Meet Our Team
Lee Nicholson, OD
Managing Owner
lee@willowsofjackson.com
Heather Sadler Gallaher
Administrator
heather@willowsofjackson.com
Ashley Nicholson
Director of Admissions
ashley@willowsofjackson.com
Claudia Gaye Chapman
House Manager
claudia@willowsofjackson.com
Lee Nicholson, OD
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 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". 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.
Heather Sadler Gallaher
Heather Sadler Gallaher grew up in Milan, Tennessee where she graduaterd 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 licensed administrator at The Pavilion Senior Living at Lebanon and she has had the opportunity to work in hospice care, working as 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 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.
Ashley Nicholson
Director of Community Relations / Owner
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.
House Manager / Director
A West Tennessee native, she was born and raised in Trenton, Tennessee, where she graduated from Peabody High School in 1977. She pursued higher education at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Missouri, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. She graduated from Logan Chiropractic College in 1982. She later attended the Pan-American School and Institute of Bio-energetic Medicine, obtaining a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
Dr. Chapman's professional journey spans over three decades, where she integrated physical therapy, rehabilitation, and herbal and nutritional therapies in her treatment of patients. Her extensive knowledge and skills are demonstrated through numerous certifications including a USWFA Nationally Certified Water Fitness Instructor, Certified Arthritis Foundation Water Fitness Instructor, American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer, PADI-certified Scuba Diver, and a Master Gardner from the University of Tennessee Extension Office. In addition, she also has spent many hours of study and has certification in various emotional techniques.
Throughout her career, Dr. Chapman has been actively involved in various organizations and has held many leadership roles, too numerous to mention. She and her husband are actively involved in historical re-enactments and education of both adults and children in historical facts. She is frequently called as a guest lecturer to various civic organizations and schools. Her contributions to the community include serving on the Foster Care Review Board for Tipton County for over 15 years and co-directing a children's puppet ministry.
Dr. Chapman retired after 33 years in practice; however, her passion for providing comprehensive care extends well beyond her many years of chiropractic practice. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to The Willows of Jackson by providing an all-encompassing approach to caring for the needs of our elderly population. She has accumulated extensive experience as an effective communicator and problem solver. She has adeptly addressed sensitive subjects and serious situations, interacting and communicating effectively with diverse personalities. This expertise has been instrumental in her roles as a president, officer, director, speaker, and leader of numerous organizations.
Currently residing in Brighton, Tennessee, Dr. Chapman continues to engage in community service and education. She is an effective communicator, an experienced problem solver, and a compassionate caregiver, making her an invaluable asset to The Willows. Dr. Chapman will serve as our House Manager and Director, overseeing all day-to-day operations, staff, and resident life at the Willows.
Dr. Chapman’s vision aligns with that of Dr. Lee Nicholson, Administrator of The Willows, focusing on creating an environment where seniors receive medical care and the warmth and comfort of a home. At The Willows, we are proud to add her expertise to lead our staff and further our vision of unparalleled care for the elderly, ensuring residents feel right at home.
