Mary Sue Troup, Managing Director

Born and raised in Sheffield, Alabama, Mary Sue Troup has always had a heart for helping people so it was no surprise when she decided at an early age to focus her college and career on social work. In the summer of 1976, she was chosen with 5 other college student across the nation to work in the mountains doing community work within the small towns, and was named Social Worker of the Year in 1977. Her hard work and dedication earned her the job of President of Social Work Organization in 1977-78.

After graduating from UNA in 1978 with a degree in Social Work, Mary Sue moved to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee to work at Elm Nursing home. She later worked for the State of Tennessee in the Department of Human Services as an Eligibility Counselor. After marrying the love of her life, Doug Troup, on April 18, 1981, Mary Sue joined National Health Care as a social worker, first in Lawrenceburg and then at NHC Scott. During that time, she also did some Regional Social Work for the company.

On May 19, 1999, Mary Sue joined the Country Cottage family and has never looked back. She began as Resident Services Director and was promoted to Managing Director in April of 2000. “The Cottage is my home away from home,” says Mary Sue. “My residents mean the world to me and I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.”

In her spare time, Mary Sue enjoys listening to music from the 60's & 70's, and taking care of her home. She also enjoys spending time out and about in the community and is a favorite guest on the WLX morning show, and is pictured above with local celebrity “Snowbird.” Mary Sue’s husband, Doug, is the Fire Chief of Loretto and has worked for the Thacher Company for 26 yrs.

Karen Goolsby LPN, Resident Services Director

Karen Goolsby, LPN has always lived in Lawrence County and really appreciates the people and the beauty of the community.  She was raised in the country where she thrived on the support and love of her family.
Karen has 2 sons; Evan, 18, and Eric, 16.  “My sons are the joy of my life!” says Karen.  After graduating from Lawrence County High School in 1984, Karen decided her calling was to be a nurse, so she attended Pulaski Vocational School, where she graduated in 1986.
Karen says her heart is in Nursing because she enjoys taking care of others and especially likes working with the elderly.  When she is not taking care of others she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family and friends.
“I particularly love spending time with my Cottage family--we have a lot of fun here with activities and special events!” says Karen.  We truly enjoy having Karen with us here at the Cottage!