aging, and Leading Age SC where she chaired the Professional Development Committee.

Denise lives in Columbia and enjoys gardening, cooking, cultural arts and traveling.

“Older adults present with many differing needs. I enjoy the challenge of applying both art and science to make their corner of the world better – through developing innovative programs to improve operations and occupancy, support TeamMates, Priorities and families on aging concerns.”

Mr. Gates began his employment with Lutheran Homes of South Carolina in 2017 as the Vice President of Human Resources.   Bryan’s professional experience includes all facets of human resources in healthcare and various industries. Bryan serves on the Columbia Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Board and the SC SHRM State Council as a District Director.  Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in human resources and employment relations from Penn State University.

“I believe working in the healthcare industry is a calling and it’s an honor to be a part of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina. As a member of the leadership and human resources team it allows me to make a difference in the lives of our TeamMates as well as our Priorities.”

Jeff Bolivar joined Lutheran Homes of SC in 2003 as a Computer Technician and has since worked at every level in the IS Department. In 2016, he was appointed as Vice President of Information Services. He earned a Bachelor degree in Computer Science from the University of South Carolina Upstate.  He is a member of the Lutheran Information Technology Network and the LeadingAge Center for Aging Services Technology.

“While I enjoy the challenge of solving the various technical issues that are part of my day to day job, it’s when doing so results in an improvement in the ability of our staff to care for our residents that I feel something has truly been accomplished.”

Tracy Wilson, RN, BSN, LNHA, CLTC-DON, LTC-CIP, CLNC, AOT, joined Lutheran Homes of SC as the Vice President of Clinical Operations in 2021 bringing more than a decade of leadership experience in skilled nursing, assisted living and hospice care. Tracy’s background includes multi-state healthcare management with the proven ability to balance strategic decisions with a hands-on approach to leadership, resulting in strong TeamMate and customer satisfaction. Roles she has served included certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, medical assistant,  LPN and RN staff nurse, clinical supervisor, minimum data set director, director of nursing, multi-state regulatory specialist and VP of quality and compliance. Tracy’s extensive knowledge of state and federal regulations combined with the ability to build and implement practical clinical and operational processes to facilitate quality care while maintaining compliance. Her experience has allowed her the opportunity to play an integral part in new acquisitions, clinical onboarding, and consulting services.  

Tracy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare from Newberry College, and an Associate’s degree in Health Science and Occupational Technology. Tracy has successfully achieved multiple quality awards, including Director of Nursing of the Year, and multiple deficiency-free surveys. Tracy is a Registered Nurse, and licensed as a South Carolina Nursing Home Administrator. She is also certified as a legal nurse consultant, long-term care infection prevention and wound care.

“Lutheran Homes of South Carolina allows me to impact the healthcare industry with a holistic approach, combining my clinical knowledge with my spiritual belief to enhance the quality of life of our Priorities in our care. As a part of the leadership team, I am inspired by the infinite opportunities  to positively influence our care and contribute to the well-being of everyone, and to  pursue innovative ways to improve overall wellness.”

Daniel Amodio joined the Lutheran Homes team in September of 2019 where he serves as the Executive Director for Rice Estate.  Prior to his time at Rice Estate he served as the Administrator for several Skilled Nursing Facilities in Tennessee for a company called Signature HealthCARE. During his time at Signature HealthCARE, he received their CEO School Valedictorian Award and earned his certification as a Certified Eden Associate through the Eden Alternative. Daniel spent his early career as a financial advisor and personal banker. Daniel also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration through Purdue University. Daniel serves as a board director for Leading Age SC and the SC Institute on Aging.

Family is a very important part of his life and that is why he chose to relocate to South Carolina. In his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog, Nike, and visiting his family in Aiken, South Carolina. 

Heather Dorries began her career with Lutheran Homes of South Carolina in 2000 as Director of Life Enrichment for Trinity on Laurens. After much hard work, she assumed the role of Director of Community Outreach and obtained her South Carolina Long-Term Care administrators license. In 2021, Heather was promoted to Executive Director of BeWell Home Services and Trinity on Laurens. Since 2022, she serves exclusively as the Executive Director at Trinity.

Heather earned a degree in Sociology from USC Aiken and enjoys serving on various committees and educational bodies pertinent to the well-being and care of older adults. She is married and has four boys. When she can find some free time, Heather enjoys traveling, family, and volunteer work.  

Mr. Estes began his employment with Lutheran Homes of South Carolina in 2016 as Executive Director for Lutheran Hospice. Greg  has progressive experience in hospice operations and maintained various positions of increasing responsibilities. Greg is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has a broad background of experience in operational management, compliance, sales, marketing and business development. He began his career in hospice after serving as a volunteer. Greg has a strong passion for Hospice and Palliative care and has served in numerous roles in the community including: the Alzheimer’s Association, Rotary International, Beaufort, and Jasper Volunteers in Medicine, Board of Directors and the Advisory Counsel for the Nursing School at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Greg is married with one child and enjoys spending time with his family, watersports and hunting.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to provide leadership within such an amazing organization and blessed to be surrounded by an amazing team of caregiver.”

Ashley Hyman began her tenure at the Heritage at Lowman in 2004 as the Director of Independent Programming and then moved into the marketing department before transitioning into Director of Independent Living role. She then served as the Assistant Administrator before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2017. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Georgia and has worked in the healthcare industry with the geriatric population throughout her career. She is dually licensed as a Community Residential Care Facility Administrator and licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

She and her husband live in Chapin with their three daughters.

After starting as a Plan Counselor for BeWell@Home in the fall of 2021, Dina was promoted to Program Director in April of 2022. Soon after she was promoted to be the Executive Director for BeWell@Home and BeWell Home Services. She has experience working with individuals in independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, home care, and hospice. This experience gives her the knowledge to help people talk about the opportunities they have in planning for their long-term care preferences. Dina attended the College of Charleston, and received a B.A. in Communications and Health Promotions.

A Charleston native, Dina enjoys spending her free time on the beach reading a good book, participating in art and craft projects, and visiting family on the Australia coast. She currently lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband, bird, and three pug dogs.

Mrs. Stoll first joined Franke as a licensed care activity director in 1996 and was promoted to assistant administrator in 2000 until her leave in 2003. In 2004 she returned to Franke as the licensed healthcare administrator. In 2019, she accepted the promotion to campus Executive Director.  She has served on the board of the SC Activity Professionals Association, the South Carolina Health Care Association, and the South Carolina Association of Residential Care Homes. She is an active member of LeadingAge South Carolina and presented at the 2008 national LeadingAge annual conference. Mrs. Stoll serves locally on the Roper St. Francis Pastoral Care / C.P.E. Professional Advisory Committee. Under Mrs. Stoll’s leadership, Franke received recognition for culture change initiatives by The Carolina Centers of Excellence and the Lutheran Homes of South Carolina President’s Award for quality care in both assisted living and skilled nursing. In 2010, Franke at Seaside received the national MyInnerview Excellence in Action Award for Workforce Satisfaction. Mrs. Stoll is a Leading Age Larry Minnix Leadership Academy Fellow. In 2018, Franke received the American Health Care Association Bronze Quality Award for skilled nursing quality. Readers of the Moultrie News have voted Franke at Seaside “Best Assisted Living Community in Mt. Pleasant” every year since 2008.

Sandy enjoys time with her family, reading, boating, gardening and is active in her church.

“I am continually inspired by the individuals who live and work in Franke at Seaside. Their stories and the message of hope that they share gives us the opportunity to learn and grow each day. I feel truly blessed to be a part of such a great team.”

Ms. Yetter has been a devoted member of the Lutheran Homes team since 2003. She currently serves as the Executive Director of RoseCrest. Prior to this position, she served as the Executive Director for the Heritage at Lowman. Melissa has over 20 years experience as an Administrator in long term care and is licensed in five states as a nursing home and assisted living administrator. Ms. Yetter holds a Master’s Degree from the Accredited Health Care and Health Policy program at the Pennsylvania State University; a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from St. Bonaventure University and is a certified Geriatric Care Manager. Most recently, Ms. Yetter obtained a Non Profit Management Certificate from Duke University and is a graduate of the Certification as a Certified Aging Services Professional. (CASP). Ms. Yetter serves of several South Carolina Boards and State Committees for Long Term Care and is a Legal Expert Witness. Currently, she has two books in production on long-term care topics.

Melissa resides in Simpsonville with her husband, Chris.

“I’m inspired to help and devote much of my time to charitable organizations that enrich the lives of those with special needs.”