Meet Our Exceptional Team
At Grand Oaks of Okeechobee, we believe that exceptional senior living begins with exceptional people. Our dedicated team brings together decades of experience, genuine compassion, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents. Each member of our leadership team has been carefully selected not only for their professional expertise but for their shared vision of creating a warm, welcoming community where seniors can thrive.
Laurie Allen – Administrator
Laurie is a native Floridian with over 29 years of experience in senior housing marketing and management. After spending 15 years in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she returned to Florida to be closer to family, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on senior care. Her journey into senior housing began after a life-changing event that inspired her to switch career paths, seeking a field where she could truly make a difference in people’s lives.
As our Administrator, Laurie combines her extensive experience with a genuine passion for creating meaningful connections with residents and their families. She has one daughter, two grandsons, a retired husband, and four beloved pets who keep her busy when she’s not focused on ensuring Grand Oaks provides the highest quality of care and service. Her leadership style emphasizes both professional excellence and personal warmth, creating an environment where both residents and staff feel valued and supported.
Robert Zelano – Executive Chef
Chef Robert brings culinary expertise and creativity to every meal served at Grand Oaks of Okeechobee. With a passion for creating nutritious, flavorful dishes that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements, he understands that dining is not just about sustenance—it’s about bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. His approach to menu planning considers both the nutritional needs of our seniors and the importance of maintaining the joy and social aspects of mealtime.
Under Chef Robert’s leadership, our dining program focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, accommodating special dietary needs while never compromising on taste or presentation. He works closely with residents to incorporate their favorite recipes and comfort foods into our rotating menu, ensuring that every meal feels like a celebration. His dedication to culinary excellence helps make Grand Oaks feel like home for our residents.
Mela Maharajshah – Activity Manager
Born in Trinidad and raised with strong family values, Mela brings an infectious enthusiasm and multicultural perspective to her role as Activity Manager. Her diverse background includes 15 years as a CNA working with multiple families and companies, followed by eight years in early childhood education where she discovered her love for teaching and engaging with others. This unique combination of healthcare experience and educational expertise makes her exceptionally qualified to design and lead activities that are both engaging and beneficial for our residents.
Mela’s philosophy centers on the belief that laughter is the best medicine, and she brings this joyful approach to every program she creates. Whether organizing arts and crafts sessions, game tournaments, or special events, she ensures that residents have opportunities to stay active, social, and mentally engaged. Beyond her work at Grand Oaks, Mela has been a wish granter with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for six years, demonstrating her commitment to bringing happiness and hope to others in her community.
Lisa Synakowski | Assistant Administrator
Lisa brings over three decades of experience in long-term care nursing to her role as Assistant Administrator. A native of upper New York state who moved to Florida in 2000, she has built her career across various healthcare settings including rehabilitation facilities, memory care units, and home health services. Her extensive background provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing seniors in different stages of their care journey.
Married to her husband Scott since 1990, Lisa is a devoted family woman with two sons, Brandon and Tyler, and a cherished grandson, Lukas. When she’s not supporting operations at Grand Oaks, she enjoys cooking, camping, and spending quality time with her family. She shares her home with an eclectic mix of pets including three cats, four chickens, and three cows, reflecting her love for animals and country living. Her combination of professional expertise and personal warmth makes her an invaluable member of our leadership team.
A Team United by Purpose
What makes the Grand Oaks team truly special is not just their individual qualifications, but how they work together to create a cohesive, caring environment. Each team member brings their own unique perspective and expertise, yet they share common values: respect for our residents’ dignity, commitment to quality care, and belief in the importance of creating a true sense of community.
Our leadership team meets regularly to ensure seamless coordination between all aspects of resident care and daily operations. From Laurie’s administrative oversight ensuring smooth operations, to Chef Robert’s nutritious and delicious meals, to Mela’s engaging activities that keep residents active and social, to Lisa’s clinical expertise supporting resident health and wellbeing—every role is essential to creating the exceptional living experience that defines Grand Oaks of Okeechobee. Together, they embody our commitment to treating every resident like family.