Meet Lauren Dover, NCFL’s Clinical Director
At New Concepts for Living, our team members are the heart of our mission. This month, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Lauren Dover, our Clinical Director, who has been instrumental in establishing and shaping our new therapies department. Get to know Lauren, her inspiring journey, and her vision for NCFL.
Lauren joined NCFL with a passion for direct interaction and making a difference in people’s lives. After spending seven years at her previous site she sought professional growth and a role that allowed her to stay connected with clients. At NCFL, she found the perfect opportunity to challenge herself by building the therapy department from the ground up while expanding her skills as an occupational therapist working with the I/DD population.
“I was intrigued and inspired by the opportunity to build the therapy department from scratch,” Lauren explains. “It was a chance to grow professionally while remaining hands-on and forward-facing, interacting with clients.”
Lauren’s favorite part about working at NCFL is the organization’s exceptional culture. “I’ve never worked in an environment where every team member is invested in the clients’ wellbeing,” she says. “The team is not only knowledgeable and competent but also incredibly welcoming and friendly.”
As the therapies department continues to develop, Lauren’s vision is ambitious yet focused. She aims to recruit team members who share her passion for working with the I/DD population and align with NCFL’s mission. Education is also a priority for Lauren, as she seeks to provide training on the scope of occupational, physical, and speech therapies to ensure all staff understand how these disciplines can enhance clients’ lives.
Lauren’s extensive experience and dynamic background have been invaluable to her role at NCFL. Before joining us, she spent a decade working in geriatrics, holding positions such as Staff Occupational Therapist, Program Manager, and Director of Rehabilitation at a continuing care retirement community. There, she managed inpatient and outpatient therapy departments across skilled nursing, dementia care, assisted living, and independent living settings.
Beyond her professional life, Lauren’s personal interests reflect her dynamic character. She holds a fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo and enjoys Olympic weightlifting in her spare time.
Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and later a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Seton Hall University. While in graduate school, she had the unique opportunity to live and study abroad in Denmark, completing a clinical rotation at a Multiple Sclerosis Hospital. “If you want to hear an interesting story, ask me about the origins of the Danish word for cheers,” she adds.
Lauren’s dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm for her role are a testament to the exceptional team at NCFL. We’re proud to have her leading the charge in making a difference in the lives of our clients and their families. Thank you, Lauren, and welcome to the NCFL family!
To learn more about how you can join NCFL and open positions, visit www.NCFL.net/Careers
