Meet Our Staff

Jana Grugett - Business Office Manager

Jana Grugett

Jana Grugett is the Business Office Manager for Courtyard Estates of Peoria. She has fourteen years of management experience, twelve of those years being in an office environment. Although she strives to do the very best at everything she does, customer service is her number one priority. She loves the interaction she gets with the residents and their families on a daily basis and the stories and smiles they share!

Amanda Hendricks - Admissions and Marketing Director

Amanda Hendricks

Amanda Hendricks is the Admissions and Marketing Director for Courtyard Estates of Peoria. She has great passion for her job and enjoys seeing the great success stories. Amanda guides residents and their families through the entire admission process; from the first phone call to the continued follow-up after move-in. Amanda holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Business Management. Amanda has been involved in the marketing and customer service industries for over ten years. In addition to her work at Courtyard Estates of Peoria, she teaches hospitality courses at a local community college, Illinois Central College. Amanda is very involved in the community through various organizations such as Tazewell County Triad, Senior Care Network, Kiwanis, Senior Housing Professionals, Chamber, Arthritis Foundation, Pediatric Resource Center and Women in Leadership.

Babe Simon - Wellness Director

Babe Bryant-Simon

Babe Bryant-Simon, BSN, RN is the Wellness Director for Courtyard Estates of Peoria. She graduated from the St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria, IL. and has a wealth of experience as a registered nurse in hospital and senior long term care setting and she is excited to continue her career at Courtyard Estates of Peoria. Her main job is to oversee all of nursing staff and ensure that the resident needs are getting taken care of. She enjoys working with the elderly and her favorite part of the day is leading the exercise classes.

Laurie Paxton - Director

Laurie Paxton

Laurie Paxton is the Director for Courtyard Estates of Peoria. Her main responsibility is to oversee all aspects of the facility. She began her journey in health care in 1985. She is a nurse and has many years o f experience with Petersen Healthcare as a C.N.A, Charge Nurse, MDS Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing, Resident Care Coordinator, Assistant Administrator, Wellness Director, Director and Regional Director. Laurie has also worked as an Emergency Room nurse and in a Physicians office, but decided early in her nursing career that specializing in senior care is where her heart is.

Libby Vrabel - Event Coordinator

Libby Vrabel

Libby Vrabel is the Event Coordinator for Courtyard Estates of Peoria. She is a Peoria native and has been involved in multiple career paths throughout her life including being a small business owner. She is a “people person” and enjoys getting to know each residents individual story. She enjoys helping the residents stay active in their interests.