Meet the Staff at Orchard Heights

Tami Jo Smith has been in the field of senior care for over 20 years. She has experience in every area of Assisted Living care as she worked in direct service positions in culinary, housekeeping, recreation, and nursing. When she finished her Bachelor’s in Community Health and Human Services, Tami Jo moved on to positions in Case Management and Resident Wellness. She went on to complete her master’s degree in Creativity and Change Leadership at Buffalo State College and served as Assistant Administrator for several years at a non-profit facility in Chautauqua County. Tami Jo joined the Orchard Heights team in October 2021 as Assistant Administrator and was promoted to Administrator in July 2023. She is excited to share her hands on experience and passion for person-centered care with the Hamister Group.

Nicole has 15 years of experience working in healthcare and joined the Orchard Heights team over 6 years ago as a Resident Care Aide. She spent two years providing compassionate and dignified care to the residents of Orchard Heights.  Her commitment and dedication to Orchard Heights’ values made her the perfect choice for a promotion into Administration. She was promoted within in the organization from receptionist to Business Office Manager Assistant and was again promoted to Business Office Manager in April 2020. Nicole’s goal is to help residents and their families easily navigate the admission and billing processes and monthly billing while assisting with the day-to-day operations the make Orchard Heights a smooth sailing ship.

Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in social work and a deep passion for helping others to her case manager role. A graduate of Daemen College with a Master’s in Social Work, Jennifer became a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in 2021. She has a diverse background in direct care, having worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and in activities at long-term skilled nursing facilities. Her career also includes experience as a social worker in subacute inpatient occupational and physical therapy, as well as serving as a mental health counselor with a focus on substance use, trauma, and mental health. She looks forward to providing person-centered care and advocating for the well-being of every resident.

Maria is originally from Berlin, Germany and moved to the United States in 2015. She has been a Chef for over 20 years and has had experience in both restaurants and health care facilities throughout her career.  Maria joined the Orchard Heights team over two years ago and was promoted to Executive Chef in November 2021 because of her hard work, commitment, and talent. Maria now serves as Culinary Director and looks forward to continuing her resident-centered philosophy, ensuring great quality food and service.

Erica joined Orchard Heights’ team over 5 years ago with more than 17 years of experience in Healthcare Environmental Services. Erica grew up with a passion for cleaning and organization, helping her mother with a private cleaning business as a teenager. She began expanding this experience at a local facility in 2005 and was quickly promoted to a team lead position where she improved her skills and expertise over the next 8 years. Erica’s commitment to a safe, clean and comfortable environment for our residents and families has made her a great fit for Orchard Heights.