Meet the Affinity Team

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. 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. In 2025, Denise was inducted into the McKnight's Women of Distinction Hall of Honor.

Margaret has 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 Master of Business Administration from Point Park University.

Candace has over 20 years of 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 care services. Prior to rejoining Affinity in 2021, she spent 13 years as the CEO/VP of Operations of multi-site organizations overseeing senior living communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Her experience includes serving as an Operations Consultant with a mid-Atlantic accounting and consulting firm and Project Manager with Quality Insights of Pennsylvania. She has experience as both a provider and consultant working in all business sectors.

Candace had previously served as Affinity’s VP of Operations from 2008-2014 and was a Nursing Consultant from 2004-2007. Candace is a Registered Nurse and Nursing Home Administrator licensed in both PA and MD. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Health Administration from The Pennsylvania State University. She holds certifications as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and Certified Nursing Director Long Term Care. She currently serves as CEO/President and Board Chair of the Pennsylvania Directors of Nursing Association (PADONA) and on the Board of Trustees for the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania.

Tammy began her long-term care career in 1998, and has worked in multiple roles in long-term care including Nursing Supervisor, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Director of Nursing. By blending her clinical experience and managerial roles, Tammy has become an expert in nursing department operations, 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.

Tammy has an advanced certification in Resident Assessment (RAC-CTA), is a Certified Long-Term Care Director of Nursing (CNDLTC), is QAPI Certified, Interact Certified, and has earned certification in Training in Infection Prevention in the Long-Term Care Setting from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). She is a member of PADONA and of Leading Age PA, and serves on the advisory committee for the Pennsylvania College of Technology nursing department. Tammy is also a member of the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN).

Garet began his career in long-term care in 2013. Prior to entering the healthcare industry, Garet worked in public accounting with both corporate financial statement preparation and tax accounting. After his public accounting experience, he 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 Financial Consultant with Affinity 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 degree in Business Workforce and Development from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. 

Teresa has more than 30 years of experience in nursing and long-term care. Teresa has extensive clinical reimbursement experience and has developed and directly supervised the case management process for 30 skilled nursing facilities. She previously worked for Affinity as a Clinical Consultant and as an RNAC on an interim basis. Teresa is a member of American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC) and Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators (PANAC). She serves as a board member of the America’s 911 Foundation, non -profit organization dedicated to supporting active military and first responders. Teresa earned her nursing credentials from Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital.

Brandon brings more than 16 years of progressive experience in healthcare operations and senior care executive leadership to Affinity. He has served in senior leadership roles including Regional Director of Operations, Director of Operational Intervention, Executive Director, Administrator, and Operations & Labor Management Consultant, supporting skilled nursing facilities across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Brandon has led large-scale operational turnarounds, workforce optimization initiatives, and strategic planning efforts focused on quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability.

Throughout his career, Brandon has consistently driven results through the application of lean methodologies, best practices, and data-driven analysis to improve census, reduce agency utilization, stabilize labor costs, and enhance clinical and operational performance. His leadership approach emphasizes accountability, staff development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable systems that align mission, quality, and financial outcomes.

Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from St. Vincent College and a Master of Public Administration from West Virginia University. He is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and a graduate of the American Health Care Association Future Leaders Program.

Jolene has more than 20 years of experience in business office management, administration, payroll, and accounts payable in a healthcare setting. As Business Office Manager, Jolene oversees all of Affinity’s administrative functions, ensuring operations run smoothly and that clients experience the highest level of efficiency and customer service.

Prior to joining Affinity, Jolene served as a Clinical Secretary in the Telemetry and ICU units for Indiana Regional Medical Center. She earned a degree in Medical Office Administration from Cambria Rowe Business College.

Cynthia (Cindy) Robinson has more than 20 years of experience in human resources. She most recently served as Director of Human Resources with Heritage Hospice in New Kensington, PA for 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 a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

During her 30-year health care career, Mary has served in various clinical and marketing roles including Administrator, Executive Director, Admissions Coordinator, Floor Nurse, and Regional Coordinator. She previously served as Affinity’s Marketing Director from 2013 to 2014. Mary’s education ranges from studying health related services at the university level to earning LPN and Personal Care Home Administrator licensure. She is also a 2018 graduate of Leadership Bedford County. 

Mary is a past recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Women Non-Profit Award. She is actively involved in her community and has served as board co-chair of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Greater Johnstown YWCA, and as president of the Rotary Club of Johnstown.

Leslie brings 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 to Affinity. 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 in Communications from St. Vincent College and an Master of Business Administration 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.

Dan brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and long-term care operations to his role at Affinity. He started his career as a residential program supervisor, and later became certified as a personal care home administrator. Additionally, Dan has experience as a social services director and business office manager in long-term care settings. As Affinity’s Compliance and Auditor Specialist, Dan supports client operations by evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of the organization's risk management, internal controls, and governance processes. He ensures accurate and timely Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) reporting in accordance with CMS requirements, and helps ensure the confidentiality and security of protected health information (PHI). Dan earned a bachelor's degree and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

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, Jack 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.

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

Nancy has 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 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.

Brenna brings more than 10 years of long-term care accounting and business office management experience to Affinity. She previously served as the Business Office Manager for Clarview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sligo, PA for 10 years.

Brenna is skilled in all aspects of long-term care billing and collections, Pennsylvania Medicaid, accounts payable and payroll management.

Denise has more than 30 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.

Carrie brings more than 15 years of experience in healthcare facility administration, customer service, medical billing and reimbursement to Affinity. She most recently served as Billing Office Manager for Mahoning Physical Therapy, where worked to achieve maximum reimbursement from insurance providers and conducted audits of billing processes. During her career, Carrie also served as a Personal Care Home Administrator for 14 years, where she oversaw admissions, human resources, regulatory compliance and patient care. Carrie earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Jean has more than 35 years of business office management experience. She served as Business Manager at Beacon Ridge in Indiana, PA, for five years. She worked for Golden Living in Pittsburgh for 16 years, including 14 years as Senior Business Office Consultant, where she oversaw functions of 20 regional living centers. Jean is well-versed in accounts payable, payroll and internal controls among numerous business functions, and provides leadership in training and orientation of new business office hires.

Karen began her career in healthcare more than 20 years ago 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. As Affinity's Accounts Receivable Specialist, 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.

Missy 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, Missy works to ensure accurate accounting systems and processes for entities managed by Affinity Health Services.

Michele has more than 20 years of clinical experience across long-term care, home care and post-acute care. In 1998, she began serving as an Assistant Director of Nursing, then as Director of Nursing. She later 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. Michele earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a certified Dementia Practitioner and Infection Preventionist.

Denise brings over 30 years of 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 RN credentials from Altoona School of Nursing.

Kay brings more than 20 years of nursing and leadership experience in long-term care, acute rehab, home health and hospice settings to her role at Affinity. 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. Kay holds a multi-state nursing license and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University.

Becky brings more than 22 years of experience in nursing and long-term care to her role at Affinity. She most recently served as a corporate Infection Preventionist for a not-for-profit community and as a corporate Clinical Excellence Nurse. Over the course of her healthcare career, she has held positions as a Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing, Director of Short-Term Rehab, Rehab Unit Manager, and RN Supervisor.

Becky is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and serves as a board member for her local chapter. She is certified in Long-Term Care Infection Prevention (LTC-IP®) by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., and is a certified nurse aide instructor and medication administration trainer for personal care. Becky earned her degree in Nursing from the Lancaster General College of Nursing.

Wendy brings more than 35 years of experience in skilled nursing and long-term care to her role at Affinity. She is passionate about caring for the elderly population, and has a personal goal to always provide the highest level of care and services, while ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Wendy has consistently worked her way up throughout her skilled nursing career. She has held positions as a Dietary Aide, CNA, LPN, RN, RNAC, ADON, DON and NHA. Her dual role as both a clinician and an operator allows her to navigate all aspects of skilled nursing care. 

During her time working at the corporate level, Wendy held positions as a Clinical Consultant and VP of Operations. She most recently served as the interim NHA for The Caring Place and as Director of Operations for LECOM Health. Wendy has successfully assisted multiple NHAs with the completion of their AIT Program. She earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Gannon University, and her NHA license from Penn State University. 

Andrew brings more than 20 years of experience in nursing and long-term care to Affinity. Over the course of his career he has served as an RNAC for multiple 120+ bed skilled facilities. In addition, he has held critical care, ER, and ICU nursing roles and served as a unit manager and Stat Medevac Flight RN. Andrew is experienced in the improvement of quality measures and patient satisfaction, RUG and CMI reimbursement, patient-driven payment models and nursing management and leadership. 
 
Andrew is also certified paramedic and is PICC certified. He earned his nursing credentials from PA College of Technology.

Yemi brings more than 20 years of experience in skilled nursing and long-term care leadership to Affinity. She has over 15 years of service as a director of nursing and assistant director of nursing for skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in eastern Pennsylvania.

Yemi is skilled in clinical policy development and operations and budget management. Her certifications include Basic Life Support (BLS), Certified Nursing Director Long Term Care (CNDLTC), and Wound Care Certification (WCC). She is also a Certified Infection Control Preventionist and Certified Nurse Aide Instructor.

Yemi earned a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Benin, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Fort Hays State University, and an associate’s degree in Nursing from Lehigh Carbon Community College. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree in Healthcare Management from Fort Hays State University.

Deb began her career in long-term care in 1994. She has 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. She has provided regulatory compliance services to personal care homes and skilled nursing facilities and provided Directed Inservice training 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).

Cheryl has more than 30 years of experience in nursing and long-term care. She has held roles as Director of Nursing, Nursing Home Administrator and Clinical Services Consultant, with several post-acute care organizations across multiple states. Cheryl advanced within the senior services organizations and held roles as Area Vice President and Regional Director of Operations. Her extensive knowledge of long term care facility management includes expertise in 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).

Tammy has more than 35 years of experience as a registered nurse, including more than 30 years in long-term care. She served as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator for 11 years, 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, Assistant Director of Nursing, 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. Tammy has in-depth knowledge of operations for Continuing Care Retirement Communities, and has been instrumental in helping long term care facilities obtain that status.