Our Team
Nathan Yowell, LNHA, CNA
Executive Director
Nathan Yowell grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia and graduated from Jamestown High School. He found his passion for the elderly through his close relationship with his grandparents as well as from his mother who served as the Director of the Adult Day program at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Nathan selected to attend James Madison University’s Health Services Administration Program knowing that this would prepare him for a career in lifelong health. It also allowed him to be exactly one hour away from his grandparents who lived in Madison County, VA. While at James Madison University, Nathan met his future wife, Alexa, who ironically went to the same high school as Nathan but didn’t know him. Nathan graduated from James Madison University in 2013. He started his career as the Administrator of a Heritage Hall, a Nursing Facility in Nassawadox, VA. He then moved to serve in the same capacity in King George, VA. Alexa and Nathan’s goal was to have children and have them grow up with their grandparents involved in their day to day lives. They moved back to Williamsburg in 2017 after Nathan accepted the position of Nursing Home Administrator at Williamsburg Landing. Alexa currently practices as an Audiologist with Dr. Hecker and Associates. Alexa gave birth to Blair Avery Yowell on August 12, 2020. In June of 2022, Nathan transitioned from Williamsburg Landing to Sanders, Active Senior Living by Riverside in Gloucester, VA, where he served for approximately two and a half years before beginning as the Executive Director at Warwick Forest, Active Senior Living by Riverside on November 4, 2024. Nathan, Blair and Alexa spend a significant amount of time between Williamsburg, where Nathan’s parents reside, and Gloucester Point, where Alexa’s parents reside. He enjoys spending time in the yard and especially bonding with his daughter while mowing the grass on the John Deere mower. He also enjoys red wine, pickle ball, shooting skeet, walking his two Dachshunds and a good cheeseburger. Nathan looks forward to many good years serving you as the Executive Director of Warwick Forest.
Tracy Tyler, LPN, CDP, CADDCT, LNHA
Assisted Living Administrator
Tracy Tyler has dedicated her career to the service of others. For more than 20 years she has led her teams through organizational change to improve operations and deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Since 2019, Tracy has served as the Administrator of Assisted Living at Warwick Forest Retirement Community. She has responsibility for the daily assisted living and memory care operations which includes the oversight and coordination of the services received by those who currently call or will call Warwick Forest their home.
Prior to joining Warwick Forest, Tracy Tyler spent the first part of her career as a Director of Resident Care, providing oversight and guidance to various nursing teams. Tracy also served as Regional Director of Clinical Operations, where she provided operational support for over 11 senior living communities. Tracy lives in James City County with her young son, Jabriel.
Stephanie Hertz
Marketing Director
Stephanie Hertz started her career in senior living in October of 2020, when she became a team member at Warwick Forest, Active Senior Living by Riverside. She initially served as the Marketing Manager before transitioning to the role of Marketing Director in May 2021. In 2024, she was honored to be a Fellow in the LeadingAge DC, Maryland, and Virginia Leadership Academy.
Originally from South Carolina, Stephanie moved all over the U.S. while her father was serving in the Air Force, before settling in Virginia in 1992. She holds a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education, as well as a MAEd with a focus on Curriculum Development and Instruction from the College of William & Mary. After graduation, Stephanie taught in Newport News for several years before moving to Florida, where her husband was stationed with the Navy. It was there that she transitioned to sales management, focusing primarily in the medical spa industry.
Stephanie is passionate about guiding families through the decision-making process and helping them to find the perfect fit according to their loved one’s needs and loves to see residents thriving in their new home and community. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the beach with her dog, and engaging in various artistic endeavors.
Jess Booker
Marketing Manager
Jess Booker joined the Warwick Forest community in May 2024 as the Marketing Manager. Not new to Riverside, Jess began her career as a CNA at Riverside Lifelong Health and Rehabilitation – Mathews. As a graduate of Old Dominion University, Jess earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in digital media, as well as a minor in journalism. For over a decade, she has enjoyed her career in marketing and sales, a rewarding profession that fosters her continued growth and development. Jess is excited to return to lifelong health and is passionate about helping people find the right solutions and resources to maintain active and enriching lifestyles as they age. A Virginia native, Jess and her family enjoy spending time outdoors and volunteering in their local community.
Randy Retan
Facilities Director
Randy Retan joined the Warwick Forest team as the Facilities Director in May 2023, but has been working for Riverside Health in a similar capacity since 2020. Prior to Riverside, he devoted 14 years to a larger retirement community in Williamsburg, VA. Originally from Michigan, Randy holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University, completed his pre-med studies at Wayne State University, and received his Facilities Engineering Management certificate from North Carolina State University. When not working, he enjoys outdoor sports, travelling, and spending time with his family.
Marvin Green
Food and Nutrition Services Director
Marvin Green joined Warwick Forest in December of 2022 as the Food and Nutrition Services Director. Prior to this, he worked for two other Riverside facilities, as the Food and Nutrition Services Director for Riverside Lifelong Health and Rehabilitation Warwick Forest and as the Director of Dietary Services for Riverside Sanders.
Marvin started his career with Riverside Health System in September 2013 as the Dining Operations Manager here at Warwick Forest however, his desire, passion, leadership, and experience for the food service industry spans over 3 decades.
Born and raised in Newport News, Virginia, Marvin holds an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Johns & Wales University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Excelsior University. When not working, Marvin enjoys running and spending time with his family, especially his first grandson.
Jacob Somerfield
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Jacob Somerfield is a talented culinary professional originally from Missouri. He began his career in the restaurant industry in 2009 as a dishwasher, gradually working his way up the ranks. After moving to Loudon County, Virginia, Chef Somerfield earned his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Washington in 2012.
Over the years, Chef Somerfield has held several key roles, including Chef de Cuisine at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Janelia Research Campus and Executive Chef 1 for George Mason University at the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation, as well as at various private restaurants. In 2024, he joined the Warwick Forest Dining team as Executive Chef, where he continues to bring his culinary expertise and passion for creating memorable dining experiences.
Brigitte Jones
Resident Services Director
Brigitte Jones first began her career in retirement living in 1989 and came to Warwick Forest in 1998. Brigitte started as an office manager where she wore many hats but quickly grew to become the Resident Services Director. She is an alumnus of Christopher Newport University where she graduated with a degree in business and a minor in psychology. Brigitte loves working with residents to create and maintain an exceptional community and prides herself on the many relationships that she has made along the way. Brigette was born in Frankfurt, Germany where her father was stationed and lived there until she was three years old. Eventually his orders sent him to Ft. Eustis, and she has been a part of our local community ever since. Brigitte loves working out, watching movies and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter.
Milton Giles
Director of Environmental Services
Milton Giles began his journey at Riverside in September 2008. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles, including CNA, Medication Technician, Hospitality Coordinator, and positions in Marketing and Admissions. After a brief departure in 2018, Milton returned to Warwick Forest, where he stepped into the role of Director of Environmental Services at Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation Warwick Forest. He now proudly serves as the Director of Environmental Services for the entire Warwick Forest campus.
Milton’s passion for serving seniors was nurtured from a young age through his church ministry, where he volunteered to mow lawns and perform small chores for older adults who could no longer do these tasks themselves.
A self-taught musician, Milton is proficient in piano, bass, saxophone, trombone, and drums. He also serves as the Minister of Music at his church. Whether it's a staff celebration or a community event, Milton’s D.J. talents are always a welcome addition at Warwick Forest.
Outside of work, Milton is a devoted father to his two sons, Demetrius and Milton. In his free time, he enjoys playing music, spending quality time with family, and working on his antique cars—whether behind the wheel or under the hood.