Meet Our Team at The Birches of Lehigh Valley

April is excited to be the Executive Director of The Birches of Lehigh Valley. With over 25 years in healthcare and 13 years as a nurse, she has dedicated a lifetime to the well-being of others, particularly in long-term care, assisted living, personal care, and dementia care settings.

April is known for her kind and empathetic approach, and strives to create a supportive, and comforting environments.

In her spare time, April enjoys spending time with her children, husband, and fur baby, Remy, who brings additional joy to her life.

awatson@thebirchesoflehighvalley.com

Carol began her nursing career serving in a variety of specialties, including mental health, memory care, and acute care. In 2014, she discovered her true passion in senior living, where she has since dedicated herself to supporting older adults and their families in meaningful and compassionate ways. Her commitment to excellence led her to earn a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration, strengthening her ability to lead with both clinical expertise and heart.

Outside of her professional life, Carol treasures time with her husband and children. Whether they’re enjoying family dinners, attending activities together, traveling, or simply spending a cozy evening at home with their pets, she values the moments that keep her grounded and connected. Carol brings that same sense of family, warmth, and dedication into the work she does every day.

Jillian has joined the team as the Marketing Director! She started her healthcare career as a social worker at a local skilled nursing facility in 2001 and has served the senior population ever since. She currently serves as the President of Lehigh Valley Aging in Place, a local non-profit, with the mission of helping seniors to live as independent and as safe as possible.

In her free time, Jillian loves to volunteer for a small dog rescue, spend time with her family, and run!

jberry@thebirchesoflehighvalley.com

Dave ran his own construction business for 27 years. After selling his business he moved into senior living as a maintenance director. For the last 10 years he has enjoyed working in senior living. In his free time Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Dave is an avid outdoorsman and can often be found in the woods hunting.

Dan started his culinary career as a dishwasher and prep cook on New Year’s Eve of 2001. He has  worked in a variety of restaurant settings from fine dining to short order cook. Dan graduated from Northampton Community College’s Culinary Arts program in February 2011. Dan’s creation have won awards for Lehigh Valley’s Best Breakfast, Easton’s Garlic Fest competition as well as their dangerous desserts competition, and Judges choice at Pearly Baker’s Annual Chili Cookoff.  Dan has worked in senior living for two years. He enjoys being able to provide the residents an enjoyable dining experience while showcasing delicious and nutritious meals. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, their daughter and their three fur babies (2 dogs Riley and Maya, and a cat named Oliver), reading, and watching movies.

Originally from New Jersey, Vanessa spent a long career in New York, working in hospitality. After moving to the Lehigh Valley, she made the move to senior living. She loves meeting families and helping seniors find the best option for their lives.

When she’s not working, Vanessa loves to garden, travel, and explore the Lehigh Valley along with her husband and labradoodle.

Amanda became interested in the healthcare field as a teenager while caring for her grandfather. Her healthcare journey began with a degree in medical assisting in 2014, and she has since received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in healthcare administration from Drexel University. Amanda brings management, accounting, and customer service experience with her into her new role and is thrilled to join The Birches of Lehigh Valley family.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exploring new places, and most of all creating memories with her husband and four children.

Cindy has been working in the senior healthcare industry for 30 years. She has worked in long-term care, assisted living and memory care settings.

Cindy has held many positions during her 30 year career but Resident Life Director is where her passion lies. She looks for ways to make the residents smile and laugh. Cindy loves to add “The Wow Factor” by dancing and wearing funny costumes; anything to create joy in the moment.

Cindy maintains several certifications including National Certified Activity Director with a specialty in Memory Care, Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Nursing Assistant.

When Cindy is not working, she is spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter “Veda”. Cindy and her husband, of 40 years, enjoy going to concerts together. She is also an advocate of animal rescues, noting that it is much better to adopt than it is to shop. Cindy and her family have rescued many dogs over the years.