About

Where the Solara Journey Began

Solara grew from a need we saw every day through our work at Fleet Landing, a nationally recognized Continuing Care Retirement Community known for its high clinical standards and ACHC-Accredited care. Families wanted continuity. Providers wanted a partner they could trust. Seniors wanted care that felt professional without feeling impersonal. Solara was created to bring that same level of expertise, coordination, and compassion beyond a single campus and into homes and neighborhoods across Jacksonville and its beaches.

While our roots began in serving residents within a senior living community, Solara operates as an independent care provider focused entirely on serving seniors where they live, recover, and thrive.

Continuity Makes the Difference

Care rarely fits neatly into one category. Recovery, support and independence often overlap, and transitions matter.

Solara’s integrated continuum of services allows individuals to move smoothly between levels of care, from the hospital to in-home care, from in-home care to outpatient therapy, or through coordinated nursing and personal care. Our teams communicate closely, share insight, and align around one goal: helping each person feel supported, confident, and well cared for at every stage.

Our Local Commitment

Solara Care is mission-driven and guided by local leadership who live and work in the Jacksonville neighborhoods we serve. This connection to the community allows us to deliver care that is personal, responsive, and deeply rooted in trust.

care that reflects our name

The name Solara reflects what we strive to bring into every interaction: warmth, clarity, and renewed strength. Inspired by the energy of the sun, our care is meant to uplift, guide, and support, helping people move forward with confidence.

meet the SOLARA team

JULIA PRATT

Executive Director

Julia Pratt serves as Solara’s Executive Director, bringing nearly 30 years of dedicated experience supporting seniors across diverse health care settings. A University of North Florida graduate with a degree in Physical Therapy, she has built her career around helping individuals live life to the fullest. Julia is a passionate advocate for seniors’ rights and actively partners with organizations that strengthen and protect the well‑being of older adults in the community. Originally from Pennsylvania, she met her husband while they were both serving in the Air Force. She enjoys reading, experimenting in the kitchen, and making memories at Disney.

LISA LEIFHEIT

Care Liaison

Lisa Leifheit serves as Solara’s Care Liaison, drawing on more than a decade of leadership experience in HR and health care recruitment. A Jacksonville native and longtime Beaches resident, she earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Florida State University and joined the team in 2025. Lisa is passionate about connecting people with meaningful care and opportunities through her work with Solara. She is also a proud “Lacrosse Mom” to her son, Aidan, a Fletcher High School graduate and current Georgia Southern University lacrosse player. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, thrift shopping, and lively bingo nights.

ALEX McGOURTY

Director of Clinical Operations

Alex McGourty serves as Solara’s Director of Clinical Operations, bringing more than a decade of Critical Care nursing experience and four years in Home Health to her leadership role. A University of Florida graduate and seasoned RN, she is dedicated to guiding her team in delivering exceptional, patient‑centered care that supports recovery in the comfort of home. Raised as a Navy brat, Alex lived in many places before settling in Atlantic Beach’s Selva Marina area with her husband and children. She enjoys beach days, live music, and cheering on her kids at their many sporting events.

NICK NOVEMBER

Director of Rehabilitation

Nick November serves as Solara’s Director of Rehabilitation. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Nick is committed to delivering compassionate, high‑quality care to patients recovering in short‑term rehab or visiting Solara’s outpatient clinics, ensuring each individual receives the support needed to achieve their goals. A lifelong Atlantic Beach resident, he now lives there with his wife, Madison, their son, Jack, and their golden retriever, Dutty. Together, they enjoy beach soccer, surfing, exploring local parks, and cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

SHAYLA MILLS

Private Care Manager

Shayla Mills serves as Solara’s Private Care Manager, specializing in coordinating high‑quality private duty home care for seniors and individuals who need added support to remain safe and comfortable at home. With a strong background in health care and administration, she partners closely with clients and families to design personalized care plans that honor each person’s routines, preferences, and unique needs. Known for her compassion, organization, and clear communication, Shayla guides families through care decisions with confidence and peace of mind. She takes pride in thoughtfully matching clients with dependable caregivers and fostering trusting, supportive relationships throughout the care journey.

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