Senior Management

Joanne was the original Executive Director at Youville House, welcoming the very first residents in June of 1998. She has worked as part of the Youville family for her entire career, serving as Director of Volunteer Services and Therapeutic Recreation, and Director of Human Resources at Youville Hospital. Joanne earned a Bachelor degree in Human Service Management at the University of Massachusetts and has been certified as a Retired Housing Professional and Assisted Living Administrator. Joanne has published several articles and spoken at conferences on Youville’s approach to recognizing and nurturing employees. She and her husband have four children and four grandsons.

"I’m very proud of the Youville Assisted Living Residences."

Joanne has been actively involved with seniors and elder care for most of her career. Previously Executive Director of Youville Place in Lexington, she is now Chief Operating Officer for both the Lexington and Cambridge Youville residences. Joanne received a Bachelor's degree from Framingham State College, and a Master of Education degree at Boston University. She was recently appointed Chairman of the Board for Minuteman Senior Services in Lexington. A native of Massachusetts, Joanne has been a 5th ranked US Masters runner, and in 1988, qualified for the US Olympic trials in marathon running.

“We are very proud of our outstanding staff.”

John has worked for over eighteen years in health care finance. John graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business, and received a Finance Certificate from Newbury College. John and his wife Nancy have two children, 11 and 18. John is an avid runner and reader, and together with his wife, coaches his son’s baseball team.

“The appeal at Youville is the focus on values and mission, rather than solely on the bottom line.”

Dinah brings expertise in technology and community outreach to her role as Senior Director of Marketing & Communications. Her team supports marketing efforts, reaching out to both the Cambridge and Lexington communities. Dinah has over twenty years of experience working in marketing communications with human service and non-profit organizations. A native of Philadelphia, she settled in New England after attending the University of Massachusetts. She recently earned the Frank J. Manning Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Dinah has two children in middle school.

"I most enjoy providing solutions for families and residents seeking the right setting for their needs."

Bob Short has worked as a Senior Director of Mission Integration and as Director of Mission Effectiveness at area hospitals. He has a long history of providing leadership for mission development and pastoral care services. Bob also spent many years working as a lay missionary for the Maryknoll Society in Bolivia. He earned a Bachelor degree at Stonehill College and a Master of Arts at Notre Dame. Bob brings the spirit and mission of Youville to the resident community through special programs that focus on self awareness, managing stress, and sharing common experiences. He and his wife, have two daughters, and a son.

"The Youville Mission is at the heart of our work."

Katie is responsible for planning and presenting resident activities and programs. She and her staff learn of the interests of every resident, and offer programs and events to entertain, stimulate and challenge.

Katie earned her Bachelor degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Southern Maine. A Maine native, she can often be found fishing at the lake, or visiting with her family.

"It’s my goal to help all residents pursue their interests, be it art, music, history, or any other topic."

Ron’s food service career began in the Navy, where he spent 4 years as one of the cooks on a missile firing nuclear submarine. After leaving active service, he graduated from Fanny Farmer’s Boston Cooking School, and the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. Ron spent 30 years working in food service at the major Boston teaching hospitals before coming to Youville in 2000. He feels he has found a home among the “the most dedicated food service staff in the industry.”

“It doesn’t get better than this.”

Joan has been Wellness Director at Youville House for six years, following a career as a staff nurse at Youville Hospital. She has a degree in Business from Aquinas College and a nursing degree from Somerville Hospital School of Nursing. Joan leads a dedicated team of nurses and Resident Care Assistants. She and her husband have three grown children.

"Members of the Wellness staff distinguish themselves by their longevity as employees and their commitment to providing caring and supportive personal care services."

Ildiko has spent over six years at Youville House reaching out to the community, identifying ways Youville House can serve others, and bringing art, education, spirituality and cultural experiences to the residents. Ildiko also reaches out to new residents and supports them and their families through their transition to Youville House. Ildiko earned a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University and a Master of Education Degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Ildiko describes her greatest accomplishment as her two grown sons.

"It is a pleasure each time a new Resident tells me how much they are enjoying Youville."

Bruce Jordan has been Director of Environmental Services at Youville House for over six years. He has experience in the hospitality industry and in the housing industry. Through Bruce’s efforts, Youville House has been awarded the Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth for 2009 and 2010. Bruce and his wife, Mary, are natives of Maine and truly enjoy the great outdoors, as well as their kids and grandkids.

"I derive a great deal of satisfaction knowing that my team keeps Youville House attractive and comfortable for the residents."

Claudia enjoys her role of greeting guests and sharing the spirit and resources of Youville Place. She especially enjoys working with families as they explore assisted living options. A native of California, Claudia received a Bachelor degree in Sociology from San Francisco State University. A Lexington resident, Claudia has a son in Arlington, a daughter in San Francisco, and a grandson. She visits her west coast family often.

Bob Salamanca brings over eighteen years of experience in the housing industry to his role as Director of Environmental Services at Youville Place. During the four years he has been at Youville Place, Bob has implemented a number of green initiatives, many of which have resulted in industry recognition, including the 2010 Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change with Distinction Award. He is proud to be part of a great team of maintenance associates and housekeepers.

When he’s not finding new ways to improve the buildings or grounds at Youville Place, Bob can be found in a local spinning class, or at home with his wife Debra, their two daughters Marissa and Audra, and their Yorkie, Sophie.

"We are always ready and willing to respond to residents’ requests."

Joyce recently joined the team at Youville Place as the Director of Wellness. She is a graduate of Rivier College in Nashua N.H. with a degree in Nursing and Respiratory Therapy. Joyce has worked in health care most of her career in both acute care and long-term settings. Working with the elderly and in an assisted living community is her passion. She has two, loving, grown children.

“I look forward to working with the wonderful, dedicated team at Youville Place.”

Ginger is one of the newest members of the management team. She brings many years of experience working with families going through transitions to her role as Director of Resident Life. Originally from Massachusetts, Ginger has spent close to 20 years with service and non-profit organizations.

Ginger attended Fisher College here in Massachusetts and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond focusing on both administration and nonprofit management. One of Ginger’s greatest joys in life is her family. One of six children, with at last count, five nieces, three nephews, five great nieces and four great nephews. Family gatherings are fun, boisterous and loud.

"The Youville community has proven to be a warm and wonderful place to work."