ORCHARD HEIGHTS - Key Persons
Alicia Hein joined Orchard Heights' nursing team in July of 2015. She spent her first two years at Orchard Heights working directly with our residents as a Personal Care Aide on Harmony Lane, our memory care unit. In 2017, Alicia earned her LPN license at Erie 1 Boces and became a charge nurse on our largest unit, Willow Lane. She spent three more years growing her skills and experience before being promoted to Assistant Director of Personal Care in 2021 as a result of her dedication to quality care and services for our residents. In July of 2023, Alicia Hein was promoted to Director of Personal Care and continues to provide exceptional care and leadership at Orchard Heights.
Erica joined Orchard Heights' team over 5 years ago with more than 17 years of experience in Healthcare Environmental Services. Erica grew up with a passion for cleaning and organization, helping her mother with a private cleaning business as a teenager. She began expanding this experience at a local facility in 2005 and was quickly promoted to a team lead position where she improved her skills and expertise over the next 8 years. Erica's commitment to a safe, clean and comfortable environment for our residents and families has made her a great fit for Orchard Heights.
Kathryn (Kate) McEvoy has a broad and strong professional background with nursing experience in a variety of settings. Kate worked as an LPN for 7 years at Lakeshore Hospital in Irving, where she provided care and services to patients in the sub-acute rehab, and skilled nursing facility. Kate began her career at Orchard Heights as a charge nurse on Chestnut in 2017 before she moved on in her career as a Wound Care nurse for Amedisys for several years. Kate has always stayed in touch as she developed her nursing skills and expanded her career, and we are excited to welcome her back as a valued member of the Nursing Management Team. Kate's goal is to help Orchard Heights take great care of our residents; so, you'll often find her out and about meeting with the nursing team, and communicating with residents and families.
Laura Weston has been a Registered Nurse for over 40 years. She joined Orchard Heights as RN Case Manager in August 2010, sharing her diverse nursing experience in various specialties including geriatrics, mental health and substance abuse recovery. Laura focuses on communicating closely with residents, families and staff to develop a care plan that considers each resident holistically, aiming to meet their physical, social, emotional and mental health needs. Laura plays a large part in assisting families with decision making as resident needs change throughout their lives at Orchard Heights.
Lee Watson has been a part of the Orchard Heights team for 23 years! She is a graduate of Ithaca College where she majored in Sociology and later continued her education at Medaille College where she earned her second Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Parks Management, with a specialty in Therapeutic Recreation. Lee dove right into the field, developing and managing recreation departments at several local facilities before she finally called Orchard Heights "home." Lee has spent over 2 decades providing opportunities and environment for the residents of Orchard Heights to stay active and engaged in the joys of everyday life.
Maria is originally from Berlin, Germany and moved to the United States in 2015. She has been a Chef for over 20 years and has had experience in both restaurants and health care facilities throughout her career. Maria joined the Orchard Heights team over two years ago and was promoted to Executive Chef in November 2021 because of her hard work, commitment, and talent. Maria now serves as Culinary Director and looks forward to continuing her resident-centered philosophy, ensuring great quality food and service.
Nicole has 15 years of experience working in healthcare and joined the Orchard Heights team over 6 years ago as a Resident Care Aide. She spent two years providing compassionate and dignified care to the residents of Orchard Heights. Her commitment and dedication to Orchard Heights' values made her the perfect choice for a promotion into Administration. She was promoted within in the organization from receptionist to Business Office Manager Assistant and was again promoted to Business Office Manager in April 2020. Nicole's goal is to help residents and their families easily navigate the admission and billing processes and monthly billing while assisting with the day-to-day operations the make Orchard Heights a smooth sailing ship.
Tami Jo Smith has been in the field of senior care for over 20 years. She has experience in every area of Assisted Living care as she worked in direct service positions in culinary, housekeeping, recreation, and nursing. When she finished her Bachelor's in Community Health and Human Services, Tami Jo moved on to positions in Case Management and Resident Wellness. She went on to complete her master's degree in Creativity and Change Leadership at Buffalo State College and served as Assistant Administrator for several years at a non-profit facility in Chautauqua County. Tami Jo joined the Orchard Heights team in October 2021 as Assistant Administrator and was promoted to Administrator in July 2023. She is excited to share her hands on experience and passion for person-centered care with the Hamister Group.
Tony joined Orchard Heights' team in 2018 on the culinary team. As he grew in the organization, he found an interest and a talent in our maintenance department where he served as a Maintenance Technician. With Tony's years of customer service and management experience, and his knowledge and dedication to the safety, comfort and well-being of our residents, Tony now serves as Maintenance Director.
Job Titles:
- Sales & Marketing Director
Tracy joined the Orchard Heights team in September of 2021 with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Tracy has her bachelor's in Marketing Management from Canisius College and has spent the better part of her career focusing on helping seniors find that right fit for their care needs. Tracy meets every new resident and their family members with patience, compassion, and expertise.
Trish has served as primary care physician for Orchard Heights' residents for over 6 years. Her extensive experience with Geriatric care brings great value to our community as she has the knowledge necessary to treat our residents' ever-changing needs. Trish collaborates with residents' speciality doctors, and our nursing management team to identify opportunities to improve our residents' health and quality of life and makes recommendations for treatment such as Physical or Occupational Therapy or medication changes.