Leadership Team

Lena G. Ernst, Ph.D.
Lena Ernst is a native of New Mexico with 25 years of experience in the field of aging, healthcare and elder programs. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico where she focused her research in the area of aging, dementia, spirituality, stress and coping. Over the years, Lena has worked with seniors as a licensed social worker, licensed nursing home administrator and as an owner and operator of Alzheimer’s care facilities in New Mexico. Dr. Ernst, in partnership with Mr. Robert Metz, founded Retreat Healthcare in 2009 and now serves as the Chief Operating Officer for this family of care organizations that specialize in providing dementia care, home care and hospice care using holistic care approaches that honor each person – mind, body and soul.

Robert Metz
Mr. Metz has twenty years of experience in developing and operating companies in both the public and private sectors throughout the United States. These companies include New Mexico-based businesses in hospice and home healthcare. Having a passion for healthcare, Mr Metz set out to bring a new standard to compassionate and loving care to those seniors his companies served. By creating innovative new approaches through strong leadership and proven management principles Mr. Metz strives to better the lives of the elderly. He now joins Dr. Lena Ernst in bringing this same passion and high standards of care to The Retreat by serving as the Chief Financial Officer.

Joy Lovette, MD
Board Certified – Joined RHC in 2013
Internal Medicine – Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Dr. Joy Lovette is an internist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She received her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and has been practicing for over 32 years. Dr. Lovette is widely known for her amazing bedside manner which she brought to our Retreat Healthcare team.

Ricardo Ortega, MD
Board Certified – Joined RHC in 2006
Family Medicine – Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Dr. Ricardo Ortega is a family medicine doctor and native New Mexican. He received his medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and has been in practice for over 35 years. For the last 10 years his practice has been focused on Geriatric care of homebound elderly patients. He is Board-Certified in both Family Practice and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Michael Radetsky, MD
Board Certified – Joined RHC in 2006
General Pediatrics – Pediatrics Infectious Diseases
Dr. Michael Radetsky is a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He received his medical degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and has been in practice for 38 years.

Danielle Pete, BSN