Our Senior Management Team

Lawrence G. Santilli

President and Chief Executive Officer

The Athena team is led by founding partner, President, and C.E.O., Lawrence G. Santilli. He believed in the overriding principle of “Protecting the Quality of Life,” while maintaining a business model of steady, deliberate growth. Those principles have held true since its founding in 1984 as Athena now operates a growing network of nearly 50 skilled nursing centers, assisted and senior living solutions, outpatient therapy services, as well as home care, hospice, and private duty care options spanning three states.

Mr. Santilli is also a registered lobbyist with the state of Connecticut and is widely respected for his financial expertise having extensive experience in the healthcare industry. His experience is often called upon to educate legislators on various long-term care and senior health issues. Additionally, he serves as President of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities and is a Board Member of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association.

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 is creative and informed, and their expertise is varied including day-to-day operations, financial management, regulatory compliance, clinical care, public relations, marketing, and much more.

Michael E. Mosier

Chief Financial Officer

As Athena’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Mosier oversees the overall financial footprint of Athena and its affiliates. Mr. Mosier joined the Athena network in 1988 and has been a leader in its expansion from a manager of several skilled nursing homes to one of New England’s largest manager of skilled nursing centers, assisted and senior living communities, as well as home health and hospice service providers.

Mr. Mosier is a specialist in Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party reimbursement. He is a recognized expert in health care budgeting, acquisitions, financing, financial analysis, as well as developing financial and computerized reporting systems.  He is widely respected for his financial expertise, having more than 35 years of experience in the health care industry.

Priscilla Senra

Chief Strategy Officer

Priscilla joined the Athena Health Care Systems family in 2020 as the Managing Director of the Ambassador Program & Procurement Specialist, which she still oversees.

As Athena’s Chief Strategy Officer, Priscilla is responsible for working closely with the C.E.O. to improve current business operations and revise them to achieve the company’s long-term vision. These duties include participating in meetings with the C.E.O., board members and other executive officers, establishing creative business ideas, and reviewing data to monitor progress of business initiatives. Priscilla brings a wide range of experience to her role.

Priscilla was the guiding force behind Athena’s Ambassador Program, which she launched in 2020 during the height of COVID-19. It is designed to help ensure residents’ needs are not just met but exceeded while living within our centers. Additionally, Priscilla helped Athena navigate the unchartered waters of overseas direct procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from vendors in China and beyond during the global pandemic. She also provides various consulting on facility renovations and remodeling projects.

Stu Rosenberg, MBA

Chief Administrative Officer

Stu joined Athena in February 2023 as a consultant to the senior management team. In June, he was named Chief Administrative Officer where he participates in strategic planning, collaborates with the management team to implement policies and procedures, strategizes to grow the organization, and oversees administrative operations.

Before joining the company, he spent more than 35 years in healthcare management in various executive management roles within Saint Francis and Trinity Health of New England System. He had served as President of Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. He also served as the Vice President of Operations for Mercy Medical Center for two years until June 2021. Stu has also held roles as the Director of Human Resources at Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center and Senior Vice President and COO at Bristol Hospital, among other senior executive management positions. In 2023, he received the Saint Frances Hospital and Trinity Health of New England Spirit Award.

Judy Hyland, MSW, LCSW

Director of Social Services Administration / Corporate Compliance Officer

As one of Athena’s original directors, Judy is part of Athena’s senior leadership team and serves in a dual role. As the Director of Social Service Administration, Judy oversees the day-to-day operations of the social work teams in the centers, including compliance with state and federal guidelines, training, and regulations, as well as addressing customer service matters throughout the network. Judy has extensive experience in senior care development and management in long-term care centers, dementia care units, and assisted and independent living communities. Judy holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Judy is also Athena’s Corporate Compliance Officer, overseeing the training and implementation of the company-wide corporate compliance program. The corporate compliance program includes reporting from families, residents, and staff throughout the network, as well as vendors and adheres to state and federal regulations governing health care organizations that receive federal state monies.

Megan Wanczyk, LPN

Director of Admissions and Business Development

Megan began her healthcare career in assisted living before transitioning to admissions at a skilled nursing center, while obtaining an LPN certification. Upon receiving her LPN certification, she transitioned into pediatrics running a multi-provider practice before returning to the skilled nursing industry as the Director of Admissions at MeadowBrook of Granby in Connecticut in 2016. In February 2018, she became Director of Admissions for Athena’s Connecticut region and, in July 2020, added Athena’s Massachusetts and Rhode Island centers to her portfolio. Megan serves on the professional advisory board for the LPN program at Lincoln Technical Institute.

Elizabeth Perugini

Director of Billing and Collections

Liz joined Athena in 2006 as the Business Office Manager at Valerie Manor in Torrington, Connecticut. In 2009, Liz was promoted to a regional Accounts Receivables position, overseeing some Connecticut facilities. In 2015, she became the Senior Regional Accounts Receivables, servicing our centers in the state. Due to her successes in the role, she moved into the Assistant to the Director of Finance role for Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts in 2018. As the Director of Billings and Collections, Liz oversees the accounts receivables for all Athena facilities as well as provides leadership and education to all finance teams. Liz has decades-long experience in skilled nursing facility billing and is an active board member of the Association for Long Term Care Financial Managers. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University.

Savannah Ragali, MBA

Director of Marketing and Communications

Savannah has been with Athena Health Care Systems since 2020. She began her career with us at Athena Home Health & Hospice where she was a Marketing & Business Development Liaison in Connecticut. In this role, she worked at many of our Athena centers to market our continuum of care. In November 2022, she became the Director of Marketing & Communications. Savannah received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Photography as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, both from Southern Connecticut State University.

Tracy Reynolds, OTR/L

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Tracy’s tenure with Athena goes back to 2013 when she joined Cherry Brook Health Care Center as their Rehab Director, which was followed in 2017 by a move to Litchfield Woods Health Care Center. In 2019, she was promoted to her current role as Director of Rehabilitation for Connecticut’s managed centers. Tracy, who is experienced in directing and developing rehab programs in skilled nursing centers and outpatient clinics, has been a licensed Occupational Therapist since 1993.

Marybeth Hauser

Director of Payroll

Marybeth has been a part of the Athena team since 1986. Starting out in various roles within the finance department, she was consistently promoted within the department over the years and currently serves as the Director of Payroll for the entire network. She is the leader of a department that is responsible for processing the payroll of thousands of employees throughout Athena’s centers and affiliates.

Carrie Riposo

Regional Director of Sales and Marketing – Home Health & Hospice

Carrie has been with Athena Health Care Systems since 2013. She began her career at Athena Hospice Services where she was a volunteer coordinator. She quickly climbed the ladder of success and became a liaison two months after she started. Within a year, Carrie became a Director of Sales and Marketing. She currently serves as the Regional Director of Sales and Marketing where she creates an everlasting customer experience through excellent care, compassion, and support. Carrie graduated with a double major in Political Science and Biology from Arizona State University.

Mary Barclay

Director of Risk Management

As Director of Risk Management for Athena and its affiliates, Mary works with managers and staff to identify and address areas that may expose them to potential risks, such as accidents, insurance claims, or lawsuits. Mary currently oversees Athena affiliates’ General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Employee Liability programs. Mary is a licensed insurance adjuster and has worked for various insurance providers since 2003 holding such roles as Senior Claims Analyst and Client Service Manager, before joining Athena in 2019.

Todd Panilaitis

Director of Technology and Security

Todd joined Athena in 2009 as a Field Technician and was promoted to I.T. Team Leader in 2013, then I.T. Manager for the state of Connecticut in 2016 where he stayed for the year. He rejoined the company in 2020 in the same role and moved into his current position in 2022. As Director of Technology and Security, Todd oversees all the technological operations across the Athena network. Prior to joining the company, he worked for AT&T for a decade.

Nathan Frisbie

Director of I.T. Networking

Nathan has been with Athena Health Care Systems since 2005. He started as an I.T. Support Technician and was promoted to Systems Administrator in 2014. From new security technology to protect the company, employees, and patients alike to helping integrate all buildings and new acquisitions to the corporate network, Nathan has been a major asset to the Athena team. He has expertise in a variety of software and systems programs and received his Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology from SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica, New York.

Maryann Thorpe

Director of Ambassador Program

Maryann brings 30 years of experience in the healthcare field. She has been with Athena for more than nine years, previously serving as the Marketing Coordinator, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, and Director of Customer Relations. As the day-to-day leader of Athena’s Ambassador Program, Maryann oversees the recruitment and retention of Athena’s Ambassadors who provide customer service and support in the centers. Maryann also provides legislative liaison between Athena and members of the Massachusetts legislature.

Connecticut Leadership Team

Jessie Browning

Director of Wellness Programming

Joining Athena in March 2021, Jessie brings many years of experience in education, health, and wellness to her newly established role within the Athena network. Athena centers don’t just care for illnesses and injuries, they treat the whole person. The primary goal of our Wellness Program lies in the theory of caring for the entire being – mind, body, and spirit and enhancing our residents’ lives. In addition to training center-level staff and managers on the Wellness Program, Jessie conducts training with our residents and teams on stress management techniques. Jessie received a master’s degree in Integrative Health and Healing, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education, as well as maintaining several professional-related certifications.

Jane Steele, RN

Director of Infection Prevention & Wound Care

Jane has over 25 years of experience in long-term care. She started her career with Athena in 2010 as the Wound Nurse for MeadowBrook of Granby in Connecticut. A year later, she was promoted to Director of Wound Care. In 2015, she became the Director of Infection Prevention and Wound Care. Currently, she oversees 46 Athena facilities and is responsible for the development and updating of infection prevention policies, training new staff, and coordinating IP programs.

Jane has been an independent infection prevention/wound care consultant for the Connecticut Department of Public Health and is a master facilitator for its skills fairs.

Urata Prevalla

Regional Dining Services Manager

Prior to joining the Athena network, Urata owned and managed a restaurant outside of Hartford. Urata then joined Athena in 2002 as the Food Service Director at Countryside Manor of Bristol in Connecticut until 2011 when she was promoted to Abbott Terrace Health Center in Waterbury, Connecticut. Urata brings 20 years of experience in the Nursing Homes and Restaurant/Hospitality industries to the role and holds degrees in Hospitality Management and Dietary Management Services.

Natalie Mihalchick, BS CTRD, CDP, CADDCT

Director of Therapeutic Recreation

Natalie joined Athena Health Care Systems as the Director of Therapeutic Recreation in September 2021 and brings more than 35 years of experience to the role. She has a wealth of skills and knowledge within the profession having worked with a variety of populations, specializing in our geriatric population, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Natalie is an Adjunct Instructor at Gateway Community College and has taught therapeutic recreation certification classes for 22 years. Natalie oversees the activities happening at Athena centers that are designed to meet the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident. Most recently, Natalie became a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, CADDCT, and will be providing education and training to our centers relating to dementia care.

Christine McKinney, LNHA

Regional Director of Operations

Christine joined Athena Health Care Systems in 2013 beginning at MeadowBrook of Granby in Connecticut as Administrator. In 2015, she then went on to lead Evergreen Health Care Center in Stafford Springs. Christine said she manages with an “all hands on deck” philosophy, which has led her to have great successes as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Her background concentrates on going into challenging facilities and focuses on quality improvements for residents. In her role, she works closely with Connecticut Administrators to onboard and manage to ensure quality of care.

Anna Sumler, LPN

Regional Director of Admissions

Anna started working with Athena Health Care Systems in 2005 as a Nurse at Sheriden Woods Health Care Center in Bristol, Connecticut. After working at Sheriden Woods for a year, she relocated to Las Vegas. However, Anna returned to Connecticut in 2008 and returned to work at Sheriden Woods. Since her return, she held many roles including Charge Nurse, Supervisor, Infection Control Nurse, and Staff Development. In 2016, she joined the Admissions team at Sheriden Woods and, later that year, transferred to Countryside Manor of Bristol as their Admissions Director. In 2018, Anna was promoted to the Connecticut Clinical Nurse Liaison Team where she oversaw admissions at centers and helped in the referral process. In 2023, she was promoted to Regional Director of Admissions in Connecticut while still handling duties on the clinical liaison team. Anna treats all the residents and their families like her own family, and she attributes that to her successes.

Lina Dureza, RN, LNHA, MSM

Director of Clinical Services

Lina joined Athena at the start of 2023. In her role, she oversees the improvement of quality and compliance within the organization.

She comes with decades of experience in healthcare, previously holding titles of Administrator, Director of Nursing Services, Regional Director of Clinical Education, and more. Lina is an active member of the Board of Directors Connecticut American College of Health Care Administrators, National Survey and Regulatory Committee, Board of Senior Examiners National Quality Award, and National Assoc. Of Directors of Nursing Administration among other highly respected organizations. She has also received numerous awards throughout her healthcare profession including the Distinguished National Administrator Award, Eli Pick Leadership Award, Public Service Award, Northeast Region Nurse Administrator of the Year, and National Nursing Administrator of the Year. Lina holds a master’s degree in management and a bachelor’s in nursing, as well as numerous certifications including Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer and Certified Director of Nursing Administration.

Sandra Dinnall-Nevin, BA, BSN, RN, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA

Director of Clinical Reimbursement

Sandra has been contributing to the promotion of excellence in healthcare since 1994 through various roles merging business and healthcare. She joined Athena in April 2023 and has served as a medical practice manager, adult technical educator, and registered nurse in acute care and long-term skilled nursing caring for pediatric, adult, and elderly populations. In her role, she oversees the improvement of quality measures, MDS compliance, and clinical reimbursement with the organization. She brings a colorful background of experience in various industries from retail to banking, inpatient and outpatient direct nursing care to clinical and non-clinical management, as well as medical coding and data management for quality assessment and reporting, which she applies daily in promoting excellence in care.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University in Political Science – Public Administration and Business with a special interest in healthcare administration. Her nursing degree is from the University of Connecticut where she was also inducted into the International Honor Society of Nursing. Sandra has achieved advanced certification as a Resident Assessment Coordinator and bears the credentials of RAC-CT and RAC-CTA. Through experience, education, and certification, she has helped long-term care facilities provide resident-centered care, promote an environment of excellence, and achieve the CMS stars to prove it. Sandra is a recipient of the 2016 Hartford Regional Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing.

Massachusetts Leadership Team

Joseph Silva, LNHA

Regional Director of Operations – Mass./R.I.

Joe joined Athena Health Care Systems in October 2020 as Administrator of Southeast Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center in North Easton, Massachusetts. Due to successes in his role, Joe was promoted to Regional Administrative Director in August of 2022. He has a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Candy Novoa

Regional Director of Admissions

Candy joined Athena Health Care Systems in 2015 as the Director of Admissions at Parsons Hill Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Seven months in, she created a corporate training presentation for all Massachusetts Directors of Admissions. She was promoted to Clinical Liaison a few years in and, in 2021, was promoted to Regional Director of Admissions for the state. In this role, Candy creates training tools for all admissions departments. Prior to joining Athena, Candy worked at a law firm for ten years and has more than 20 years of experience with business clerical work.

Diamond Boone, M. Ed., CDP, CADDCT, ADC, CDSGF, CLC

Director of Therapeutic Recreation – Mass./R.I.
Diamond joined Athena Health Care Systems in 2021 after years of experience in the healthcare industry. Previously, she served as a program director at a rehabilitation facility and a mental health counselor at a medical center. As the Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Athena, Diamond uses her experience and practice to enhance and modernize the therapeutic recreation experience for residents within her region. Diamond received a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Higher Education, as well as a Bachelor’s in Psychology. With her certifications, she can train Athena employees in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, can facilitate dementia support groups, and is a Certified Life Coach as well as Activity Director.
Rhode Island Leadership Team

Sara Lindo

Regional Director of Admissions

Sara joined Athena Health Care Systems as the Director of Admissions at Oakland Grove Health Care Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island in January 2013. She has over 20 years of experience in assisting seniors find appropriate placements in senior living communities. In 2019, Sara was promoted and now serves as the Regional Admissions Director, overseeing the admissions and marketing operations in the five Rhode Island centers. Sara lives in Massachusetts with her two children, Amelia and Joey, and their dog, Freddie.

Kristy Borges, OTR/L

Regional Director of Rehabilitation

Kristy joined Athena Health Care Systems in 2016 as the Orchard View Manor Rehabilitation Director in East Providence, Rhode Island. In 2017, she was promoted to Regional Rehabilitation Director in Rhode Island to help with the Athena homes in Rhode Island. Kristy is a graduate of the Worcester State University Occupational Therapy program. Her previous experience is in acute rehabilitation and skilled rehabilitation as a Clinical Occupational Therapist.