Meet Our Exceptional Assisted Living Team
The Heart of The Willows Assisted Living:
Compassionate Care and Expertise You Can Trust.
Lee Nicholson, OD
Administrator / Owner
Born and raised in West Tennessee, Dr. Nicholson has always had an innate drive to care for others. After graduating from Milan High School in 1996, he pursued his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Business Administration from Union University in 2000, followed by a Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee in 2004. With internships at West Tennessee Eye and Southern Eye Associates, Dr. Nicholson acquired vast expertise in areas like glaucoma, cataract management, macular degeneration management, diabetic eye care, and Lasik eye surgery.
In his eye care practice, Dr. Nicholson takes care of many geriatric patients. Through these interactions, he recognized a significant need for nice, upscale assisted living accommodations offering continuous care for those requiring additional assistance but not the full extent of a traditional nursing home. The vision was clear: to provide seniors with an environment that offers not just medical care but the warmth and comfort of a home.
And so, “The Willows” in Jackson, TN was born. This boutique assisted living community stands as a testament to Dr. Nicholson’s commitment to offering unparalleled care for the elderly, focusing on activities of daily living while ensuring residents feel right at home. The name “The Willows” encapsulates the serenity, care, and nurturing environment the facility promises.
While his professional affiliations include the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Optometric Association, and the Northwest Tennessee Optometric Association, and board roles at the Baptist Hospital in Huntingdon, Dr. Nicholson also finds a particular sense of purpose with “The Willows” assisted living. Alongside his dedicated team, Dr. Nicholson is committed to creating a haven where seniors receive the highest standard of care.
Currently residing in Jackson, Tennessee with his wife Ashley and three children Georgia, Finley, and Nash, Dr. Nicholson continues to serve the community with the same dedication and passion that has defined his entire career.
Ashley Nicholson grew up in Dyersburg, Tennessee where she graduated high school in 1996. Upon graduation from Dyersburg High School, she continued her education here in Jackson at Union University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Ashley Nicholson, a Residential Assisted Living Specialist (RALS), is excited about directing attention to the industry of boutique senior living care. Recognizing the unique needs of seniors, she emphasizes the importance of creating a space that feels just like home while offering essential daily care. With over fifteen years of experience directing marketing for three medical clinics in West Tennessee, Ashley merges her professional knowledge with a genuine commitment to improving senior living.
Ashley now resides in Jackson, TN with her husband, Lee Nicholson, and their three children: Georgia, Finley and Nash. Ashley looks forward to helping you with any question that you might have about the Willows of Jackson assisted living.
Heather Sadler Gallaher
Director of Marketing
Heather Sadler Gallaher grew up in Milan, Tennessee where she graduated high school in 1999. She grew up working at her parents Dairy Queen, along side her sister and brother, which is where she learned her work ethic. Upon graduation from Milan High School, she continued her education at The University of Tennessee at Martin. Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Public Relations.
Heather has more than 18 years experience of sales, marketing and communications experience in the publishing and senior living industries. She most recently served as Director of Marketing for The Pavilion Senior Living, where she oversaw multiple communities. She has served as a licensed administrator at The Pavilion Senior Living at Lebanon and she has had the opportunity to work in hospice care, working as an Account Executive for High Pointe Hospice. Her passion and excitement for seniors and community are evident in her day-to-day work and leadership. She is excited to work with The Willows assisted living as they bring a new niche of senior living to Jackson and West Tennessee.
She now makes her home with her husband, Chris Gallaher and her daughters Sophie (9) and Savvy (6), she also has 2 step son’s Jase, who is currently serving in the United States Marine Corp and Jack a freshman at University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Connect With Our Supportive Assisted Living Team Today
Your journey to compassionate senior care begins with a simple step. Reach out to us for more information, schedule a visit, or discuss your loved one’s needs. Our team at The Willows of Jackson assisted living is here to guide, support, and welcome you into our community.