Meet Our Senior Living Professionals

Meridee Watt

Executive Director

Executive Director Meridee Watt brings over 36 years of diverse senior living industry experience to her role at Rittenhouse Village. A proud graduate of the University of Illinois, she began her career as a Certified Nurse’s Aide before expanding into other roles including Activities Director, Marketing Director and Memory Care Director before becoming assuming her first executive leadership role some 20 years ago.

Driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of resident seniors each and every day, Meridee leads and empowers the team at Rittenhouse Village to work together in partnership and alongside residents and families, leveraging collective efforts to deliver a rich and satisfying way of life that’s the hallmark of daily living in our community.

Savannah Ayres

Director of Celebrations

Director of Celebrations Savannah Ayres is a passionate event planner whose experience includes service to both public and private institutions, as well as non-profit organizations. A native of Western New York, she is a recent graduate from the University of Indianapolis, where she received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication with an emphasis in public relations.

Savannah says that connecting with residents of the community and sharing life stories and memories across generations is one of the most fun and rewarding facets of each day. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to her favorite podcasts, as well as exploring Indiana and experiencing the many diverse social, cultural and other opportunities that await throughout the state and region.

James Hendrickson

Director of Facility Operations

Director of Facility Operations James Hendrickson brings more than 20 years of healthcare industry and facility management experience to his role with our community. He previously held a regional operations position before making the move to Rittenhouse Village, and cited the “second paycheck”—the satisfaction that comes from making a positive impact in the lives of real people in and around a community—as his motivation for pursuing and accepting the role.
Outside of work, Jim is a proud family man and husband. He and his wife have been married for 14 years, and have two children, Sophia and Ryland.

Dawanda Donaldson-Gray

Business Office Manager

Business Office Manager Dawanda Donaldson-Gray has served the healthcare field throughout her career, which spans more than 24 years. She is a certified Medical Biller and Coder, and through her work at Rittenhouse Village, helps coordinate Medicare, VA and other benefits on behalf of eligible residents. 

A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Dawanda attended Davenport Business College in Grand Rapids, where she earned a degree in Business Administration. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge and education to this day, she will soon earn a Masters in that same field.  

Outside of work, she is a devoted mother to her two sons, Hebert Gray III and Dawan. The family enjoys spending time together, as well as with their four-legged members, a dog, Bubbles, and a cat, Shadow Lorraine.

Outside of work, Angela is a devoted wife to her husband, Dennis. The couple has 5 children, ranging in age from 10 to 24. They enjoy family time with the children, as well as their 2 granddaughters, Marley and Lilah, and their beloved dog, a pug named Stella.

Theresa Huffman

Senior Lifestyle Counselor

Senior Lifestyle Counselor Theresa Huffman brings to Rittenhouse Village 16 years of extensive healthcare and senior living industry experience. Theresa has served our senior population and their families as an experienced sales, marketing, and senior living sales trainer, as well as Business Development Director and Licensed Health Care Administrator with multiple, widely-respected companies throughout the Midwest. Now with Rittenhouse Village, Theresa provides all-important guidance for seniors and families, assisting them as they navigate the decision process and make the most of available amenities, service offerings and exclusive lifestyle programs like the ones that typify life here in our community.

Outside of work, Theresa is a proud mother of four, and a new grandmother. She enjoys family time, as well as outdoor activities and being on or near the water.