942 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701

Staff Profiles

Meet the Management Team

Affinity Health Services will help you achieve your goals

Denise McQuown-Hatter, NHA – President and CEO

Denise has more than 30 years of long-term care experience including financial consulting, nursing home administration, and corporate operations. She has worked at both the facility and corporate levels for large, publicly-held corporations as well as small, private companies.

In 1996, Denise was instrumental in forming Affinity Health Services, Inc. She currently serves as the President and CEO and is responsible for the operational, clinical, regulatory, financial, and marketing functions of both our managed and consulting clients. She has also acted as the labor relations’ manager for key union negotiations.

Denise is a co-founder of the Indiana County Career Consortium and a board member of the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board.  She currently serves on the Healthcare Sector Ad Hoc Committee approved by the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board and is a board member for the AB Nursing Home Group.

Margaret Reichard, NHA – Executive Vice President of Operations

Margaret joins Affinity with more than 15 years of executive-level experience in skilled nursing facility and personal care operations and financial management. She provides day-to-day leadership and direction for Affinity’s managed and consulting clients, and oversees all operations, business development, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and fiscal performance.

Margaret most recently served as Regional Director of Operations for AOM Healthcare LLC, providing executive leadership and oversight for eight skilled nursing facilities in northeastern Ohio. She previously served as interim Nursing Home Administrator at the Communities at Indian Haven and as Regional Director of Operations for Prestige Healthcare Group in Pittsburgh.

In 2014, Margaret was promoted to the role of Regional Director of Operations with Reliant Senior Care after successfully completing a financial turnaround at Kade Health & Rehabilitation. Over the course of her career, Margaret has been a key driver in new home acquisitions and onboarding promoting company growth and financial viability. As an AHCA Bronze Award recipient, Margaret is a leader who exemplifies excellence in resident care and systems management.

Margaret is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Ohio and Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor of arts in Human Resources Management from Wheeling Jesuit University and a masters of business administration from Point Park University.

 

Candace McMullen – Executive Vice President of Consulting and Business Development

Candace oversees sales and marketing for Affinity Health Services as well as expansion of the consulting services line of business. She has experience in operations, consulting, clinical and regulatory management of continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), skilled nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living, independent living and home health.

She most recently served as VP of Operations for a non-profit organization and oversaw five CCRCs located in Pennsylvania and Maryland, caring for more than 2,000 residents with an annual operating budget in excess of $130M.

Candace’s degrees from Pennsylvania State University include a BS in Nursing and a Master of Health Administration. She holds certifications as a Registered Nurse, Nursing Home Administrator, Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and Certified Nursing Director Long Term Care.

She currently serves as Executive Director/Board Chair of the Pennsylvania Directors of Nursing Association and recently finished tenure as Secretary of the LeadingAge MD board.  She is also a member of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, American Nurses Association and National Association of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants. Candace had served as Affinity’s VP of Operations from 2008-2014 and was a Nursing Consultant from 2004-2007.

Garet Weston – Vice President of Operational Finance

Garet began his career in long-term care in 2013.  Prior to starting in the healthcare industry, Garet worked in public accounting with both corporate financial statement preparation and tax accounting. After his public accounting experience, he successfully served as the finance director at a skilled nursing facility becoming experienced in all aspects of the business and finance office including billing, financial statement preparation and analysis, resident trust, payroll, budgeting and variance reporting. Garet also became proficient in PointClickCare.

Garet was promoted to a financial consultant position with Affinity Health Services in 2016. Garet provided client services in standalone personal care homes, skilled nursing facilities and continuing care retirement communities. Garet gained experience with all ownership types including non-profit, for-profit, hospital-based and government-owned facilities. Garet’s expertise includes knowledge and hands-on experience in multiple customized accounting and healthcare software packages, financial statement oversight and review, audit management, third-party billing and collections, reimbursement, internal auditing, and heading up Affinity’s training services for both managed and consulting clients.

Garet has a master’s in business workforce and development from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Garet is a certified swim coach and currently serves as a local high school head swim coach. Additionally, Garet is very active in Relay for Life, Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a volunteer football coach.

 

Tammy Coleman, RN, CNDLTC, RAC-CTA – Vice President of Clinical Reimbursement

Tammy began her healthcare career in long-term care in 2004 as an RN, a Nursing Supervisor, Assistant Director of Nursing and in 2009 evolved as a Director of Nursing for a skilled nursing facility. By blending her clinical experience and managerial roles, she has achieved expertise in nursing department operations such as budgets, staffing and human resources.  In addition, Tammy has experience with development and implementation of quality assurance initiatives focused on improving residents’ quality of care and life in a long term care environment and has achieved a Certificate of Training in Infection Prevention in the Long-Term Care Setting. Tammy is a member of PADONA and a member of Leading Age PA. She is also on the advisory committee for the Pennsylvania College of Technology nursing department.

In addition, Tammy is a member of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC).

 

Tammy Leister Director of Operations

Tammy has built a career on a varied nursing background. She has 34 years as a registered nurse, 30 years of experience in long-term care, 11 years as a licensed nursing home administrator, and five years as the Regional Vice President of Operations for a long-term care management company.

Tammy began her career as a nursing assistant at the former Somerset County Nursing Home and worked there as an RN supervisor, nurse aide trainer, ADON, Director of Nursing, and Nursing Home Administrator. She advanced within the company and became Regional Vice President of Operations, where she was responsible for the oversight of clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and financial functions of skilled nursing, personal care, and independent living facilities. She is well-versed in Continuing Care Retirement Communities and was instrumental in obtaining that status for facilities.

 

Sheryl Byerly – Director of Operations

Sheryl Byerly has more than 17 years of care facility experience and a wide range of responsibilities, such as Campus Director, Executive Director, Nursing Home Administrator, Personal Care Manager and Food Services Manager.

Sheryl works closely with the Affinity facility and corporate leadership to plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate the operations of the managed facilities. She will support the managed facility leadership through developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and best practices.

She was previously the Corporate Director of Operations / Assistant Vice President of Operations at Redstone Highlands Senior Living Communities in Western PA, where she was responsible for overseeing the operations of three communities. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Greensburg, PA facility.

The Greensburg resident has a BS degree in Dietetics from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and is licensed as a Personal Care Administrator through Penn State University and as a Nursing Home Administrator through the Commonwealth of PA.

 

Cynthia (Cindy) Robinson — Director of Human Resources

Cynthia (Cindy) Robinson, Director of Human Resources, is a human resources professional with approximately 20 years of experience.

She most recently served as Director of Human Resources with Heritage Hospice in New Kensington, PA, for the past seven years. Her varied skill set includes recruiting, employee relations and both designing and facilitating strategic projects. Cindy is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP).

She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Derry High School. She currently resides in Bradenville, Westmoreland County, PA.

 

Mary Colledge — Director of Marketing and Business Development

Mary Colledge is a licensed LPN and PCHA. During her 30-year health care career, she has served in various care home roles, including administrator, executive director, admissions coordinator, floor nurse, and regional coordinator. She previously served as Affinity’s Marketing Director from 2013 – 2014.

Mary’s education ranges from studying health related services at the university level to personal care home administrator training and LPN licensure. She is also a 2018 graduate of Leadership Bedford County. The Sidman native currently resides in Wells Tannery, PA.

Mary’s volunteer and community service includes her current status as board co-chair of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. She is a past recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Women Non-Profit Award and a board member of the Greater Johnstown YWCA, and president of the Rotary Club of Johnstown.

 

Leslie Orbin – Marketing and Communications Specialist

Leslie joins Affinity with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations, external and internal communications, corporate social responsibility and charitable giving strategy, and website and social media management. In her most recent position, she led all marketing and communications for a non-profit serving individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Leslie’s previous employers and consulting clients include Pfizer, Glaxo Smith Kline Consumer Healthcare, Columbia Gas, and 84 Lumber Company.

Leslie earned a bachelor of arts degree in Communications from St. Vincent College and a master of business administration degree from Waynesburg University. She earned certification in Corporate Citizenship and Social Responsibility from the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship. In the community, she has volunteered as Marketing Chair of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Washington County and as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Washington County.

 

Jack Nelson Director of Financial Planning and Project Management

With more than 30 years of experience as a finance professional in healthcare, Jack brings valuable knowledge regarding budgeting, financial planning, and reimbursement to the Affinity team. In his previous roles, he has served as the Vice President of Finance and Director of Financial Planning and Analysis in a community hospital setting, among other critical roles in healthcare finance.

As the Director of Financial Planning, he plays an important role in the overall financial management of Affinity, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning tasks. Jack holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Waynesburg University.

 

Daniel McCullough — Financial Consultant

Dan has nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare, more than half in long-term care. He began working as a residential program supervisor, where he held a Personal Care Home Administrator Certification. Additionally, he has served as a social services director and business office manager in long-term care facilities. Dan utilizes his diverse skills set to support the Affinity finance team by performing bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, and benchmarking compilation tasks.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and he is currently pursuing an MBA from his alma mater.

 

Julia Quashnock, NHA – Accounts Receivable Manager

Julia has more than 40 years of experience across the combined spectrum of business management and nursing home administration. She began her career as a business office manager and moved up to senior management positions, ranging from reimbursement specialist to regional business manager to senior director of financial consulting.

Along the way, Julia became a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Pennsylvania and has served in that capacity at five different facilities, including The Patriot, a Choice Community, in Somerset, PA. She is a DuBois resident and a Pennsylvania State University graduate with a degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Financial Services.

 

Nancy Rinehart — Senior Accountant

Nancy joins Affinity with more than 30 years of management and accounting experience, including office management, costing, accounting, manufacturing, and general operations. As Senior Accountant for Affinity, Nancy develops, implements, and oversees accounting and fiscal functions within the assigned facilities to ensure accurate, timely, and detailed accounting systems necessary for successful operations.

Nancy’s background includes extensive experience in accounting and operations management, including reviewing and improving operational procedures, systems, information flow, and business processes. She most recently served as VP Manufacturing and Administration for Quintech Electronics & Communications, Inc., where she led manufacturing operations, purchasing, information technology, human resources, and accounting. Prior to this, Nancy served as Quintech’s Controller, where she led strategic planning, implemented financial controls, and worked with IT to ensure data security.

 

Stephanie Rout – Senior Accountant

Stephanie brings more than 12 years of experience in accounting and financial management to her role at Affinity. As Senior Accountant, Stephanie develops, implements, and oversees activities relating to accounting and fiscal functions within the assigned facilities to ensure accurate, timely, and detailed accounting systems necessary for successful operations.

Stephanie most recently served as Senior Accountant for Indiana Regional Medical Center, where she maintained the general ledger system and facilitated the annual budgeting process. She also oversaw monthly closing processes and worked with accounts payable to ensure data integrity and the timely processing of invoices. Stephanie earned a bachelor of science degree in Accounting and a master of business administration degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

 

Denise Gooden — Billing Specialist

Denise has more than 20 years of long-term care experience as a billing specialist. Prior to her tenure in long-term care, Denise worked in a contracted billing environment, primarily with physician services. She is responsible for aging reviews, credit and collection processes, and training and maintaining statistical data for various reports, including cost reporting. She has also served as both a HIPAA Compliance Officer and Corporate Compliance Officer.

Denise consults in regulatory compliance and trains new billing personnel in Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, and other third-party billing.

 

Jean Fuehrer – Accounts Receivable Specialist

Jean has more than 35 years of business office management experience. She served as Business Manager at Beacon Ridge in Indiana, PA, for the past five years. She worked for Golden Living in Pittsburgh for 16 years, including 14 years as Senior Business Office Consultant in which she oversaw functions of 20 regional living centers.

She is well-versed in accounts payable, payroll and internal controls, among numerous business functions, and will provide leadership in training and orientation of new business office hires.

 

Karen Hartung — Accounts Receivable Specialist

Karen began her career in healthcare more than 20 years ago by serving as a practice administrator for a network of healthcare facilities in Pittsburgh. She has held both managerial and financial roles with several organizations, previously serving as Area Financial Analyst, Director of Business Office Services, and Office Manager.

She brings her diverse background in office management and financial support to the Affinity Health Services, Inc. team as our Accounts Receivable Specialist. In this role, Karen supervises billing staff and supports the development and maintenance of billing systems.

Karen earned her degree in Business Finance and Accounting from Westmoreland College.

 

Melissa Custer – Accounting Assistant

Melissa joins Affinity after serving as Business Accounting Manager for The Atrium personal care community in Johnstown, PA since 2019. In her previous role, she was responsible for accounts payable and receivable, payroll, new resident admissions, and human resources.

As Accounting Assistant, Melissa works to ensure accurate accounting systems and processes for entities managed by Affinity Health Services.

 

Deborah C. Alabran-Blair, RN, WCC, RAC-CT, CDP, PCHA — Clinical Consultant

Deb began her career in long-term care in 1994.  She has successfully served as a Clinical Consultant, Director of Nursing, Quality Assurance Director, Admissions and Marketing Director, Assistant Director of Nursing and Infection Control/Staff Development Coordinator, RNAC and Wound Care Nurse.  Deb has worked for several major nursing home corporations and has working knowledge and proven ability in developing, teaching, and implementing strategies to promote positive outcomes. As a clinical liaison, she developed a clinical assessment/admission screening tool that was effective in her combined role in marketing and referral development, having a positive impact on staff, resident and family satisfaction.

Her areas of expertise include nursing department operations such as budgets, staffing and human resources. Regulatory expertise includes providing regulatory compliance services to Personal Care Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities as well as providing Directed Inservice educator as approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Deb is an on-site trainer for the Department of Human Services Medication Administration course.   She is a member of the Association of Infection Control Practitioners (APIC) and is a Certified Wound Care Nurse (WCC).

 

Michele Conner, RN, BSN, RAC-CT – Clinical Consultant

Michele brings more than 20 years of experience across the spectrum in long-term care, home care and post-acute care. In 1998, she began serving as an Assistant Director of Nursing, then as a Director of Nursing.  Over the course of her skilled nursing positions, she also served as a Lead Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator (RNAC). With her vast experience with facility based management, Michele assumed the position for a for-profit provider as a Clinical Reimbursement Specialist/Clinical Service Specialist with oversight of multiple skilled nursing facilities and personal care homes in western Pennsylvania.

She has extensive hands-on experience in regulatory compliance and survey management, clinical programming, comprehensions, and analysis to develop interventions to reduce high risk areas to enhance quality outcomes, Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) processes with completion of assessments and reimbursement factors.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a certified Dementia Practitioner and Infection Preventionist.

 

Cheryl Metrick, RN, NHA, WCC, LNC — Clinical Consultant

Cheryl has accomplished an all-embracing knowledge of long term care over the past 30 years. Her significant experience includes operational understanding with leadership positions where she served in roles as a Director of Nursing, Nursing Home Administrator and Clinical Services Consultant with several post-acute care organizations across multiple states.

Cheryl evolved within the senior services organizations where she functioned as Area Vice President and achieve the role as Regional Director of Operations to bring an extensive knowledge of nursing department operations to compliment the overall long term care facility management in relation to clinical and regulatory compliance, employee development, staffing, quality management, risk assessment and budgeting. Cheryl is a member of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) and is a Certified Wound Care Nurse (WCC).

 

Denise Stayer, RN-BC, CCM, NHA, PCHA — Clinical and Operations Consultant

Denise brings over 30 years’ experience to her clinical and operations consultant role. She has extensive experience in nurse leadership and nursing home administration. Prior to joining Affinity, Denise worked as a corporate Director of Quality Assurance, providing oversight and assistance to the clinical and operations teams across four campuses. She also served as a consultant providing support with clinical and operations turnarounds. Additionally, she has assisted a number of nursing home and personal care home providers in interim leadership roles.

Denise is certified in Case Management and previously worked as an Intensive Case Manager in the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance Bureau. She is also board certified in Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing and holds additional certifications as an Infection Preventionist, Legal Nurse Consulting, and QAPI. She began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse before earning her Registered Nurse diploma from Altoona School of Nursing.

 

Kay Klotz, RN, BSN — Clinical Reimbursement

Kay joins Affinity bringing with her over 20 years of experience in the nursing field. Her nursing and supervisory experience extends within the long-term care industry, acute rehab, home health and hospice settings. Since 2007, Kay served in both RNAC/Lead RNAC roles. She has also provided interim RNAC support for nursing facilities in transition. She has extensive experience with the RAI process, MDS completion, admission screening, discharge planning, ADR Audits, UMR audits, insurance certifications/recertifications, and triple check and other compliance audits. Kay has working knowledge and vast experience of Medicare, Managed Care, Medicaid and third-party insurance payment systems.

Prior to her foray into the RNAC role, Kay served as a Clinical Liaison and Admissions Coordinator with HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Penn State University.