Dedicated Team
Dedicated to Personalized Care and Connection
At Orchard Heights, our team is the heart of everything we do. Families trust us to provide compassionate senior care, personalized support, and peace of mind during one of life’s most important decisions. From nursing and wellness to dining, recreation, and daily support, every member of our team is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where residents feel valued, respected, and at home.
With years of experience serving seniors and their families, our staff works together to provide individualized care that promotes comfort, dignity, and independence. We understand that every resident has unique needs, and we are dedicated to delivering the attentive support and meaningful connections that help residents thrive.
Executive Director
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.
Admissions Director
Kashia Brosius
Director of Nursing
Brittany Cobern
Brittany Cobern brings over 10 years of nursing experience to her role as Director of Nursing at Orchard Heights, including five years of leadership as a Director of Nursing in assisted living. Known for her compassionate approach and strong clinical expertise, Brittany is dedicated to creating a safe, consistent, and supportive environment for both residents and staff.
She is committed to person-centered care, open communication, and building a confident nursing team that delivers exceptional service every day. Brittany is proud to support the Orchard Heights community and leads with high standards and a drive for excellence, ensuring every resident receives attentive, dignified, and individualized care.
Assistant Director of Nursing
Sarah Perrigo
Sarah Perrigo began her healthcare career in 2009 as a Certified Nursing Assistant before earning her LPN in 2011. Over the years, she has gained diverse clinical experience in dialysis, primary care, and mental health. While she values each of these roles, her true passion has always been senior living. Sarah brings a strong blend of hands-on clinical expertise and leadership experience, including earlier service on the Orchard Heights nursing team. As Assistant Director of Nursing, Sarah is dedicated to fostering clear communication, teamwork, and a supportive environment that empowers staff to deliver exceptional care and services to residents.
Business Office Manager
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.
Case Manager
Jennifer Reedy
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.
Culinary Director
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.
Recreation Director
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.
Housekeeping & Laundry Director
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.
Maintenance Director
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.
More Team Members
The Team That Makes Orchard Heights Feel Like Home
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)
Building Trust
Why Families Trust the Orchard Heights Team
The team at Orchard Heights is committed to building trusting relationships with residents and their families through compassionate care, open communication, and personalized support. Our experienced professionals take the time to understand each resident’s unique needs, preferences, and goals, ensuring they receive the right level of care and attention every day. Families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported by a dedicated team that prioritizes safety, comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Together, we create a warm, close-knit community where residents feel connected, engaged, and truly at home.
What Our Families Are Saying
“My mother gets excellent care here. They have a dedicated staff, excellent activities, and great nursing care.”
By Serena G
How We Can Help
Get to Know the Orchard Heights Community
We invite you to meet our team in person and experience the difference compassionate, personalized care can make. Schedule a tour to learn more about life at Orchard Heights and discover why families throughout Orchard Park and Western New York trust our community.
Kashia Brosius brings over 20 years of experience in senior living, along with a strong foundation in marketing, communication, and business administration. Holding a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communication and a master’s in business administration, she has served in key admissions roles across Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Sub-acute Rehabilitation settings. Kashia combines deep industry knowledge with a collaborative, compassionate approach, helping older adults and their families navigate care options with confidence and clarity.