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.

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.

Mr. Baeszler is responsible for Chelsea’s information systems and technology.  He possesses more than 30 years’ experience in long term healthcare information services, reimbursement and management. In his previous role as Director of Business Information for Hospicomm Inc of Philadelphia, he planned, organized and directed activities including the development, implementation, operation, analysis and support of integrated business information systems and related hardware, software, databases and applications.

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.

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.