30+ years of healthcare experience

Born in 1950, Barbara Y. Tidwell was raised by her grandparents in the Appalachian Mountains. At just 10 years old, she dreamed of creating a better way to care for the elderly, envisioning something far different from the traditional nursing home setting.

Barbara became a registered dietician in 1972 and was recruited to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1980 by St. Luke’s Hospital to assist with their food service development program and the hospital's eventual move to the JTB location. During this time, she also began teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of North Florida, a role she cherished for over 25 years.

After St. Luke’s Hospital and Mayo Clinic merged in 1984, Barbara was promoted to the administrative staff. She simultaneously earned a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from UNF and achieved her Fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

These diverse experiences were instrumental in transforming Barbara’s childhood dream into the beloved reality known today as "Some Place Like Home."