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LATEST NEWS

UMH Announced Promotion of Ron Patti to Chief Operating Officer in Spring of 2022

Brian Picchini, President & CEO of United Methodist Homes announced to all staff, residents and families the promotion of Ron Patti to Chief Operating Officer within the organization last spring.   Ron had been serving UMH for 7 years as Executive Director on the Hilltop Campus.  Having served in long term care for more than 28 years and 25 years in an administrative capacity, Ron has accumulated valuable hands-on experience in operations, making him an ideal candidate for the position.  Ron will work out of the corporate offices at 10 Acre Place, Binghamton, and provide operational oversight and support to its four campuses including our two New York Campuses—Elizabeth Church and Hilltop Campuses, and two Pennsylvania Campuses—Wesley Village and Tunkhannock Manor.

Ron slowly transitioned to role of Chief Operating Officer while maintaining a presence on the Hilltop Campus. By November of 2022, he was fully engaged in the position and established at the Corporate Offices.   We are pleased to have him serving in this new capacity with many exciting projects on the horizon for UMH.

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Former Coach David Gentner Receives Concordia College Highest Award

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Recognizes Wartburg Employee, Michaela Byrnes

June 01, 2020

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recognized longtime Wartburg Therapeutic Recreation Director Ms. Michaela Byrnes for her work in resident and family communication during visitation restrictions and Wartburg’s pandemic response efforts.

In a letter to Ms. Byrnes, the Governor thanked her for her extraordinary work and compassionate efforts as we face one of the biggest public health crisis in our history. Also in his letter, Governor Cuomo stated: “Please also extend my sincere appreciation to your fellow co-workers at Wartburg for their remarkable commitment and sacrifice amidst this terrifying pandemic. I am blessed to have selfless individuals like yourselves who continue to offer assistance to those in critical need despite the fear and uncertainty currently surrounding us.”

Michaela Byrnes said of the honor, “I am very appreciative to the Greeley family who took the time to write to Governor Cuomo during this difficult time and it is was an honor to see his response included recognizing everyone at Wartburg. Family communication is now a 24-7 job within the Therapeutic Recreation department and while all of us have a part to play, I consider our department the lucky ones who get to provide these special moments for our residents and their family members.”

Ms. Byrnes, is a 21-year employee of Wartburg and was appointed to the prestigious 2013 LeadingAge New York Leadership Academy, the state’s association’s yearlong program providing enhancing the leadership capacity of aging-services professionals so they are better equipped to serve the aging-services field.

“I feel very fortunate to have the ability, with assistance of course, to not only talk to my beloved family members but to see their beautiful faces as well”, said Ms. Mimi Greeley. “This modern technology is wonderful!”

Dr. David J. Gentner, Wartburg President & CEO, said, “Lately, it doesn’t always feel like the work we do is appreciated so the Governor’s recognition of Michaela has a halo effect on those of us who still desire to serve the field of senior care and housing in the aftermath of physically and emotionally challenging times.”

About Wartburg

Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services. Unlike conventional retirement communities, Wartburg provides a wide range of services to both residents living on their beautiful 34-acre campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, their continuing care approach has earned them a trusted reputation. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage with an array of options to find the level of care that considers the whole family. Wartburg was named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by U.S. News & World Report for the ninth consecutive year in 2019.

Laurie Mante named Executive Director

December 09, 2019

Mary Pat Dolan, Chair of Kendal at Ithaca’s Board of Trustees, has announced that veteran senior living administrator Laurie J. Mante has been selected to lead Kendal at Ithaca as its new Executive Director. Mante will assume her role as of Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.

IGNITE Alumni Accept Innovative Employer Award at Child Care Council’s Start Bright Gala

October 29, 2019

St. Ann's Community Wins Innovative Employer Award at Child Care Council's Start Bright Gala!

 

IGNITE alumni Triciajean Jones and Michelle Dwyer at Gala!
 

https://stannscommunity.com/innovative-employer-award/

Alumni and Coach Triciajean Jones gets awarded St. Ann’s scholarship

August 23, 2019

Debi Buzanowski, IGNITE alum from the 2018 - 2019 class, has published an article in PATH!

March 20, 2019

Debi Buzanowski, executive director at Marjorie Doyle and IGNITE alum from the 2018 - 2019 class, has published an article in PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) on working with clients with dementia through animal and activity-based therapy programs. Congrats, Debi!

IGNITE alum Jeremy Rutter, Cheryl Farr and team receive prestigious award!

January 01, 2020

Heritage Ministries Awarded Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) has announced that Heritage Ministries has been awarded the Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award.

 

All three Heritage Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation locations in Chautauqua County have been selected to receive the award- The Park, Jamestown, NY, The Village, Gerry, NY and The Green, Greenhurst, NY. Fewer than 7% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide qualify for this prestigious award.

 

2017-18 Fellow Angela Ciminello Receives the 2017 Servant Leadership Award

November 30, 2017

Angela Ciminello, Wartburg Vice President of Development and Marketing, recently received the 2017 Servant Leadership Award from the Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church at their 120th Annual Anniversary Gala. 

Former Coach David Genter Receives Humanitarian Award

December 05, 2017

Wartburg’s President and CEO, David J. Gentner, recently received the 2017 Humanitarian Award from The Grace - Ujamaa Development Corporations in Mount Vernon, NY during their Village of Grace Awards Dinner. 

Gaik Sim Khoo Receives Employee of Distinction Award

November 24, 2017

LeadingAge New  York's President and CEO, Jim Clyne, presented "Khoo" with the prestigious Employee of Distinction Award. Both Claire Guerette, Executive Director of St. Margaret's House, and Joe Breed, former Executive Director, were present to celebrate Khoo's accomplishments. Ken Allison, Financial Policy Analyst at LeadingAge New York, is a fellow graduate of the IGNITE Leadership Academy's inaugural class, who attended to congratulate Khoo on this honor.

Alum Michele Cone Named New Director of Nursing for M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center

November 01, 2017

Michele Cone, of the 2016-17 IGNITE Leadership Academy, accepts new leadership position. 

Former IGNITE Coach David Genter Jazzes Things Up & Raises 201K for Wartburg

August 03, 2017

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Former IGNITE Coach Bob Mayer Selected as CEO of Weinberg Campus

April 05, 2017

IGNITE Alum Lisa Marcello Recognized As Finalists for RBJ Financial Executive of the Year

July 07, 2017

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities Executive Vice President and CFO is recognized for excellence.

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ALUMNI LISTS

IGNITE

LEADERSHIP

ACADEMY

Below is a list of the IGNITE Leadership Academy alumni, by class. They are listed with their title and organization at the time they graduated from the program; however, many graduates have taken on new leadership roles over the years.

CLASS OF 2017-2018

Emanuel Burgio, Physical Therapy Assistant, St. Ann's Community
Janeen Bush, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Maria Regina Residence
Debi Buzanowski, Eddy Alzheimer's Specialist, St. Peter's Health Partners - The Eddy
Julie Chetney, Director, St. Francis Commons at St. Luke
Meghan Chiumento, Social Worker, Nottingham RHCF (Loretto)
Angela Ciminello, Vice President - Development and Marketing, Wartburg
Ryann Cunningham, Director of Social Services, United Helpers
Lenora D'Apice, Executive Director of Advancement, Presbyterian Homes & Services
Jessica Fretto, Administrator, Wesley Health Care Center
Michele Gordon, Administrator - Ideal Senior Living Center, UHS
Rita Kabashi, Director, St. Mary's Center, Inc.
Jennifer Oca, Associate Vice President of Quality Management, VillageCare
Lisa Ott, Director of Life Enrichment, The Osborn
Ron Patti, Executive Director - Hilltop Community, United Methodist Homes
Kimeka Randall, Marketing Associate, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
Kaamalal Robinson, Case Management Coordinator, People Inc.
Edwin Rodriguez Jr., Director of Public Relations & Marketing, Lutheran Jamestown
Jay Snow, Director of Community Life, Masonic Care Community of New York
Tiffany Taylor, Director of Wolk Manor, Jewish Senior Life at Wolk Manor
Ashley Tejada, Data/Policy Analyst, LeadingAge New York
Sharon Walters, Director of Nursing, Heritage Green
Susan Waters, Director of Nursing, Center for Disability Services/St. Margaret's Facility
David Watkins, Corporate Director of Dining & Hospitality, Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
Biagio Zarcone, NNORC/Community Care Manager, Fairport Baptist Homes Caring Ministries

CLASS OF 2016-2017

Michele Cone, Assistant Director of Nursing, Kirkhaven
Rae Crandall, Director Clinical Services - Hultquist Place, Lutheran Social Services
Sarah Daly, Value First Liaison, LeadingAge New York
Robert Dorcy, Director of Rehabilitation, Wartburg
Cheryl Farr, Administrator, Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing
Amy Fletcher, RN Nurse Manager, Jewish Senior Life
Jessica Fowler, Social Worker, Seneca Hill Manor, Inc.
Sandy Freeland, Administrator, VillageCare
Dawn Heuer, Assistant Director - Dining Services, St. Ann's Community
Darius Kirstein, Director of Financial Policy, LeadingAge New York
Janet Lus, Senior Living Program Administrator, People Inc.
Sabrina McLeod, Director of Financial Reporting, St. Ann's Community
Sandra Nellis, RN Case Manager - Hultquist Place, Lutheran Social Services
Lori Pellicano, Assistant Director of Nursing, The Friendly Home
Allison Reynolds, Social Work Manager/Music Therapist, St. Mary's Center
Maggie Sidarous, Director of Operations, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehabilitation
Charles Skellan, Power Plant & Maintenance Manager, St. Ann's Community
Mayer Waxman, Managing Director - Senior Communities, Selfhelp Community Services, Inc.

CLASS OF 2015-2016

Rene Barnes, Director of Community Programs, Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
David Barr, Director of Operations, Flushing House
Alyssa Campbell, Clinical Rehab Worker, Masonic Care Community of New York
Michelle Dwyer, Human Resources Coordinator, St. Ann's Community
Daniel Greene, Nurse Manager, Lutheran
Noreen Hiltsley-Mosher, Marketing/Sales Manager, LeadingAge New York
Triciajean Jones, Life Enrichment Coordinator, St. Ann's Community
Kathryn LeGrande, Director of Operations Lakeville Ambulette Trans., Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
Carlos Martinez, Manager - Corporate Learning & Staff Development, VillageCare
Jennifer Nelligan, Provider Relations Specialist, The Community Hospice
Sharon Plant, Associate Vice President, People Inc.
Ellen Quinn, VP of Human Resources, LeadingAge New York 
Jeremy Rutter, Administrator, Heritage Ministries
Jason Santiago, Administrator, The Manor at Seneca Hill
Maria Siano, Assistant Director of HR, The Osborn
Cindy Steele, RN Director of Clinical Services, Lutheran-Hultquist Place
Emil Teen, Director of Materials Management, Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center
Gene Trotta, Executive Director of Dining Services, Jewish Senior Life
Stephen Woodruff, Deputy Director of Long Term Care, Livingston County Center for Nursing
Tony Zaccaglino, Dining Services Manager, St. John's Meadows

CLASS OF 2014-2015

Stacey Altman, Assistant Administrator, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehabilitation
Jamie Bennett, Director of IT, Jewish Senior Life
Joseph Bisaccia, Director of Food Nutrition/Purchasing Svcs., Cabrini at Westchester
Kathy Burke, Education Assistant/Registrar, LeadingAge New York
Mary Costigan, Administrator, Michaud Residential Health Services
Joseph Gallagher, Manager/Rehab Professional Practice, Visiting Nurse Svc. of NY
Earl Gifford, Member Specialist, LeadingAge New York
Andy Hackbarth, Case Mgr./Assistant Administrator
Linda Hirt, VP Clinical Services, Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
Rebecca LeBaron, Senior Housing Administrator, Heritage Ministries
Tom Lyons, Executive Director, Glen at Hiland Meadows 
Tracy Margott, Administrator, Lutheran Care
Denise Ohman, Director of Social Work, Lutheran Care
Selena Perez, Social Worker, Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center
Diana Pillittieri, Social Worker, Hultquist Place Assisted Living
Adrienne Rynne, Assisted Living Manager, The Osborn
Toni Sexton, GCD Program Director, Jewish Home Lifecare
Jody Shely, RN Director, Warner Place at Lutheran of Jamestown
Adam Szymaczak, Sales Counselor, Canterbury Woods
Kevin Webb, Deputy Director/Technical Services, LeadingAge New York
Jill Wynne, Controller, Masonic Care Community of New York

CLASS OF 2013-2014

Kenneth Allison, Accountant, LeadingAge New York
Michaela Byrnes, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Wartburg
Carmen Carpentier, Executive Director, Lake Forest Senior Living
Cathie Chabrier, Assistant Administrator/Compliance Officer, Wayne County Nursing Home
Diane Darbyshire, Sr. Policy Analyst, LeadingAge New York
Ann Dooley, Executive Director, Good Shepherd Fairview Home
Maria Fitzpatrick, Clinical Supervisor, Jewish Home of Rochester
Penny Hefferon, CFO, Iroquois Nursing Home Inc.
Desmond Jackson, Cottage Guide/Environmental Services Coordinator, Unity Health System
Dyani John-Richberg, Special Assistant to CEO/Corporate Support Liaison
Susan Keating, Resident Services Director, The Osborn
Gaik Sim Khoo, Occupancy Coordinator, St. Margaret's House
Debra Lyda, Director of Medical Services/HCBS, Unity Health Systems
Christopher Lynch, Director of Operations, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
Lisa Marcello, Vice President/CFO, Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
Nancy McKiernan, Marketing & Development Associate, Baptist Health System
Laura Radensky, Director of Community Relations/Community Svcs. Div, Jewish Home LifeCare
Robert Raffle, Executive Director, Masonic Care Community of New York
John Schuster, Admissions Manager, Wartburg
Michael Shaffer, VP for the Nursing Facility, The Centers at St. Camillus
Hussan Tariq, Director of Recreation, St. Mary's
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