Management & Team

Heather Friebus - Administrator

Heather FriebusHeather Friebus is the Administrator at Devon Gables Rehabilitation Center. She began her career here in 1992, as a diet aide. Since then, she has worked in various positions with us, including as an Evening Supervisor, Clinical Dietary Supervisor and Assistant Administrator.

In 2003, Heather graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. Over the next year, she completed a post-graduate internship in Kansas City, Missouri, earning her status as a Registered Dietician. Between 2004 and 2006, Heather worked as an Assistant Administrator and acted as Registered Dietitian for Devon Gables. During this time, she completed an Administrator in Training Program, and became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. In 2007, she took over as Devon Gables' Administrator.

Heather is proud to be following in a family tradition - her mother, Debbie, is a Registered Nurse who has worked at Devon Gables for more than 30 years. She is currently the Staff Development Registered Nurse and continue to be an inspiration to her daughter. Heather says, "My mom has an extremely good work ethic, and a love for the elderly. She has instilled this quality in me and I am truly grateful because I love my job at Devon Gables."

Heather has worked very hard to build a dynamic team which excels in providing the most outstanding possible care to our residents, and is proud to be a second-generation member of the Devon Gables Rehabilitation Center family.


Paula Johnsen - Assistant Administrator

Paula JohnsenPaula Johnsen serves as the Assistant Administrator at Devon Gables, helping to operate one of the largest Rehabilitation Centers in Arizona.

She began her career with us 31 years ago, as a dietary aide. After 18 years in the food and nutrition department, Paula was promoted to the newly-opened Assisted Living Unit at Devon Gables, became certified as a caregiver and got her managers license. Paula then worked in the Assisted Living Unit for 10 years, maintaining the same staff during her tenure. During this time, she took great pride in developing a program which promoted independent living for many seniors, while assuring families that their loved ones were well cared for and safe.

In 2007, Paula was again promoted within the Devon Gables family, this time to the role of Assistant Administrator, where she helps manage the numerous departments within our facility. Her latest project has been refurbishing our dining room, helping bring a new flair to the surroundings, which helps to complement the cuisine. Her next challenge is to enhance the front lobby area, overseeing its redecoration.

Paula excels in her ability to organize and direct others, and takes pride in having headed up multiple projects that would not have been as successful without her guidance as a leader. Her dedication to the residents, staff and families of Devon Gables will continue to be a top priority as she continues her life-long career with the facility.


"Our goal is to achieve the highest level of independence for each client."