Meet the Team - Willow Gardens Memory Care

Rita Mabli

PRESIDENT & CEO

Rita recognized early in her career that when it comes to healthcare, a one-size approach does not fit all. She undertook the challenge of transforming United Hebrew from its modest beginnings to a one-of-a-kind campus of senior services: United Hebrew Nursing and Rehabilitation, Willow Towers Assisted Living, Soundview Independent Living Apartments, AZOR Licensed Home Care Agency, Geriatric Case Management, a Certified Home Health Agency, and most recently, the construction of Willow Gardens, an assisted living residence for those with memory impairment; and Meadow Lane, an affordable housing complex with apartments for independent living.

Rita has made it her mission to inspire her staff to bring out the best in themselves and others. As a result, United Hebrew has one of the lowest staff turnover rates in New York State and is able to provide a consistency of care that is unparalleled. Creating a compassionate environment where people want to work in turn creates a nurturing environment where people want to live. She has made United Hebrew a valuable community resource for information and services on eldercare and aging.

Rita joined United Hebrew in 1976. She was named Chief Executive Officer in 1994, and in 2007, assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. She has received numerous awards for her work, including a Leadership Award of the American Jewish Congress, a Distinguished Leadership Award from the American College of Healthcare Administrators, The Brother Arthur A. Loftus Award for Outstanding Achievement from Iona College and the Westchester County Golden Harvest Jim Curran Leadership Award, which recognizes service and leadership in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Rita served as the first woman president of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, and was named by the group as both a Woman of Excellence and Corporate Professional of the Year. Rita serves as co-chair for the Westchester County Association’s Healthcare Advisory Board, and is a member and fellow of the American College of Health Care Administrators and a Licensed New York State Nursing Home Administrator. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Iona College.

Nora O’Brien

Executive Director, Willow Gardens Memory Care & Willow Towers Assisted Living

Nora O’Brien oversees Willow Gardens, Westchester’s first nonprofit assisted living residence devoted to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Nora also manages Willow Towers, United Hebrew’s award-winning assisted living residence. She received her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at New York University, holds a doctor of physical therapy degree from Dominican College, is a Certified Director of Assisted Living, and received the Dementia Care Partner Certification. She served as Director of Burke Rehabilitation at United Hebrew for nine years, and as a physical therapist at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital for over twenty years. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with senior populations. She relishes her current role, especially when she sees new residents engaged and having purpose because of the services and social life they experience at Willow Gardens. Nora is passionate about helping residents age in place and remain as independent as possible. Nora brings a perpetual smile and upbeat personality to her management roles at Willow Gardens and Willow Towers.

Grace Ferri

Chief Marketing Officer

Grace Ferri is often the first person people meet or speak with when they want to know more about United Hebrew of New Rochelle. As an ambassador for United Hebrew’s campus of comprehensive care, Grace provides essential information, tours, and one-on-one counseling to help families and their loved ones navigate the complex pathways of health care and identify the level of care that’s right for them. In addition, Grace oversees United Hebrew’s fundraising events and development plan for the campus. She was named the 2012 Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Development Officers. Grace has over 20 years of experience in healthcare and is passionate about helping others find all of the information and resources they need when making a decision about long-term care. Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Iona College.

David Mezzaucella

Director of Facilities

As director of facilities, David Mezzaucella is responsible for the maintenance of the building and grounds of Willow Gardens and Willow Towers. He inspects the facility, its systems, and all outdoor areas to ensure that Willow Gardens is a secure, comfortable, and inviting place to live and visit. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Iona College and has over 20 years of facilities management experience. David enjoys speaking with residents and says working at Willow Gardens is both professionally and personally rewarding.

Sallie Carlin

Director of Memory Care

As the director of Willow Gardens Memory Care, Sallie Carlin, works closely with our care staff to provide specialized training tailored for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Sallie demonstrates a compassionate demeanor with our residents and quickly earns their trust. She generates innovative programming to give residents a sense of purpose and supports their connection to the world around them. Sallie is a certified therapeutic recreation therapist with over 30 years of experience in caring for people with dementia. She was a board member of the Metropolitan New York Recreation and Park Society for twenty years. Sallie is a sought after resource in planning regional geriatric, dementia care and therapeutic recreation conferences. She hosts a monthly support group at Willow Gardens in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, which offers a safe space for families to receive practical advice, learn about community resources, and gain tips improve communication with individuals who have dementia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy from Lehman College, and earned a master’s of science degree in therapeutic recreation education from Lehman College.

Jahmal Guinyard

Executive Chef

Jahmal Guinyard is our executive chef at Willow Gardens. He oversees our culinary department, which is responsible for recipe and menu development as well meeting the unique dietary needs of seniors while maintaining resident satisfaction. Jahmal has been a valuable member on our campus since 2005. He progressed through an array of positions with increasing responsibility, including line cook, cook, and sous chef. He assumed his current role in 2017. Jahmal says he most enjoys providing excellent service and delicious food as part of the caring environment at Willow Gardens. He graduated from Naugatuck Valley Community College with a degree in Hospitality Food Service Management.

Marco Mejia

Operations Manager

Marco Mejia has been an employee of the United Hebrew of New Rochelle campus since 2015. He started as a security guard at United Hebrew’s skilled nursing home before moving to Willow Gardens when it opened in 2016. Marco demonstrated dedication and compassion in his work and was soon promoted to Lead Security Guard, then to his current position as operations manager in 2018. Marco is responsible for the management of the facility’s concierge and security services and supports the executive director in the day to day operations. Marco says when he was younger, he was unsure of his career path. Now, he has a clear vision for his future in eldercare because of his passion for caring for our residents with dementia. Marco has been a licensed security guard for over eight years.