Meet Our Senior Living Professionals
Dee Medlin
Area Executive Director
Dee was born and raised in Mooresville, NC and graduated from Mooresville High School where she was a part of the state volleyball championship team. Dee’s passion for senior living began when she started her career right here at TerraBella Lake Norman as a concierge. Within the first year, she was promoted into the Business Office Director’s role before becoming the Executive Director. Dee’s passion drove her to study business at Appalachian State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with a primary focus in Management.
In an effort to consistently provide the management principles, strategic thinking, and vital leadership skills required of a healthcare administrator, Dee continued her education at Appalachian State and obtained a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. Her enthusiasm to support our seniors and provide guidance to her TerraBella Lake Norman team resonates throughout our community. With almost 20 years of experience in senior living, she will be happy to answer any questions that you may have!

James Walters
Assistant Executive Director
James Walters is a Charlotte native who has 17 years of experience in Senior Living Operations and Human Resources. He enjoys making a difference every day in the lives of seniors and the staff who serve them. In his earlier career, James worked as an engineer and a pastor. When he is not working, James enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, and cheering on his Alma Mater, NC State!

Phil Chicanowicz
Business Office Manager
An experienced business office professional in the senior care field, Phil Chichanowicz comes to TerraBella Lake Norman with over two decades as a business analyst and consultant. His role at TerraBella as Business Office Manager will be to coordinate billing for our residents and human resources needs for the staff.
Originally from Western New York, Phil lives happily in Lake Norman. He has two adult children, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and a grandson. He is also a member of Saint Therese Church. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, playing golf, and cheering on the beloved Buffalo Bills. He welcomes the residents and their families to stop by his office anytime!

Katie Kennerly
Director of Sales
Katie began her career right here at TerraBella Lake Norman over a decade ago while she was still in college. Over the years, she has gained experience in various aspects of senior living including assisting the business office and for the bulk of her career helping seniors and their families navigate the variety of options for the right senior living solution. Katie and her husband enjoy traveling and spending every precious moment with their children.

Nicole Caruso
Senior Lifestyle Counselor
Nicole’s 22-year dedication to the senior care industry fuels her passion to offer prospective residents and their families peace of mind as she guides them through the often complex landscape of senior living.
Hailing from upstate New York, Nicole relocated to the Charlotte area to support her daughter’s career as a professional stock drag racer in the NHRA circuit.
During her leisure hours, Nicole cherishes family moments with her son and daughter, along with explorations of Lake Norman, whether by boat or enjoying a serene lakeside picnic.

Billy DeGuisto
Director of Facilities
Billy has over a decade of experience as a Director of Facility Operations along with experience as an Emergency Services Coordinator. Billy originally started working at TerraBella Lake Norman back in 2008. His current role is to ensure maintaining the physical structure at TerraBella Lake Norman. Billy and his team tackle routine and complex maintenance issues daily.
Born in Texas, Billy is a big Dallas Cowboys fan. In his spare time, he also enjoys cooking, weekend visits with family, and sunset rides in his Ford Mustang.

Jari Sobecki
Celebrations Director
Ever since she was young, Jari has had a passion for enriching the lives of seniors. As a young student, she and her classmates visited senior living communities providing entertainment performances for the residents. She has a long history of event and entertainment planning working in the senior care industry. Jari lives in Mooresville and moved here from Florida to be near her family. When not spoiling the TerraBella Lake Norman residents with her fun wit, charm, and infectious smile, Jari likes to make lasting memories in her free time with her daughter, Jaclyn, and her two grandchildren, Daxton and Lynnon.

Kayla Martin
Memory Care Director
Promoting from within is a hallmark of TerraBella Lake Norman. Memory Care Director, Kayla Martin, began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Medication Aide. Her experience working hands-on with residents at TerraBella and her leadership development in the armed services have given her a strong foundation to manage the memory care community at TerraBella. Kayla knows the key to success in working with those with memory loss is teamwork among our dedicated staff, providing pertinence and specific, compassionate interaction with our memory care residents.
Her hobbies away from work include fishing and hunting and spending time with her son, Gabriel. She looks to continue the reputation of excellence that the TerraBella Memory Care Neighborhood has earned over the years.