Meet the Management Team

CEO & President

Joanne C. Parsons, CEO & President

Joanne was the original Executive Director at Youville House, a sister residence in Cambridge, welcoming the very first residents in June of 1998.

Joanne 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. She earned her 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 several conferences on Youville’s approach to recognizing and nurturing employees. She and her husband have four children and four grandsons.

Joanne Scianna, COO

For over 18 years, Joanne has been actively involved with seniors and the elder care industry. Previously Executive Director of Youville Place in Lexington, she is now Chief Operating Officer for both the Lexington and Cambridge Youville residences.

Joanne received her Bachelor’s degree from Framingham State, and her Masters of Education 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 5^th ranked US Masters runner, and in 1988, qualified for the US Olympic trials in marathon running.

Director of Finance

John Cooney, Director of Finance

John has worked for over 18 years in the health care industry, in various positions at a number of Covenant Health System properties including Youville Hospital. He feels that the most appealing aspect of being a part of the senior management team at Youville, is the organization’s focus on values and philosophy, rather than solely on the bottom line.

John attended the University of Massachusetts in Boston, and Newbury College.

He and his wife Nancy have two children, 9 and 16. He is an avid runner and reader, and together with his wife, coaches his son’s baseball team.

Director of Marketing & Communications

Dinah Olanoff, Director of Marketing & Communications

Dinah brings expertise in technology and community outreach to her role as Director of Marketing & Communications. Her team supports marketing efforts for both Youville House in Cambridge and Youville Place in Lexington. Dinah has over eighteen years of experience working in graphic design and marketing communications with human service, non-profit organizations. She is excited about helping to reinforce the Youville reputation as an exceptional local resource for seniors. Dinah most enjoys providing solutions for families and residents who are seeking the right assisted living setting for their needs.

Dinah is a native of Philadelphia, who settled in New England after attending the University of Massachusetts. She has two children in middle school.

Marketing Coordinator

Claudia Wilson, Marketing Coordinator

Claudia brings a rich knowledge of Youville Place to her role as Marketing Coordinator, greeting guests and sharing the spirit and resources of Youville Place.  She especially enjoys working with families as they explore assisted living options.

Originally a native of California, Claudia received her degree from San Francisco State University in Sociology. As a Lexington resident, she has been involved with the local senior community for many years.  Claudia has a son in Arlington and a daughter in San Francisco.  With extended family on the west coast, she finds herself collecting more air miles than she ever thought possible.

Director of Mission & Pastoral Care

Anne Cody, Director of Mission & Pastoral Care

Anne helps to bring the spirit and mission of Youville to the resident community through special programs that focus on self awareness, managing stress, and sharing common experiences. She supports residents as they make the transition to their new community, and continues to be a resource as they experience the many challenges and joys of change.

Director of Wellness

Elizabeth McCarthy, RN, Director of Wellness

Elizabeth has served as Wellness Director at Youville Place for five years. She is a Certified Case Manager and a Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist. She received a BS in Nursing form Boston College. Elizabeth also holds a Master’s degree in Management from Lesley University and recently earned a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College.

She is presently enrolled in a Post Master’s Program for the Practice of Spirituality at Boston College. She is joined often by her five daughters on mission trips to visit abandoned, disabled children in Jamaica, along with her husband John.

Director of Resident Community Life

Rosemary Kelly, Director of Community Life

Rosemary is one of the newest members of our management team. She brings 20 years of experience in the convention and hospitality industry to her role as Director of Community Life. Rosemary received a Bachelor of Arts degree at Marquette University, Milwaukee, majoring in Journalism and History.

She has enjoyed being around seniors all of her life. Even as a young Girl Scout, she was involved in helping seniors manage tasks and errands. An avid sports fan, she loves to follow the local teams. Originally from Waltham, Rosemary enjoys trading stories about the area with residents and their families.

Director of Programs

Katie Blanchard, Director of Programs

I learned from my family at a young age that spending quality time with your loved ones is an important part of life: having tea with my grandmother, bird watching with my grandfather, or antiquing with my mom and aunt. I was delighted when I went to college and found there was a degree called Therapeutic Recreation. This would eventually lead me to Youville where I assist our Residents in staying active and independent.

Director of Facilities

Bob Salamanca, Director of Facilities

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. The initiatives have included composting and, most recently, a new co-generation system that supplies the building with hot water and electricity.  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.

Ron Sicotte, Director of Dining Services

My food service career began in the Navy. I was granted my last choice and began my career assigned to Submarine Service. I married my wife Marianna, my childhood sweetheart, while in the service. We have two sons. Once retired

from the military I attended Fanny Farmer’s Boston Cooking School. After working in food service for 10 years at The Carney Hospital in Dorchester, 10 years at Beth Israel Hospital, and 2 years at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, I came to Youville, where I plan to stay. The most fulfilling part of my career at Youville where I have had the opportunity to meet and enjoy serving a very knowledgeable and discriminating resident population, and to work alongside an exceptionally dedicated staff. It doesn’t get better than this!