Meet the Dedicated Team of The Crestmoor at Green Hills

Bill Allyn
Executive Director
Bill Allyn brings over 25 years of leadership experience in Human Services and senior living, having served as both an Executive Director and Regional Operations Director. He has successfully led communities across Connecticut, North Carolina, and most recently Brentwood, TN, where he oversaw a premier Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care community.
Passionate about creating vibrant, safe, and empowering environments for seniors, Bill is excited to lead The Crestmoor at Green Hills and serve its members, families, and team.
Bill and his wife Sonya, who relocated to Nashville four years ago, recently celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary. They enjoy college football—especially cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers—along with music, the outdoors, and exploring their community.
Shannon Stephens
Senior Director of Sales & Marketing
Shannon Stephens was the first employee of The Crestmoor at Green Hills, bringing more than 30 years of experience in senior living and healthcare. With a background as an Executive Director, Business Development Director, Sales Director, and Medical Social Worker, she has spent her career guiding seniors and families through important life transitions with compassion and care.
Before The Crestmoor opened, Shannon met with families across Nashville to introduce the community’s unique luxury rental model and hosted gatherings to help depositors connect and build friendships. Today, she leads the sales team with a focus on family, joy, and meaningful connections that make The Crestmoor feel like home.
Shannon’s dedication to service began early as a Candy Striper volunteer and has been recognized nationally as one of President George H.W. Bush’s “1000 Points of Light.”
Outside of work, she loves spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her mother, as well as traveling, reading, decorating, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband, a fly-fishing guide.
Valerie Degati
Director of Sales & Marketing
Valerie brings decades of experience in healthcare and senior living, beginning her career as an EMT in the early 90s before moving into hospice care, where she served as a trusted liaison for patients, families, and care teams. In recent years, she has held leadership roles as Executive Director and Director of Sales and Marketing for senior living communities across Nashville.
Passionate about helping older adults transition with confidence, Valerie is dedicated to creating a culture of choice, independence, and proactive living. She believes in the power of sharing knowledge, supporting families, and celebrating the wisdom of the senior community.
For Valerie, senior living is more than a career—it’s a calling. She is grateful to be part of The Crestmoor, where she strives to ensure every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to live life well.
Nina Babanzadeh
Assistant Executive Director
Nina Babanzadeh is a critical care nurse and healthcare leader with a strong background in both clinical practice and healthcare management. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Nursing, as well as a Master’s in Executive Leadership, giving her a unique ability to bridge compassionate patient care with strategic leadership.
Throughout her career, Nina has gained extensive experience in critical care and is recognized for her calm, empathetic approach in high-pressure environments. As a leader, she is known for building strong, motivated teams and creating cultures of trust and collaboration. Her combined clinical expertise and business acumen allow her to balance operational efficiency with exceptional patient outcomes.
Passionate about patient-centered care, innovation, and mentorship, Nina views healthcare as both a profession and a calling. Her commitment to excellence and compassion continues to guide her work and inspire those around her.
Gina Farris
Director of Life Enrichment – IL
Gina Farris is a proud Knoxville native and graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Electronic Media. In 2008, she discovered her passion for senior living while working as an Activities Assistant in a long-term care community—a role that quickly grew into a lifelong calling to enrich the lives of older adults through connection and engagement.
After relocating to Nashville in 2020, Gina gained valuable experience in social services before returning to her true passion: Independent Living and Life Enrichment. For the past three years, she has thrived as a Director of Life Enrichment for luxury communities, designing innovative programs that foster community, promote well-being, and inspire joy among residents.
Dedicated and creative, Gina is committed to making senior living vibrant, purposeful, and fulfilling. Outside of work, she loves spending time with family, traveling, and enjoying Nashville’s music scene through concerts and festivals.
Anna Leverence
Sales Counselor
Anna joined The Crestmoor at Green Hills in January 2025, bringing over eight years of senior living sales experience in the Nashville market. She has achieved 100% occupancy twice in her career, served as a Senior Sales Director supporting underperforming communities, and played a key role in opening a new community. Well-versed in IL, AL, and MC, Anna has deep knowledge of the Nashville, Bellevue, Brentwood, and Franklin markets.
Passionate about making a positive difference, Anna guides families with compassion through every step of the senior living journey. Outside of work, she enjoys thrifting, antiquing, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with her two cats. A fun fact—Anna has played the violin for 28 years.