Our Team
Penny Bowers
Executive Director
Penny is originally from Kokomo, Indiana. Following her dreams, she lived a short time in Montana and then moved a bit east of Springfield, Missouri where she met her husband. While working at Ozark Correctional Center, she developed a passion for helping those who could not help themselves. She met an administrator of a nursing community in Nixa, Missouri and the rest is history. That administrator encouraged Penny to obtain her administrator's license, which she has proudly had since 2002. She loves working with the senior community and attributes her passion to watching her mother around her elders and for having the best grandparents a child could have. While working full time, she sought her college degree online through The University of Phoenix and obtained a dual bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Business Management in 2009. Penny did not quit there and went on to obtain her MBA in 2011. In 2012 Penny was inducted into the Lambda Sigma Chapter of Delta Mu Delta which is an International Honor Society in Business Administration. Penny has also obtained Serve Safe Certification and enjoys lending her hand in the kitchen from time-to-time. Penny has experience working in various medical offices, and skilled and assisted living communities. She feels blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve as Arrow Senior Living's Executive Director at The Fremont Senior Living. She already feels a connection with staff and residents and wants to remain a part of The Fremont Senior Living family for years to come. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, David, and her dog, Dudley; as well as crocheting, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Lea Nelson
Senior Living Director
Lea grew up in Mt. Vernon, Missouri and worked for the Veterans hospital as an x-ray coordinator throughout and after high school. After graduation, she started working for American National insurance for 11 years. During this time her Nana was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which began her journey on the fight to end Alzheimer's. It was this journey that lead her to The Fremont as a Senior Living Coordinator in May of 2017. During her first year working for Arrow Senior Living Management, she worked primarily with The Fremont Senior Living and also worked at our sister community The Castlewood before being promoted to Senior Living Director at The Fremont. She has a passion for the elderly, helping families, and interacting with the amazing residents.
Christy Kay, LPN
Wellness Director
Christy graduated from Ozark Technical Community College with a degree in Practical Nursing. She joined the Fremont team in 2015 and is passionate about working with seniors. Christy and her husband have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys sports with her children and spending time with her family.
Sara Copper
Care Coordinator
Following her passion for helping others, Sara graduated from Ozark Technical Community College with a degree in Practical Nursing. She started working for Arrow Senior Living communities as a floor nurse in 2016, then worked her way up to the Care Coordinator position. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her growing family, which includes her husband, baby, and dog Sophie.
Phillip Justice
Executive Chef
Phillip brings over 17 years culinary experience to The Fremont Senior Living. After earning a degree in Culinary Art, Hospitality and Business Management, he served as the Sous Chef at the Chateau on the Lake, Branson's 4-diamond resort. For the past three years, he has served as the Executive Chef at the prestigious Fremont Hills Golf Club in Nixa. Phillip is thrilled to bring his unique flare and artistry to The Fremont Senior Living!
Rachel Essmyer
Resident Services Director
Rachel graduated in May 2018 from Missouri State University with degrees in Gerontology and Psychology. She is originally from St. Louis, where she worked with older adults and found her passion. She started at the Fremont in January 2018 as a practicum student and joined the team by February.
Hayley Elkins
Business Office Director
Hayley is originally from Kansas City, but moved to Springfield in 2014 to attend Missouri State University. It was here she met her husband and graduated in May 2018 with a business degree. She joined the Fremont team in 2015 as a server and quickly developed a passion and a heart for working with older adults. She has had the privilege to experience several different departments at The Fremont such as culinary, marketing, and administration. She feels incredibly blessed to be able to call The Fremont her home away from home.