Meet Our Passionate Leaders at The Goldton:
Elevating Senior Living in Starkville, MS

Dean O'Neal

Executive Director

A proud native of Drew, Mississippi, Dean is a seasoned professional with a dynamic career spanning business, marketing, and finance. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and a Master’s in Finance from Purdue University. With a proven track record of financial leadership, he has served as Vice President of Finance and Director of Asset Management at Atlas. Now, he brings his strategic expertise to his role as Executive Director of The Goldton at Adelaide.

Dean resides in Starkville with his wife, Susan. They have two daughters, both currently attending Mississippi State University. A devoted family man, he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, especially at the lake, where he finds both relaxation and inspiration.

Elizabeth Norman

Sales and Marketing Director

Hey Everyone! I was born and raised in Greenville, MS. I have lived in the Pheba, MS for the past 10 years. I attended Mississippi State University and graduated with a degree in Human Sciences and Family Studies. I have been in sales and marketing since graduation. I have a wonderful Husband, Byron and the most precious daughter Lillian.

I previously worked for the Adelaide years ago and am very excited to work for The Goldton at Adelaide. The residents here have a wealth of knowledge and insight that needs to be experienced and shared. So, the opportunity to experience this again as a career is the best decision I have ever made. My goal is to let everyone know the positive changes of Adelaide and what an amazing place it is to be!

In my spare time you can find me traveling to New Orleans, hanging out with my family, and enjoying the outdoors.

Emily Smith

Business Office Manager

Hey Ya’ll, I was born and raised in West Point, MS. I have lived in Una, MS since 2005. I have a wonderful husband, Neal, and three precious children: Mitchell, who is 23, Faith, who is 19 and Hampton, who is 7. I also have four fur babies: Kitty, Bully, Little Girl and Bella.

I graduated in 1999 from West Point High School and attended East Mississippi Community College, where she received her Certified Nursing Assistant License. I have worked in the healthcare industry for 10 years. In my spare time, you will find me whipping up something yummy in the kitchen, reading a good book, volunteering at church, spending time with my family and fur babies and of course, online shopping.

I began my tenure at The Claiborne at Adelaide when they opened in 2015 as a Personal Assistant. Over the years, I have worked in various positions within the company such as Personal Assistant, Lead Personal Assistant, Lead Cook, Director of Dining Services, Dining Room Coordinator, Director of Activities. I have been the Business Office Manager since October 2022. I am honored to be a part of The Goldton at Adelaide and Atlas Senior Living.

Ali Buskirk

Lifestyles Director

Ali Buskirk serves as Lifestyles Director at The Goldton at Adelaide in Starkville, Mississippi. Born and raised in New Albany, Mississippi, Ali graduated from The University of Mississippi in 2021 with a Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She began her career working with seniors by caring for her grandmother after graduation, never imagining she would find her passion in senior housing!

Ali began her career at The Goldton in 2024, initially holding positions personal assistant and concierge. Her beautiful smile and matching personality is now found spreading joy through activities to residents of this beautiful community!

Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with her fiancé, family and 3 fur babies. Favorite past times include watching movies, painting, drawing, reading and shopping.

Kylie Patterson

Director of Dining

A native of Aberdeen, Mississippi, Kylie currently resides in Starkville, Mississippi. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science in 2005 and later obtained her Nursing degree in 2015, both from Mississippi University for Women.

Throughout her career, she has gained experience in medical-surgical nursing, home hospice, and home health care. She is known for her strong work ethic, a value instilled in her by her parents from an early age.

Her life is grounded in a strong Christian faith and attends Emmanuel Baptist Church. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, and her beloved pets. She also loves the outdoors and especially appreciates relaxing and recharging with time spent at the beach.

Zach Dawson

Building Services Director

Zach Dawson is the Maintenance Director at The Goldton at Adelaide. Originally from Madison, Mississippi, he takes pride in making sure everything runs smoothly for both residents and staff. Zach enjoys solving problems, working with his hands, and ensuring that everything operates the way it should. Outside of work, he is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time of the course whenever he gets the chance.

Meet Our Passionate Leaders at The Goldton: Elevating Senior Living in Starkville, MS