Our Leadership Team
Will Devening
Executive Director
Will Devening is the Executive Director at Monark Grove at Greystone in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally from Natchez, Mississippi, Will has called Birmingham home since 2016. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, he spent 17 years in the banking industry before discovering his true passion in senior living—a career he proudly calls the best decision of his professional life. Will is a devoted father to two daughters: Conlee, a student at Mountain Brook High School, and Catie Grey, who attends Ole Miss. His leadership is driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of seniors and fostering meaningful connections within his community
Tara Bailey
Sales and Marketing Director
Tara Bailey is the Director of Sales and Marketing with over 30 years of experience in senior living. Gifted in occupancy growth and relationship building, Tara is dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors and is passionate about making their days better.
With a background in occupational therapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Tara combines her expertise with a goal-driven approach to foster meaningful connections within the community.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and finds joy in being by the water. Tara’s commitment to her profession and her love for seniors reflect her values of passion, devotion, and a goal-oriented mindset.
Kristie Carty
Director of Sales and Outreach
After a 26-year career in the dental field, Kristie was recruited to the senior living industry in 2018 and was offered the Sales and Marketing Director position. In becoming the Sales and Marketing Director for Legacy Ridge Trussville, she quickly gained success in helping the community achieve 100% occupancy and maintained it with no lost revenue days for nearly a year. Due to her rapid and proven success in senior living, Kristie was promoted to the Regional Sales Director position. For the past 4 years, Kristie has been supporting Atlas communities as a Sales Specialist, sharing her enthusiasm and ideas. She is excited to now be back in the Birmingham area full time with Monark Grove Greystone as the Director of Sales and Outreach.
Kristie is passionate about working with seniors and their families. Watching residents transition to their new home, meet new friends and experience new adventures has been Kristie’s favorite part of working in senior living.
Kristie lives in Birmingham, and has 2 children and a grandbaby, Henry. And the newest addition to the family, Daisy. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks on the beach, seeing new things, and experiencing fun new adventures!
Doris Hall
Resident Care Coordinator
Doris Hall is a dedicated Memory Care Coordinator at Monark Grove Greystone, bringing over 32 years of nursing experience to her role. With more than 20 years in long-term care management and over a decade in assisted living, Doris has a deep understanding of patient needs and community health. Her career also includes valuable experience as a clinic nurse at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Doris is committed to staying current in her field, regularly attending seminars and workshops focused on the latest developments in patient care and dementia awareness. Her passion for the community is evident in her approach to care, guided by her belief that “you have to love it to do it.”
Outside of her professional life, Doris enjoys traveling with her family, attending concerts, motorcycling, and spending time at the beach with her grandchildren.
Lawanna Erby
Activities Assistant
Lawanna Erby was born and raised in Birmingham, Al. She is a dedicated activities assistant who finds fulfillment in engaging seniors in meaningful activities. Lawanna is committed to creating a warm and supportive environment within the community.
Lawanna’s daily goal is to bring joy and enrichment to those in her care. Throughout her career, she has worked in senior living for over 10 years! Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Cindy Widdig
Director of Life Enrichment
Cindy Widdig joined Monark Grove Greystone in June 2023 as the temporary Director of Life Enrichment, overseeing Independent and Assisted Living resident programming. In September 2023, she became the full-time Director of Life Enrichment for Memory Care. With both professional experience as Program Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter and personal experience caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer’s, Cindy brings compassion and understanding to her role, benefiting both residents and their caregivers.
In March 2024, Cindy was promoted to full-time Director of Life Enrichment for Monark Grove Greystone. She has dedicated much of her career to working with seniors and their caregivers, previously serving as Administrator of the Baptist Adult Day Center in Clinton, Mississippi, and holding various roles in Sales and Marketing for Geriatric Psychiatric programs across Mississippi.
Originally from Mississippi, Cindy moved to Birmingham in 2018 to be closer to family. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Markiese Jones
Executive Chef
Markiese Jones is a native of Jackson, Alabama. Being raised in a family of cooks, Chef Jones had no other option but to have a passion for cooking. Markiese has worked years in Marriott Hotel hospitality and later pursued a career in Senior living. Markiese takes pride in providing well balanced meals to the residents with a smile. Markiese believes that food is his love language and displays it daily with every resident interaction. In time away from work, Chef loves to attend church, cook for his family and friends alongside travel the world to experience different food cultures.
Robert Armstrong
Director of Building Services
Hi my name is Robert Armstrong im the Director of Building Services at Monark grove Greystone. I was born and raised in the Birmingham area, still love living in Alabama. I have been the Maintenance Director at Monark Grove Greystone since November 2021, and I have truly enjoyed working here and being apart of all the growth. I was the Maintenance Director at Morningside of Vestavia for almost 10 years before coming to Monark Grove Greystone. I’m universally certified HVAC to work on any heating & air units, coolers, or freezers, and I also commercial driver license to drive big trucks, but I love working with people in the retirement community and that’s where I plan to stay.
Carol Smith
Housekeeping Director
Carol makes sure that the community is in tip-top shape for residents. She also makes sure that her team learns and maintains company standards so that they can do their best work throughout the community. Another daily task includes interacting with residents to make sure that they’re comfortable both inside and outside of their rooms.
Away from work, she loves going to flea markets and thrift stores to find interesting items to restore. She also loves to travel to her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee to spend time with her family.
