Meet the
Donna Nilson
Welcome Center Director
Donna joined Messiah Lifeways® in 2011 and currently oversees the Messiah Village and Fernecrest Welcome Centers. In this role, she leads the team in providing exceptional customer service to individuals exploring their retirement living options. Donna is dedicated to helping prospective residents find the ideal maintenance-free cottage or apartment at both locations.
She and her husband, Bruce, have been married for more than 40 years and are the proud parents of three grown children. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren – as well as their two grand dogs and two grand kitties – whether in person or over FaceTime. In her free time, Donna enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling.
“I love helping people discover their new life at our community. It’s my pleasure to assist people with their journey from discovery to move in.”
Jenny Flamm
Fernecrest Welcome Center Lead
Jenny has been part of the Messiah Lifeways family since 2011 and now serves as the Lead for the Fernecrest Welcome Center location. She finds great joy in connecting with individuals and families as they explore retirement living options and begin imagining life as a Messiah Lifeways Residential Living resident.
Jenny and her husband have been married for more than 30 years and have two daughters and two cats. Together, they enjoy traveling, hiking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
“I love working with so many new and interesting people who are looking to learn more about retirement living apartments and cottages. Our team is dedicated to making sure that all your questions get answered and that we provide options and information, all within a consultative, friendly atmosphere and work environment. Nothing compares to the wonderful family atmosphere that I now enjoy with Messiah Lifeways—a faith-based non-profit organization.”
Heather Ritter
Residential Living Counselor
Heather joined Messiah Lifeways in early 2018. She meets with and counsels those interested in Residential Living at Messiah Village or Fernecrest. Heather is married to Dave, her husband of more than 30 years. They have three young adult sons. Heather loves kayaking, writing, gardening and working in the yard, and walking and playing with Rosie, their mini goldendoodle. Spending time with family and friends is one of her greatest joys.
“When people make the decision to join our community, I have the privilege of assisting them from the time they go on our waitlist to the time they choose their new home on campus and move in. It is such a blessing and an honor to get to know such lovely people and work with them closely during this huge transition in their lives.”
Jennifer Caldwell
Residential Living Counselor
Jennifer began working at Messiah Lifeways as a Residential Living Counselor for the Welcome Center in 2024. She counsels those interested in moving to Messiah Village or Fernecrest. She has more than 12 years of experience working in the senior living industry. Jennifer is married to her husband, Brad, and has one son and three stepchildren. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, going to the beach, and cuddling up with her labradoodle, Rufus.
“It has been my honor to serve residents for so many years. I have a true passion for helping others, and I take great pride in being able to serve residents who are starting this new journey in their lives.”
Brenda Fye
Residential Living Welcome Center Coordinator
Brenda began working at Messiah Lifeways as the Welcome Center Coordinator in 2025. She has extensive experience in client and customer relations and most recently worked as a personal staff assistant with Nittany Brokerage in State College. She has been married to her husband, Jack, for more than 30 years and has two married daughters. She is excited to be moving to Cumberland County and starting a new chapter in life. In her free time, Brenda enjoys working on her Cricut machine, reading, going on walks, and spending time with her family and her two cats.
“I love helping people and I’m very excited to be able to assist new residents in the next chapter of their lives.”