Introducing The Centers Circle of Care
Moving forward changing lives making a world of difference
Discover our empowering circle of care We employ top healthcare professionals in every field, each playing a critical role in our mission to deliver a patient-centered life cycle that makes us all stronger.
We are unified by our leadership, experience and expertise to achieve a single goal: successful outcomes that get patients home faster and healthier.
kristen plake
hospital liaison westchester county
patient outreach Public service is literally in my DNA. I come from a family of pastors, police officers, social workers and healthcare professionals, and as a Hospital Liaison, I take great pride in following in that wonderful tradition. Serving the community and making sure that our residents and their families receive the best possible care—it’s not just my job, it’s my calling. I treat every patient as I would a loved one. I give them my personal cell number so they can reach out to me night or day. I’ve given clothes to those in need and made sure that they are served their favorite foods on their birthdays. I do everything I can to lift their spirits. I know they have lifted mine. Because they are all a part of my extended second family.
stronger together
patient intake Make yourself at home. Those are the words I live by—whether in my own home or at my Centers. As Admissions Director, I am often the first person to meet new patients and their families. It’s only natural, at first, that they feel anxious or even frightened. I’m here to reassure them. I listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and talk to them about their specific needs. I introduce them to the team—nurses, therapists, aides and others—who will care for and look after them. Together we craft a personalized plan, putting their mind at ease. Of course, we focus on their health, but their state of mind is just as important to us. It warms my heart to watch them relax and settle in—making themselves at home.
alexandra gauthier
admissions director bannister center oak hill center
danny prero
administrator williamsbridge center
coordination I’m a firm believer in working hard, working together, and paying it forward. That’s what I do at Williamsbridge Center. My mission is to guide my team toward a single goal and outcome—improving the lives of all patients who come through our doors. Patients like Maria. She had a stroke, took a fall, and was unable to walk. I immediately went to work, guiding, coaching and coordinating my team to ensure that Maria got world-class care. Doctors, nurses, therapists, dietitians, social workers—all of us working together, dedicated to making Maria’s life better. I inspire my team to achieve success, and they inspire me by their great work. Today, Maria is back home, happier and stronger than ever. Every day, we have another mission accomplished!
stronger together
Assessment When a patient is discharged from the hospital and transferred to Boro Park Center, I confer with the patient’s healthcare providers to begin the process of forming an individualized plan to speed recovery. Once implemented, the plan will continue to evolve, including input from every member of the Boro Park Center team. We are all part of a circle, joined by our respective expertise and focused on the center point: the patient. Every moment and every action, big and small, matters—whether it’s the hours of therapy we provide in the gym, the meals and activities we offer, or the simple act of bringing the patient a cold glass of water. We are, in short, here for them.
jason zimmerman, M.d. medical director boro park center
Tamira webster
lpn unit manager hammonton center
nursing As a nurse, I have the privilege of caring for others when they are the most vulnerable. I help them meet their greatest challenges and achieve some of their greatest triumphs. There is nothing better than helping someone to have a better life by improving their health. As a team, we work with people of all different backgrounds in different situations with different diagnoses. We adjust and adapt to every situation, always respecting the patient and their needs. Sometimes, it's the little things that make a difference—celebrating a birthday, organizing a secret Santa, or simply listening to their stories. Knowing that my care, touch, voice and time can help a patient is one of the most rewarding feelings.
stronger together
constant care For me, the C in CNA stands for caring, compassion, cooperation and communication—and I’m a natural at all of them. My mother and my sisters are in healthcare, and I’ve wanted to do the same ever since I was in high school. I’m fortunate to be able to care for people in need every day. As a CNA, I’m here to support the nursing staff and look after the needs of our patients and residents. I look forward to working with the Ontario Center team and interacting with the folks here for both short-term rehab and long-term care. But I don’t just pop into their rooms to check on them; I make my time with them special because they are special. I sing, dance, read and laugh with them— and I love every minute of it!
shanique jennings-moses certified nursing assistant ontario center
timothy d. scott sr.
food service director, executive chef northern manor
executive chef I grew up in a large family, and one of the most powerful ways we showed our love for each other was through food: sitting around the table, breaking bread, sharing a meal and our stories. That’s what I bring to the Northern Manor kitchen, dining room and its residents: food for love. I talk to all the residents to make sure our kitchen is stocked with the foods they enjoy. But, of course, I have to communicate with the entire team here to make sure that the meals I serve meet the dietary needs of each patient. All of us—therapists, nurses, kitchen staff—are working together to ensure that they are getting stronger by the day. I have to say, though, when a resident or patient tells me how great a meal is, it makes my day. It’s love!
stronger together
nutritionist I have a Master’s Degree in Nutrition, and I am passionate about making sure patients and residents enjoy a diet that is nutritious, attractive and flavorful. It is vital to their health. But my work at Schenectady Center comprises far more than creating menus. I work with the entire team—therapists, nurses and social workers—to create a comprehensive healthy lifestyle for each resident. Think of it as a menu for living well. And I’ve seen it work: a patient recovering from COVID-19; another from hip replacement surgery; and yet another from a stroke. They all came here—and they all went home stronger. Working together is clearly a recipe for success!
liz stevens
diet technician schenectady center
duane ellis jackson
physical therapy assistant wichita center
physical therapy When I chose my career, I had two priorities: being part of a cohesive team and having a positive impact on people’s lives. Working in physical therapy at Wichita Center allows me to do that every single day. When I start working with a patient, an individualized plan has already been designed by the Administrator, admissions and the medical staff. I’m here to implement it—get the patient moving. But if I have input, the nurses are always there to listen. We coordinate often, making daily adjustments to the patient’s rehab with a single goal: getting them stronger faster. There’s no better feeling in the world than to watch our patients get better. Together, we are making a difference in their lives.
stronger together
rehab When I wake up in the morning, I can’t wait to get to work. I know that I’m going to help someone take their first step toward recovery; or walk on their own for the first time in a month; or walk out our doors into the arms of their family. It’s so gratifying to provide the expert, individualized therapy that helps folks get back to their lives. It’s my passion—and my promise to them and to our community. We do more than heal our patients physically. We’re here to help them recover emotionally and spiritually, as well. We celebrate every step they take: every birthday, every milestone, every victory they achieve. A strong team—patients, family, staff and the community—lifts us all up. The sum is greater than the parts…because we are stronger together.
chris besson
director of rehabilitation washington center
megan allington-wright activities director corning center
recreation The patients who rehab here, the residents who live here and the staff that works here—they are all an inspiration to me. As Activities Director, my role is to engage and entertain everyone under our roof. I deal in smiles, laughter and joy. What a great job I have! I also recognize that activities are an essential part of improving the quality of life of all our patients and residents. The connection we share and the communication we maintain—at all levels of every department—are critical to the success of our mission: a successful, healthy outcome for those who come to Corning Center. As the saying goes: teamwork makes the dream work!
stronger together
CentersStrong.com Visit us to learn more, and enter to win a prize.
Did you know? The average therapy department at Centers Health Care has over 140 years of combined experience!