Jo Ellen Smith Living Center | Staff Biographies

Learn about some of the key personnel who make Jo Ellen Smith Living Center a special place to live and work. Click on any of the names listed below to view a brief professional profile.

	Dale Cooney Administrator Dale Cooney, Administrator at Jo Ellen Smith Living Center is a recent addition to the staff. As a licensed administrator, he brings four years of administrative experience in long-term care. Mr. Cooney has a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Louisiana State University and also has practiced as a licensed occupational therapist for over 9 years. He is committed to building on the strong reputation within our community of the quality care that is offered in Jo Ellen Smith's family-based environment. The facility's dedication to providing quality service is demonstrated on a daily basis through Mr. Cooney's pledge to the care of the residents and the support of their families.
	Diesther Gaines, RN Director of Nursing Diesther Gaines currently serves as the Director of Nursing at Jo Ellen Smith Living Center. However, she has been an integral part of the nursing team since 1989. Through her long-term commitment, Ms. Gaines has created a commendable program that provides nursing care to the facility’s long-term care residents that meets or exceeds the standard of care. Her tenacious management style has ensured the provision of the highest level of care by the facility’s clinical team.
	Jolanda Waiters Director of Admissions Jolanda Waiters is currently one of the newest members of our team. As the Director of Admissions for Jo Ellen Smith Living Center, it is her role to steer and oversee the admission process for all new residents. Ms. Waiters is dedicated to helping both the family and resident make the right decision for their needs.

	Sonia G. Fernandez Marketing Director Sonia Fernandez began her business career in the long-term care field in 1990 when she joined Jo Ellen Smith Living Center. Her professional growth started in administration – and through her dedication and admirable performance, she advanced to the position of Marketing Director. Over the years she has made many contacts and built relationships with physicians and other health care professionals in our community – making her the perfect community liaison between our facility and the outside sources that connect us with our residents and their families.
	Pramela R. Ganji, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. Medical Director Dr. Pramela Ganji joined the Jo Ellen Smith Living Center family as an attending physician over ten years ago. She was promoted to Medical Director in 2007 where she oversees the medical care of our residents. She attended medical school in India and completed her residency in 1996 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Ganji is presently a member of the staff of West Jefferson Medical Center and Ochsner Westbank. She resides in Harahan with her husband and three children.