Team
At Orchard Heights, we’ve put together a team of passionate healthcare professionals with years of experience. We are dedicated to the humanity, dignity and well-being of residents entrusted to our care, and our team acts more as a family than just coworkers.
Tami Jo Smith
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.
Kathryn (Kate) McEvoy
Kathryn (Kate) McEvoy has a broad and strong professional background with nursing experience in a variety of settings. Kate worked as an LPN for 7 years at Lakeshore Hospital in Irving, where she provided care and services to patients in the sub-acute rehab, and skilled nursing facility. Kate began her career at Orchard Heights as a charge nurse on Chestnut in 2017 before she moved on in her career as a Wound Care nurse for Amedisys for several years. Kate has always stayed in touch as she developed her nursing skills and expanded her career, and we are excited to welcome her back as a valued member of the Nursing Management Team. Kate’s goal is to help Orchard Heights take great care of our residents; so, you’ll often find her out and about meeting with the nursing team, and communicating with residents and families.
Nicole Brunn
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.
Tracy McGloin
Tracy joined the Orchard Heights team in September of 2021 with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Tracy has her bachelor’s in Marketing Management from Canisius College and has spent the better part of her career focusing on helping seniors find that right fit for their care needs. Tracy meets every new resident and their family members with patience, compassion, and expertise.
Maria Hahmann
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.
Leslie (Lee) Watson
Lee Watson has been a part of the Orchard Heights team for 23 years! She is a graduate of Ithaca College where she majored in Sociology and later continued her education at Medaille College where she earned her second Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Parks Management, with a specialty in Therapeutic Recreation. Lee dove right into the field, developing and managing recreation departments at several local facilities before she finally called Orchard Heights “home.” Lee has spent over 2 decades providing opportunities and environment for the residents of Orchard Heights to stay active and engaged in the joys of everyday life.
Erica Worley
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.
Tony Brunn
Tony joined Orchard Heights’ team in 2018 on the culinary team. As he grew in the organization, he found an interest and a talent in our maintenance department where he served as a Maintenance Technician. With Tony’s years of customer service and management experience, and his knowledge and dedication to the safety, comfort and well-being of our residents, Tony now serves as Maintenance Director.
Other Team
The 30 Year Club
Tracy Baun (LPN)
The 15 Year Club
Linda Edminster (Recreation Leader)
The 10 Year Club
Sheyna Matthews (Medication Technician)
Gabriella Patterson (LPN)
William Ross (Chef)
Karen Coulter (Resident Care Aide)
The 5 Year Club
Melissa Dabolt (Culinary Aide)
Teresa Addison (LPN)
Nancy Cantrell (LPN)
Maryrose Courtney (LPN)
Cara Golembiewski (Culinary Aide)
Mary Kowal (Resident Care Aide)
Brandon Kozlowski (Resident Care Aide)
Sheri White (Resident Care Aide)