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Our Director of Social Work: Christin Martinez

This week as part of our Getting to Know You series, we introduce you to our Director of Social Work, Christin Martinez.

1. Tell us a bit about your background and where you received your education. I was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States when I was 10 years old. I grew  up in the Bronx with my parents and siblings. I went to Mercy College and graduated with a BA in psychology.

2. Have you always worked in healthcare? If not, what prompted you to make the change? I started my professional career at VNSNY as a Social Work Assistant doing field work for a crisis intervation program. A few years later, I decided that I wanted to work with elderly

3. Why did you choose to work in the rehabilitation and nursing home field? I have six years of experience working in nursing home/rehab facilities. I greatly enjoy my work! I’m excited and blessed to continue to work with this beautiful population.

4. What do you like about best about working in the healthcare field? I was raised by my 95 year old grandmother old and I wanted to be an advocate for the elderly. I feel accomplished when I arrange services for my residents or when I educated them about services in the community.

5.Tell us one Fun Fact about you. I feel proud to be able to assist both English speaking populations as well as Spanish speaking.

Director of Client Services: Tiffany Jenkins

This month as part of our Getting-to-Know-You series, we introduce you to Tiffany Jenkins, our Director of Client Services. One of our primary goals at Adira is to provide personalized, top-shelf service for our patients and their families and we are so excited that Tiffany has taken on this exciting “concierge” based role.

  1.  Tell us a bit about your background and experience.  I am a multifaceted individual with an ambitious attitude who has over 15 years of diverse healthcare experience in leadership positions. Each position; from direct patient contact to medical billing and collections, to insurance verification and claims processing to coordinating and executing single payer agreements to obtaining authorizations for in office and ambulatory surgery procedures to marketing initiatives or maintaining client contracts and relations has providede with the knowledge and skill to expand my career. It’s essential to continuously reinvent both yourself and your organization to evolve and transform with the every changing healthcare landscape.
  2. You recently made the switch from marketing for Adira into Client Services, what are you enjoying most about your new role?     The variability of my job gets me up in the morning. The diversity of the work that I do ensures no day is like any other. My focus is always on bettering the community. I work in an environment where I have the ability to use my authentic characteristics of being intuitive, empathetic, compassionate, and supportive to positively impact our patients, residents and team.
  3. What do you like about best about working in the healthcare field?    I am passionate about helping others. Working in healthcare affords me the opportunity to do so. Even though I’m not directly treating patients, I’m still in a position to make decisions that will positively impact their experience. This industry is filled with challenges. By solving each individual problem in whatever way your job allows, you experience sense of accomplishment and gratification. Teamwork is also a big part of the job. You experience great job satisfaction knowing the team shares the same vision and dedication to the mission and is working towards a meaningful joint goal.
  4. Tell us one Fun Fact about you.  I am a Pisces. I love being in or surrounded by water, preferably tropical water.  Like water, I am fluid and adaptable.

So, if you’re in the building be sure to keep an eye out for Tiffany and her mega-watt smile!

Director or Respiratory Therapy: Jean Labidou, RRT/NPS

This week as part of our Getting-to-Know-You series, we would like to introduce you to Jean Labidou, RRT/NPS, Adira’s Director of Respiratory Therapy. Jean is the lead clinician on our critically acclaimed Vent Unit and he brings three decades of healthcare experience with him.
Prior to joining this facility three years ago, Jean worked as the Assistant Director of Respiratory Care at St. John’s Hospital and has experience with all across the spectrum, from infants to the elderly. He then moved on to become the Assistant Director of Respiratory Care at this facility when it was called Michel Molotz. However, once the new owners took over, and it became Adira at Riverside, Jean was promoted to Director of Respiratory Care.
Many changes have taken place since the new owners took over in 2016, not the least of which is the 5 Star status from CMS.GOV. When I asked Jean what improvements he’s noticed first hand, he said, “There’s been more volume, more residents with ventilators and those using non-invasive ventilation. We also are much better equipped. The supplies are very accessible now. We get everything we need for patient care.”
Jean went on to say, “The care that respiratory therapy provides here is second to none. I would also say that we have a lot of professionals working here. Clinically we are all astute and there’s a lot of experience here…a tremendous amount of experience.”
When asked what he enjoys best about working at Adira, he responded, “I enjoy relating to the residents and the family members and staff members of course.”
As for why he has chosen to work in senior care….” Well, we’re all going that way!”
When you come to Adira, be sure to come by and say hello to Jean.

 

#TEAMADIRA is Walking for T1D Cure

We are so excited to announce that both of our facilities, Sprain Brook Manor and Adira at Riverside, will be participating in the JDRF One Walk to end Type 1 Diabetes at the Yonkers Raceway on October 21st. While this illness is referred to as Juvenile Diabetes, it affects millions of children and adults around the world. Right now, there is no cure but the JDRF is working tirelessly to change that.
 In addition to being Gold Sponsors for the walk, the teams from Sprain and Adira are hoping to raise at least $1000 per team. We have a friendly competition going with #TEAMSPRAIN to see which facility can fundraise the most. So far Adira has  raised $150 but we are hoping to not only meet but beat our goal of $1000.  If you’d like to help our team beat the fundraising goal you can DONATE to #TEAMADIRA HERE

Director of Rehabilitation: Phillip Rallis

In this week’s installment of our Getting to Know You Series, we would like you to meet our Director of Rehabilitation, Phillip Rallis.

 Phillip received his B.S. in Occupational Therapy in 2001 from CUNY York College. He went on to work in several different settings, including ten years with V.N.S. Phil came here four years ago, when it was still Michael Malotz, so he’s seen a lot of changes, including the leap to making Adira at Riverside a 5 Star rated facility.

 Getting new equipment and the right supplies is no longer a struggle, thanks to the new ownership and management. He sees firsthand that patient care is the top priority.  “They’ve gone above and beyond what I expected. Eric, our administrator, is much more involved and he has a pulse of the whole facility…They (Malotz) had 2.5 stars and now we (Adira) have 5 stars. They’re always striving to make it better.”

 As the Director of Rehab, Phil assures our facility is properly staffed and supplied so that our patients and residents receive the best care possible. He loves working with the seniors and hearing about their lives and where they come from. “If you take the time to talk to them, there’s so much there. You get a lot of good advice from them too because they’ve been through everything.”

 FUN FACT: After selling his two restaurant businesses in NYC, Phillip was uncertain what his next steps would be. His sister in law, who works as an occupational therapist, suggested he come to the hospital with her to check it out and from that day on, he was hooked.

Director of Maintenance: John Borelli

This week, as part of our Getting to Know You series, we would like you to meet our Director of Maintenance, John Borelli.

As a lifelong resident of Yonkers, John shares many common memories with our older residents. Whether it’s taking a moment to reminisce about a diner from days gone by or recalling the Yonkers of yesterday, John adds that extra personal touch to life at Adira.

Administrator Eric Fischbein and John Borelli during John’s birthday celebration at Adira.

1. I hear that you’ve been with the facility since the transition?

I came in 2001 when it was Michael Molotz. I just completed 20 years at St. John’s Hospital in the maintenance department. I was an electrician there and here, I’m no-frills general maintenance mechanic.

2. What changes have you seen since Adira took ownership?

I’ve seen actual improvements in the building. The new administration is trying to give the building a more appealing look. I see a change in the way the residents are cared for…a good change. Our administrator is incredible. Eric has literally tucked his tie in and rolled his sleeves up and worked side by side with me. I’ve never seen that before.  And a lot of recognition which not something I’m accustomed to. The change has been wonderful.

3. What do you like best about working with the senior community?

I get to take my years of experience and try to comfort people, keep them content in their environment. This is their home. I have a love of working here. I take great pride in it and it’s important to me to do a good job.

4. Happy Birthday! It was this week and it looks like there was a celebration.

Yes! I turned 61. I started at St. John’s in 1981. I never thought I’d last in this profession…but two years came and went…I’m in it over 37 years now. In the beginning, I didn’t feel any allegiance but now it’s the complete opposite. I’m very dedicated to what I do. In some small way, maybe I’m making somebody feel more comfortable….we become their extended family.

5. If you could choose three words or phrases to describe Adira, what would you choose?

Local Community: Because everybody pretty comes from this area.

Excellent therapy.

Companionship.

 

Local Yonkers Students Brighten the Halls of Adira

Thanks to our Director of Activities, Helen O’Brien, we have a rich activities program at Adira. She keeps our residents and patients engaged with a diverse array of options. Perhaps one of the most popular sessions, is when we bring in some volunteers to join the fun.

This week, a group of over twenty high school student volunteers from Yonkers Montessori Academy, came to Adira and engaged with our seniors. 

All of our volunteers are wonderful, and we are lucky to have many,  but the energetic vitality that these bright young people bring into our facility simply cannot be understated. Their smiles, laughter and vibrant spirits, elevated the moods of everyone at Adira, especially our seniors!

The students spilt into two groups and so they could work their magic throughout the facility. While one group played games, that even included a few sports programs, the other bunch decorated a Spring themed bulletin board and they continued the artistic fun with some painting.

Life in a nursing home can be isolating but community based volunteer programs like this one, help our residents remain engaged and connected to the world around them. Big thanks to the students from Yonkers Montessori Academy, we look forward to having you back again!

If you, or your students, would be interested in volunteering at Adira, please contact Helen O’Brien at 914-963-3333.

 

Rina Thaper: Director of Admissions

This week, as part of our Getting-to-Know-You series, we would like you to meet our Director of Admissions, Rina Thaper.

After a 15-year career on the administrative side of the beauty industry, Rina decided to alter her course and transition into a career in healthcare.  While it may seem like a big leap, that’s not necessarily true because there is beauty in taking care of, and caring for, other human beings.

“I wanted to change my career …I have a passion for the elderly and wanted to make them feel wanted and appreciated.”

Rina feels that her role at Adira has given her even more compassion for senior citizens, as well as, a new appreciation for life. She no longer takes the simple things for granted and it’s no wonder, because working in a rehab facility, one is surrounded by individuals who require help with simple day to day tasks. For some, it’s a temporary situation. For others, the requirement of consistent care has become their new reality.  Rina is one of the many people at Adira who work to make that transition as smooth as possible for the patient and the family.

Rina enjoys many aspects of working at Adira but the stand outs are; the diverse population of cultures, the kindness of the staff, the warm atmosphere, and the generosity of the owners. “The owners are kind, loving and caring. They go out of their way to accommodate residents needs, even if it comes out of their own pocket.”

The next time you’re at our facility, be sure to swing by the Admissions office and say hello to Rina.

 

 

 

Play Ball!

It may be snowing outside today but over the weekend we celebrated the official opening of major league baseball season. Our residents and patients love to watch a good ball game. As you can see from the pictures and video below, Eric, our administrator, is partial to games that include the New York Mets!

 

Televised sports programs, like MLB, can be a wonderful way to build friendships and be a part of community, especially while rehabilitating away from home.

All of us at Adira, look forward to cheering on our favorite teams over the coming months and providing our patients and residents with a fun, engaging community.

PLAY BALL!

March Employee of the Month: Dan Maloney

Each month at Adira, we select one of our hard working individuals to be recognized as Employee of the Month. We are lucky in that all of our staff is wonderful but we like to take the time to recognize those who go above and beyond.

This month we’ve selected Recreation Leader, Dan Maloney.

Dan has been working with our recreation department for eight months but has been working with seniors for over thirty years. His favorite activity is active games and he always carries activities in his trunk–we love a man who is prepared!

Helen O’Brien, the Director of Volunteer & Recreation services, said it best, ” Dan was chosen because, although he works part time, his presence is felt throughout the facility. He has a warm smile and a positive attitude that puts everyone at ease. Dan is a genuinely nice person, an exemplary employee and we are lucky to have him.”

Thank you, Dan for being a part of the Adira family!