Ascent Healthcare provides quality-infused nursing home and rehabilitation management services to facilities within the western North Carolina area. Laser-focused on individual resident care and improving every aspect of their lives, we put our heart into an atmosphere that resonates like home.
What our team members say
Being a part of the Ascent Healthcare Team is like being part of a warm, caring unified family.
They say if you work at something you love to do, you never work a day in your life. Whoever coined the phrase probably was referring to all of us working for Ascent Healthcare!
It’s not just me. Every single Ascent staff member I’ve spoken with agrees Ascent Healthcare is the inspiration behind a team that goes the extra mile.
Wired for humor. Built on a tough heart. Israel Friedman is, quite literally, the engine behind Ascent.
As Chief Operating Officer, Israel didn’t just help build the culture—he is the culture. Unintentionally (but unmistakably), he has single-handedly built something remarkable: a high-performing, relentlessly motivated team that knows how to win and laugh along the way.
He’s young. He’s sharp. He’s one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet. But don’t let the jokes fool you—Israel is dead serious about doing things the right way. He holds his team to impossibly high standards, pushes them to the brink… and somehow has them lining up to do it all again tomorrow. Because when you work with Israel, you know he’s in it with you, and his team would go to war for him if necessary.
Tough buildings? He doesn’t blink. Complex challenges? He runs at them. This is a leader who doesn’t just talk about grit—he lives it. But underneath that intensity is someone who genuinely cares—about people, about purpose, and about building something that lasts.
When he’s not leading operations, you’ll probably find him in the mountains of North Carolina, visiting residents, handing out snacks, and delivering the kind of laughter that echoes down hallways. Because with Israel, the mission always starts and ends with people.
He’s the COO. He’s the culture. He’s built something amazing here—and somehow, he’s still just getting started.
Cindy Funez is the quiet force behind the curtain—the calm in the chaos, the glue that holds it all together, and the reason the wheels don’t fall off.
As Vice President of Corporate Services, Cindy manages the complex inner workings of the organization with grace, grit, and a sixth sense for solving problems before anyone else even notices them. She handles this wild team with professionalism, patience, and—let’s be honest—probably a few choice words in her head (never spoken out loud, of course).
When the team has no clue what to do, there’s one answer: “call Cindy.” And they do—confident that if she doesn’t already know the answer, she’ll find it and won’t stop until she does.
While others are sprinting through fires, Cindy’s already found the extinguisher, a better plan, and three backup options—just in case. She’s the behind-the-scenes chaos wrangler, the steady hand in the storm, and a critical part of what makes Ascent run like it does: smooth on the outside, expertly managed behind the scenes.
Don’t let the quiet demeanor fool you—Cindy’s impact is loud and lasting.
Wired for humor. Built on a tough heart. Israel Friedman is, quite literally, the engine behind Ascent.
As Chief Operating Officer, Israel didn’t just help build the culture—he is the culture. Unintentionally (but unmistakably), he has single-handedly built something remarkable: a high-performing, relentlessly motivated team that knows how to win and laugh along the way.
He’s young. He’s sharp. He’s one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet. But don’t let the jokes fool you—Israel is dead serious about doing things the right way. He holds his team to impossibly high standards, pushes them to the brink… and somehow has them lining up to do it all again tomorrow. Because when you work with Israel, you know he’s in it with you, and his team would go to war for him if necessary.
Tough buildings? He doesn’t blink. Complex challenges? He runs at them. This is a leader who doesn’t just talk about grit—he lives it. But underneath that intensity is someone who genuinely cares—about people, about purpose, and about building something that lasts.
When he’s not leading operations, you’ll probably find him in the mountains of North Carolina, visiting residents, handing out snacks, and delivering the kind of laughter that echoes down hallways. Because with Israel, the mission always starts and ends with people.
He’s the COO. He’s the culture. He’s built something amazing here—and somehow, he’s still just getting started.
As Vice President of Operations at Ascent Healthcare Management, Kimberly Smith brings grit, grace, and a healthy dose of good old-fashioned southern hospitality to the job every day. She leads a boots-on-the-ground operations team that doesn’t just manage from a distance — they show up, pitch in, and put residents and staff first, always.
Her energy? Think tornado — but the kind that blows in with fresh curtains, surprise cupcakes for the residents, and a no-nonsense pep talk that somehow makes you feel both called out and completely supported. Kimberly has a knack for knowing exactly what a facility needs — whether it’s a morale boost, a systems overhaul, or just someone to believe in the team again.
She’s notorious for telling her team, “Love you, mean it,” and she truly does. That love shows up in how fiercely she advocates for her people. She’ll fight for her staff, spoil her residents, and never stop pushing everyone around her to succeed. When someone says, “You can’t do that,” Kimberly just grins and says, “Watch.”
At the heart of it all is her mission to protect what is precious — and to Kimberly, that means people. Residents, staff, families — everyone matters, and she leads with that conviction every single day.
She’s not just running facilities — she’s reviving them. Reimagining what long-term care can be. And restoring something deeply needed in healthcare: trust.
As Director of Plant Operations, Jay Blanton is widely known as Mr. Fix It — the one who can tackle just about anything with a wrench in his hand and a plan in his head. From life safety systems to leaky faucets, Jay ensures that Ascent’s buildings are not only compliant and secure, but comfortable and welcoming for residents, families, and staff.
With a deep knowledge of plant systems and a knack for troubleshooting, Jay brings both precision and practicality to his work. He understands that every repair, every inspection, and every upgrade directly impacts the quality of life inside the building. His behind-the-scenes efforts create an environment where staff can work safely and residents can truly feel at home.
Jay embodies Ascent’s core values by leading with straight-shooting honesty, resilience, and a relentless commitment to doing things right the first time. Whether it’s a routine check or an urgent call, Mr. Fix It shows up with determination, skill, and the kind of can-do spirit that keeps Ascent running strong.
As Director of Operations, Wes Summerlin brings both a brain for numbers and a heart for people. Known for his unmatched energy in leadership chats and coaching sessions, Wes has a way of turning every conversation into an opportunity to grow, learn, and laugh. His ability to break down complex operational challenges while keeping the mood light makes him a leader that staff not only respect, but truly enjoy working alongside.
Wes embodies Ascent’s core values like few others: grit with grace, straight shooting honesty, relationship rockstars, joy in the journey, and resilience through risk and recovery. Whether he’s walking a facility floor or breaking down financials, he leads with transparency, optimism, and accountability.
His leadership style is rooted in connection — he believes that numbers tell a story, but people bring it to life. With humor as his trademark and coaching as his passion, Wes ensures that operations aren’t just efficient, but deeply human.
Robin von Kamp, Director of Clinical Services, is known across Ascent Healthcare Management as the Auditing Queen — a title she’s earned by never missing a detail and always holding the line on clinical quality. Working diligently behind the scenes, Robin safeguards both residents and staff by making sure every “i” is dotted, every “t” is crossed, and every policy, chart, and process meets the highest standard.
For Robin, auditing is about protection — ensuring residents receive the care they deserve while staff have the systems, training, and oversight they need to succeed. She brings a quiet but fierce dedication, combining clinical expertise with the grit and grace that define Ascent’s culture.
And just when you think it’s all business, Robin will drop a perfectly timed one-liner that leaves the room in stitches — proving that while she takes her work seriously, she never takes herself too seriously. Her wit is as sharp as her audit checklists, and just as reliable.
Robin is the trusted guardian of Ascent’s clinical integrity, the safety net that catches risks before they become issues, and the reminder that true excellence comes from the things you don’t let slip by.
Ryan Asunción is a seasoned Director of Clinical Reimbursement and a true MDS guru, known for his deep knowledge of the process and unwavering commitment to resident care. With a sharp eye for recognizing clinical declines, Ryan ensures that every resident receives the therapy and services they truly deserve—no detail goes unnoticed under his watch.
Beyond the paperwork and care plans, Ryan brings heart and humor to his work. He’s often found chatting with residents, sharing laughs, and brightening their day with his quick wit and positive energy. His passion for skilled nursing is matched only by his passion for… lunch. Whether he’s decoding PDPM or debating the best sandwich in town, Ryan brings the same enthusiasm to both.
For Ryan, MDS isn’t just a process—it’s a game he loves to master daily, always with a smile (and probably a snack) nearby.
Lauren Hess is proof that drive and heart can go hand in hand. As Vice President of Revenue Management at Ascent Healthcare Management, she brings fresh energy, strategic thinking, and a growth mindset to everything she touches. Young, motivated, and deeply committed, Lauren approaches every challenge as a chance to learn, improve, and strengthen the systems that keep the organization financially sound.
What truly sets Lauren apart, though, is her unwavering compassion. For her, revenue management isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people. Whether she’s talking through finances with a resident, grabbing them a Coke, or sitting on the floor just to make them feel heard, Lauren finds joy in every moment of connection. Her sweet smile and kind spirit pretty much make it impossible to say no — and luckily, you wouldn’t want to.
Lauren doesn’t just support her team — she empowers them, fosters growth, and builds a culture of trust and accountability. With grace and authenticity, she’s helping shape a future defined not just by financial excellence, but by humanity, dignity, and heart.
Ascent’s Director of Accounts Receivable is known for two things: a smile that lights up the room and an unmatched ability to collect every dollar owed. With a sharp mind for financial systems and a personable approach that puts families, vendors, and teammates at ease, Kyle keeps the revenue cycle running smoothly while embodying Ascent’s values of grit, grace, and joy in the journey.
Behind the spreadsheets, Kyle’s real gift is building relationships — he communicates clearly, works collaboratively with facility teams, and finds solutions that protect both the bottom line and the people behind the numbers. His upbeat energy turns what could be a stressful part of operations into a process grounded in trust, accountability, and even a little humor.
At Ascent, Kyle proves that financial strength and positive culture can go hand in hand. He brings the same passion to balancing books as he does to lifting spirits, ensuring that the organization stays strong, sustainable, and ready to invest in what matters most: the care of our residents.
As Vice President of Clinical Operations, Monica Knighten is the calm in the storm — a steady, trusted leader whose nurturing approach ensures Ascent Healthcare Management delivers clinical excellence with heart. Where others bring urgency, Monica brings balance; where challenges arise, she offers reassurance, clarity, and an unwavering focus on what matters most: safe, compassionate, high-quality care for residents.
Her leadership is defined by consistency, trust, and quiet strength. Monica is the one you can count on to listen deeply, make thoughtful decisions, and hold firm to the standards that protect both residents and staff. She has a gift for mentoring nurses and care teams, fostering growth while never compromising on the details that safeguard resident well-being.
Guided by Ascent’s values — grit with grace, straight shooting honesty, relationship rockstars, joy in the journey, and resilience through risk and recovery — Monica ensures that the clinical foundation of every facility is not only sound, but thriving.
If Ascent’s operations can sometimes be described as a whirlwind of energy and transformation, Monica is the grounding force — the strong, steady presence that keeps everyone anchored and reassured. With a calm hand and a compassionate heart, she is proof that true strength often shows itself in stillness, and true leadership in trust.
