Welcome home to John B Parsons

Joe Laque has served as Executive Director of John B. Parsons Assisted Living since 2024, leading efforts to enhance resident services, improve staff training, and strengthen person-centered care. He holds certifications as a QAPI Certified Professional (QCP) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), reflecting his commitment to quality improvement and specialized support for older adults.

Prior to entering healthcare administration, Joe spent nearly a decade in nonprofit leadership, including roles as Executive Director of Horizons Delmarva and the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce. His work—spanning youth advocacy, business development, and national consulting—has focused on strategic growth and mission alignment. A Salisbury University graduate with degrees in Media Marketing and Business Management, Joe remains active in community engagement. Outside of work, he’s a proud family man, often found on the sidelines of his kids’ sporting events or school concerts, raising four children alongside his wife and embracing the organized chaos of family life.

Deborah Benton, RN, is a highly accomplished Director of Nursing with over 23 years of experience in healthcare, including more than 19 years in progressive leadership and management roles. A graduate of Wor-Wic as a RN, and most recently  completing her MSN at Walden University graduating in the Summer of 2026, with a specialization in Primary Care and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner.

She is known for her strategic leadership, commitment to clinical excellence, and dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. She fosters a culture grounded in compassion, building meaningful relationships with her staff, patients, and families, while leading with core values of respect, integrity, and trust.

She resides in Worcester County with her teenage daughter and treasures time spent together, and supporting and cheering her on in all her endeavors, including her athletics. Deborah and her daughter are also members of Emmanuel Wesleyan Church in Salisbury.   Her son, also a RN, went on to earn his medical degree from RWJ Medical School. As a Doctor he now continues his future as a Surgeon in NJ.

She takes great pride in her career but her greatest accomplishments and love in life will be her children.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending time outdoors, preferably near the water throwing a fishing line or on the boat.  She cherishes every moment, big or small, spent with her children and those she loves.

“After serving as the Director of Nursing at Harrison Senior Living in Snow Hill, I am honored to return to work for this wonderful family as their Director of Nursing at JB Parsons. I am committed to serving the residents and their families with compassion, excellence, and unwavering dedication and leading a healthcare team in delivering the highest quality of care.”

Crystal has been with Harrison Senior Living for over five years now.  Working with people has been the focus of most of her career as her experience covers 15 years in human resources and 27 Years in payroll administration. More recently, she became the Director of Quality Assurance at John B.  Parsons. In this role, Crystal puts a great deal of passion into quality of care, ensuring the safety of all residents and staff.  She also does her best to assist, direct, and help the residents and staff in any way possible. Crystal and her husband have two beautiful daughters who are pursuing a career in the nursing industry.  In her spare time, she enjoys attending & participating in racing events, camping and spending time with my family while following guidance and strength through God.

Kristi Truitt brings over 16 years of experience in Healthcare and Senior Living, including 14 years of dedicated service at John B. Parsons. She began her career as an activity aide at another community before joining the team at Parsons as the Activity Director. Her strong leadership and commitment to resident well-being led her to her current role as Director of Resident Services.

Kristi oversees a variety of Departments including the business office, Activities, Reception, and she assists with Admissions. Her responsibilities include resident billing, scheduling, Activity calendars, event planning, staging rooms and common areas, helping to manage transports, ordering supplies, supporting families, coordinating our social media efforts, and more!

She is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment and making sure every resident feels engaged, valued, and at home. Kristi feels a deep commitment to quality care and compassionate leadership and is proud to be a part of the community’s success and spirit.

With over 25 years in healthcare marketing, Donna knows the importance of cultivating relationships and building trust with the clients she has served.  At John B. Parsons Assisted Living, Donna takes great pride in connecting seniors and their families with a warm and welcoming environment where they can thrive with dignity and purpose.

Donna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Salisbury University and a Master of Science in Marketing from Wilmington University.  With decades of healthcare experience, she knows the importance of relationships, honest communication, and meeting people where they are – especially during times of change. Donna’s role at John B. Parsons is more than just marketing; it’s about making a difference in people’s lives.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys spending time with friends & family, reading, biking and exploring the Delmarva Peninsula’s beautiful beaches and waterways. Donna and her husband John, enjoy spoiling their grandkids and two pups, Mandy the Maltese and Moka the Toy Poodle.

Shafiq, otherwise known as “Slim” to the residents at John B. Parsons, is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts.  Slim brings passion, creativity, and deep experience to the kitchen.  His culinary journey began in senior living settings, with early roles as a cook at Wicomico Nursing Home, Chesapeake Cottage, and Chesapeake Manor. These roles helped build a strong foundation in nutrition, menu planning, and resident-centered dining.

In 2018, Slim joined the culinary department at John B. Parsons, where he continued to refine his skills in delivering high quality, comforting, and nutritious meals in a supportive community environment. Slim left John B. Parsons to take a position with Sterling Care and then a managerial position at Harbor Pointe.  Slim returned to John B. Parsons in 2024 where he leads with heart, flavor, and a commitment to excellence in every dish.

Mac oversees building maintenance and operations at John B. Parsons, bringing over eight years of hands-on experience and dedication to the role. He takes pride in being a dependable team player, always ready to support colleagues and contribute to a smooth, safe, and well-functioning environment. Mac believes his proactive approach and strong work ethic are a vital part of daily operations.  In his free time, Mac likes to spend time with family and his cat, Crystal.  He also enjoys outdoor activities, such as camping and exploring.

Adopted from a shelter in 2014, Henry has become a cherished member of our senior living community. With a calm presence and a loyal heart, he offers comfort to residents missing their pets and helps new arrivals feel at home. Known for his gentle nature, impressive repertoire of tricks, and protective instincts, Henry brings joy, connection, and companionship to all who meet him.