Chelsea Management Group

Mr. Bernier is responsible for overseeing the operations management of the company’s assisted living residences. A Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, he has served as a consultant for various assisted living operations. Roger previously served as an Assisted Living Residence Executive Director for the company. Before joining Chelsea, he was the Director of Quality Improvement and the Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Inglemoor Care Center of Livingston in New Jersey. Mr. Bernier has 25 years of long term care directorship experience. He sits on the boards of the National Center for Assisted Living and the Health Care Association of New Jersey, and chairs various industry committees on the state and national levels. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Johnson & Wales University and his MBA from Monmouth 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.

Ms. Empirio is responsible for oversight and support of our communities, working closely with the executive directors, administrative team members and regional support of the designated communities to ensure high quality service delivery, excellent customer service and solid financial performance. Ms. Empirio came to Chelsea in 2007 from Sunrise Senior Living, where she spent nine years in various positions, most recently as the Area Manager of Operations for buildings in New Jersey. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the National Center of Assisted Living (NCAL) and is involved in several committees with the Health Care Association of New Jersey. Ms. Empirio received her Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health, with a focus on Gerontology and Nutrition, from William Paterson University.

With a strong emphasis on the delivery of superior customer service, Mr. Slavicek is responsible for sales and marketing initiatives for Chelsea Senior Living. A Certified Assisted Living Administrator and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Mr. Slavicek brings over twelve years of experience in the roles of Activity Director, Director of Sales & Marketing, Executive Director and Regional Director of Lifestyles & Business Development. Furthermore, Mr. Slavicek consults as an instructor for the New Jersey Assisted Living Administrators course. A former Special Education Teacher and current Performing Arts Director, Mr. Slavicek’s diverse background is an asset to our residents, staff and the overall development of Chelsea Senior Living. He is engrossed in his hometown community, where he was recently elected Mayor of Helmetta in January of 2016.

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.

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.

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.

Dawn oversees the clinical component of several communities in our portfolio and is responsible for the management and coordination of external clinical provider relationships. Dawn joined Chelsea Senior Living in 2011 and has been in the roles of Health Services Director and Executive Director. She encompasses a vast background of professional nursing experience, including but not limited to, management in the Assisted Living industry, hospice and palliative care, hospital and long term care. Dawn received her nursing degree from UMDNJ and her BSN from Felician University. She is a certified Assisted Living Nurse and Wound Care Specialist. Dawn resides in Edison, NJ, with her husband and two sons.