About Us

Our History

Since its founding in 1984, Athena Health Care Systems has grown into New England’s largest for profit, privately owned long-term care management companies. Consistently ranked in the top 25 largest nursing home operators in the United States, Athena employs more than 9,400 employees throughout its continuum of care, touching the lives of tens of thousands of patients, residents and family members each year.

Farmington, Connecticut-based Athena was formed by a group of like-minded individuals with a diversified background in healthcare. This partnership began its management of one third party owned center, Valerie Manor in Torrington, CT. Over the next several years, multiple centers were constructed, under the guidance of the Athena team, while others were acquired.

Our Mission

To provide the highest quality of care and customer service to our residents and their families through the use of best practices, highly trained staff and innovative programs and services designed to meet their needs.

Athena was rated as one of the top 50 nursing home management companies in the nation by Provider magazine, June 2009 to 2016. Athena has been featured in several publications, including:

Inside Healthcare, Sep 2009,
“Healthcare Heroes”

Inside Healthcare, May 2011,
“Culture of Care“

Lawrence G. Santilli, President and Chief Executive Officer

The Athena partners, led by founding partner, President and C.E.O., Lawrence G. Santilli, believed in the overriding principle of “Protecting the Quality of Life,” while maintaining a business model of steady, deliberate growth. Nearly 35 years later, those principles hold true as Athena now operates a network of more than 40 skilled nursing and assisted living centers, and one active adult community, spanning three states.

Mr. Santilli leads a team of highly qualified professionals who bring a diverse background in management experience, covering all facets of health care and business management to the continuum. Their knowledge is deep, their approach creative and informed, and their expertise varied – including day-to-day operations, financial management, regulatory compliance, clinical care, public relations, marketing, and much more.

Athena and its affiliates are prepared to navigate the challenges of the ever-changing healthcare profession. We have a penchant for creative thinking, a history of strategies that work, and a proven track record of success.