Those who know Vassar-Warner often remark on the unusual loyalty and high standards of our staff. The obvious pride they take in their performance is evident in the appearance of the residence, in the quality of care provided, and in the lengthy service records of many employees.
Irene Andujar, Executive Director
Irene joined Vassar-Warner Home in August 2007, bringing a strong management background in the Senior Health and Housing Industry, as well as non-profit experience. From Irene's first day, Vassar-Warner won her heart. What she says about Vassar-Warner — "I love the residents, the tradition and the history. It feels like home." (she is shown here presenting Employee of the Year 2007 award to cook Josh Lowery)
Jessie Sewell, Case Manager
Jessie is the newest member to the Vassar-Warner team. She has a BA in Community and Human Services, and a MPS in Humanistic Education. Jessie comes to Vassar-Warner Home with more than 25 years of experience helping families in need. Jessie began her career as an Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, then moved on to Counselor and Case Management responsibilities with Battered Women's Services, HudsonRiver Lodging and Dutchess County Child Protective Services. Most recently, Jessie has been fulfilling achallenging role as Case Management Supervisor for Dutchess County Child Protective Services. Jessie feels that helping families is very natural for her and enjoys making a difference in the lives of others.
Denise Johnson, Personal Care Supervisor
Denise is a Licensed Practical Nurse with nineteen years experience. She joined Vassar-Warner as an LPN in 1998 and was promoted to Supervisor in 2000.
What she likes best about VWH - "I love working with elderly people. I also love the closeness of the residents with the staff."
Kathy Porter, RN
Kathy came to Vassar-Warner Home with a strong nursing background and has been the Assisted Living Program RN for 5 years. Kathy has a passion for caring for the elderly. When she took care of her mom who had Alzheimer's Disease, she told her mom, "I will always be an advocate for the elderly". Kathy loves Vassar-Warner Home, "because we all work together like a family and provide that environment for our residents."
Barbara Minckler, Home Health Aide
Barbara has been a part of the Vassar-Warner family since 1975, beginning her career as a personal care aide in the "Home for Aged Men" before it merged with the current Home. Barbara was chosen as the first Employee of the Year when the program was implemented in 2000. Barbara's supervisor wrote, "Barbara is an excellent worker. She is kind to the residents and she is reliable. She is always willing to work extra hours when needed to ensure adequate coverage in the Home."
What she likes best about VWH - "I always wanted to help people and working at VWH is a perfect place because the residents are very important to me and this a very good Home for them. Vassar-Warner is almost like home except you do not have to cook or clean but you have a large family around you."
Cheryl Burnett, Office Manager
Cheryl began her career at Vassar-Warner in 1993, working first in the Dietary and Housekeeping Departments, and then moving to the Business Office in 1994. As the recipient of the 2002 Employee of the Year award, her co-workers wrote, "Cheryl goes out of way to help staff and residents, and she does it with respect and professionalism."
What she likes best about VWH - "Meeting new people and working with the elderly".
Carol Pennant, Dietary Supervisor
Carol has worked in the Dietary Department at VWH since 1986, and was promoted to her current position in 2003. Growing up in Jamaica, she learned to cook at the side of her grandmother. What she likes best - "The residents and staff alike. The atmosphere here is great!"
Carol was chosen as Employee of the Year in 2002. Some of the comments make by her fellow co-workers when nominating Carol were "She is always willing to help her fellow co-workers. She treats residents with respect at all times and allows them to maintain her dignity. She is a great cook!"
Josh Lowery, Cook
Josh has been with Vassar-Warner since 2004, and was chosen Vassar-Warner Employee of the Year in 2007 (see picture above).
Lori Allen, Dietary Assistant
Lori has worked in the Dietary Department at Vassar-Warner since 1985. Lori discovered a family connection to Vassar-Warner soon after staring her employment.
"I found out that years earlier my grandfather, who passed away when I was three, lived at the original "Home for Aged Men". Lori received the NYAHSA Employee of the Year award in 2007.
Lori was chosen as Employee of the Year in 2006. One of her co-workers wrote "Lori really enjoys doing her job and does it exceedingly well. She always treats resident with the greatest respect and dignity." What she likes best - "I look forward to coming to work every day because of my residents. When you are feeling down, they will cheer you up! I love my Vassar-Warner family."
Ron Close, Maintenance Supervisor
Ron has been a part of the Vassar-Warner family since 1979, beginning his career in maintenance in the former "Home for Aged Men". What he like best - "The atmosphere. It feels like you're going home - not to work". As the 2004 Employee of the Year, a co-worker wrote, "Ron doesn't just do his job - he listens to the residents' concerns and does his best to alleviate them. His relationship to the residents is that of a beloved family member."
Anna Minckler, Housekeeping/Laundry Supervisor
Anna started working in the Dietary Department in 1979, and was promoted to Supervisor of Housekeeping and Laundry in 1987.
Anna was chosen as the 2001 Employee of the Year. Her co-workers wrote, "Anna treats everyone with respect. She goes out of her way to help other departments when needed. The residents love her because she is such a fun and easy going person. She is very dedicated to Vassar-Warner and always has the residents' well-being in mind and heart."
What she likes best - "The residents and co-workers and the atmosphere of the Home".
Samantha Cerero, Activities Supervisor
Samantha joined Vassar-Warner in May, 2006. Prior to her arrival, she had worked with older adults in various residents and day programs for seven years.
