Chelsea Management Group
Welcome to Chelsea Senior Living!
With over thirty years of experience, we are a top provider of high-quality senior housing services in New Jersey and New York.
Over the years, our expert team of professionals has developed a solid track record of compassionate, competent care. From fiscal responsibility to creative ingenuity, the success of our communities speaks for itself.
Each member of our management team lives in the local region and plays a direct role in the operational efficacy of the entire Chelsea brand. Our company is neither publicly owned nor traded, ensuring that decisions remain in the hands of those who have built our residences, and our reputation. To learn more about the Chelsea Management Group, please feel free to contact us.
Meet Our Team
The principal members of Chelsea management have worked across a variety of senior care services. Their expertise spans the areas of development, marketing and management which is reflected in the quality of care that we provide to each of our residents.
In addition to our development, marketing and management functions, the team at Chelsea Senior Living is excited to offer creative and cost-effective solutions to residents in New York and New Jersey. A beacon of hope for those who struggle, our comprehensive variety of housing packages allows families to mitigate the economic impact of aging.
From affordable to upscale, we are committed to residential projects that create positive outcomes amidst changing market needs. Our ability to provide a comprehensive continuum of care in creative, realistic ways is critical to success and allows us to consistently maneuver the healthcare system as it evolves. From the introduction of new technology to the transformation of managed care, it is our strength as innovators that sets us apart from the competition.
Meet the Chelsea Management Group team:
Mr. Heflich has experience in all aspects of eldercare management during his over 50-year career as a nursing home owner-administrator and an assisted living residence developer, manager and owner. He was Vice President of Mega Care, Inc., a multi-institutional healthcare organization, where he was directly responsible for management and coordination of long-term care. Mr. Heflich was the founder of the New Jersey Post acute Network (NJPAN) and a principal in several nursing homes with sub acute units throughout New Jersey. He served as President of the New Jersey Assisted Living Association (NJALA). He is a former board member of the Alzheimer’s Association of New Jersey. Some special achievements include creation of the first supportive housing for developmentally disabled residents, first to computerize nursing home and assisted living functions; created the only assisted living with a behavioral unit in NJ. Mr. Heflich received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Queens College.
Ms. Schaffer is responsible for overall management of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and planning, systems management and internal control. Ms. Schaffer’s professional career encompasses nearly 30 years of experience in senior housing and healthcare, with her previous employment including Continental Health Affiliates where she was Director of Finance of their long term care division, and Touche Ross & Co., where she was a Senior Manager specializing in healthcare. Ms. Schaffer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Brooklyn College and is a certified public accountant.
Kelly joins Chelsea with 20 years of experience in senior housing. She has served in various capacities, in both operations and sales, and has spent the majority of her time as a senior sales leader supporting teams across the industry. She is born and raised in New Jersey and has helped to support markets in NJ, CT, NY, PA, VA, WV, NC and DE. Kelly and her husband are proud parents of a blended family with four children who all participate in a multitude of sports, loving and laughing with family, and getting in as much beach time as possible. She is honored to work in a position that can positively impact the lives of seniors and their families.
Ms. Merkel came to Chelsea after four years as a Senior Human Resources Partner at Advanced Health Media of Bridgewater, NJ. She gained early experience in assisted living working in the dining room at Leisure Park in Lakewood, NJ, during and after high school and as administrator at the former Marriott assisted living facility in Mountainside, NJ, now operated by Sunrise. As Director of Human Resources, Kathy oversees benefits, policies and work rules for all Chelsea and Mt. Bethel Village employees. She earned her BA from West Virginia University and her MA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Jason Kahn is the Director of Communications at Chelsea Senior Living. Since January 2021 he has been leading Chelsea’s company-wide communications, digital marketing, advertising, design, social media, branding, media relations, and photo and video efforts.
Before joining Chelsea, Jason was a television reporter for 10 years. At News 12 New Jersey he served in many capacities covering news and sports around the state. He also worked in similar roles in Florida and in New York City.
Prior to his current role, Jason was a communications specialist for a financial technology company where he led internal and external communication.
Jason received a Master of Science in Communication from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ms. Banta came to Chelsea Senior Living in March, 2014 with more than 40 years of diverse experience in healthcare and research settings. She provides nursing oversight to Chelsea communities in New York and New Jersey and is the clinical informatics specialist for the company. Ms. Banta has served on the New York State Department of Health Assisted Living Residence (ALR) workgroup. Currently, she is involved in several clinical practice committees with the Health Care Association of New Jersey, and the New York State Health Facilities Association. Ms. Banta holds an MA in Health Advocacy from Sarah Lawrence and a BSN from the College of Mount Saint Vincent.
Ms. Sullivan came to Chelsea in 2007 with many years of acute care, long term care and home care experience. She was Health Services Director at The Chelsea at East Brunswick for six years before being promoted to her current position. Ann is an RN with a BSN from Wagner College and is a Certified Assisted Living Nurse.
Before joining Chelsea as Regional Director of Health Services, Jan served with the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), most recently as the Administrative Manager of the Northern Regional Office of Community Choice Options (OCCO). Prior to that, Jan served as the Acting Field Office Manager, and then Field Office Manager at DHS. She also held the positions of Global Option Specialist and Community Choice Counselor.
Prior to her time with DHS, Jan served as Director of Health Services for The Chelsea at Fanwood, Nurse Coordinator for the Social Adult Day Program at Union Hospital, Wellness Services Coordinator and Wellness Registered Nurse for Sunrise Senior Living.
Jan is the recipient of the Fanwood Borough Volunteer of the Month for her work with the Fanwood Board of Health, the Union County Women of Excellence Award in Medicine and Health Care, and the Florence Alice Held Award for Excellence in Nursing. She is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator and has completed CMS training, leading to certification in completing annual surveys and complaint investigations in nursing centers.
Mr. Gedbaw oversees the day to day operations at a number of Chelsea communities. He comes with many years of experience starting in retail and growing into senior living where he has spent the past ten years. Paul has worked in many different capacities in the senior living industry. His latest role was as a District Manager for Emeritus/Brookdale Senior Living where he oversaw many communities in multiple states. Paul lives in Raritan, NJ, with his wife, Nancy.
When her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Ms. Scalzo gained a deep perspective into an area of life that she had not been previously exposed to. As she learned more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, she was motivated to change careers from radio and event planning to the senior care industry. She began her career in therapeutic recreation. Her leadership abilities and compassion helped elevate her through the ranks at Chelsea Senior Living, most recently as Executive Director of The Chelsea at Warren where she was privileged to work with a staff known for its longevity. A Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Ms. Scalzo has a strong mandate to ensure that our residents feel a sense of belonging, love and support. Her goal is to help each resident call the Chelsea their home, not merely a place to stay. It’s also important that her staff is valued and supported in the roles they play within the community.
Mr. Yaeger is a Chelsea success story, starting out as a summer intern where he demonstrated a keen interest in healthcare. Upon showing his passion for our work and leadership skills, he went directly from being an intern to training as an Executive Director. His most recent assignment before being promoted to Regional Director was as Executive Director of The Chelsea at Solana Marlboro. He earned his MBA at Monmouth University and is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA). Dedication and commitment are the best words to describe to Mr. Yaeger. No problem is too small or too big. He approaches management with patience and compassion.
Robert has over 30 years of experience working in the field of facilities management. His roles and responsibilities have varied including his most recent former position with facilities management in the New York City School Systems. Robert has a degree in Civil Engineering. Currently residing in Sea Girt, Robert is married and has two children. In his spare time, he is a personal trainer specializing in lifting and teaches self-defense classes.
Justin supports and builds all sales initiatives at Chelsea Senior Living including reinforcing, training, and managing the technical, strategic, and fundamental aspects of the process.
“A love to serve others” is the inspiration behind Justin’s work.
He has been working at Chelsea since he was a teenager starting at The Chelsea at Bald Eagle as dietary support. His passion for senior care grew and he was soon elevated to various positions throughout the community.
He led the sales and marketing efforts at Bald Eagle for several years and consistently filled occupancy. He became a mentor to many colleagues at Bald Eagle and at other Chelsea communities.
In addition to being a worship pastor at a local church in West Milford where he grew up, Justin spends his spare time with family and friends, singing, playing piano, and playing basketball.
