MEET THE TOWN SQUARE JERSEY SHORE TEAM

Kevin’s guiding principle is the belief that everything we do and every decision we make is an opportunity to improve the life of another.

Following this belief, Kevin has been helping improve the lives of our senior population for over 25 years. He began his career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and soon realized he wanted to further his education and pursue a degree in Physical Therapy. Kevin proceeded to earn his master’s in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University and quickly returned to the senior care world. As a certified physical therapist, he delivered care in areas such as Cardiac Rehabilitation and Traumatic Brain Injury, spending the majority of his time working in homecare with the elderly population.

While in homecare, Kevin identified a need for supportive services that help aging individuals remain at home. This realization led naturally to the next chapter in his career: opening Senior Helpers Cherry Hill in 2007 and later Senior Helpers Ocean County, which he continues to own and operate today.

The opening of Town Square at the Jersey Shore and Town Square at Princeton represents yet another new chapter in Kevin’s accomplished career. His leadership at the center is guided by his belief in its mission, to pioneer services that help seniors lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Linda Panarella, our Director of Business Development and Care Specialist, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a PAC Certified Trainer, and a Memory Bridge graduate. She has 16 years’ experience specializing in senior care, first as an Activity Director in Assisted Living and then as
Director of Operations for Senior Helpers.

She is often a presenter in workshops for dementia care and other topics about aging. Her passion for supporting caregivers with education and resources arises from her journey through dementia with her mother.

Linda has also served as an active collaborator for the construction and development of New Jersey’s first Town Square locations—Town Square at the Jersey Shore, Town Square Princeton, and coming soon Town Square Marlton. She’s proud to be an important part in bringing this new vital resource to NJ’s senior population.

Kristen Heaney has been Center Director for Town Square at the Jersey Shore since February 2022. She was promoted in September 2022 to Regional Center Director for all of our NJ Town Square locations. Kristen has over 25 years of experience in the senior living industry, including long-term care, subacute rehab, and assisted living.

Kristen graduated from West Virginia University with a BS in recreation management and is a licensed nursing home administrator. After graduating, she worked for a few years as an activity director and a director of memory care before becoming an administrator.

Over the past 22 years, Kristen has worked for the Hackensack Meridian Health post-acute care division. While with Hackensack Meridian Health, she has been part of five new community development projects and has experience with executive leadership and operations.

Kristen is honored to be a part of the Town Square family and continues to be as excited each day as she was the first time she walked in the front doors into Glenner Park.

Jennie Cook Dattalo is beyond thrilled to start her new role as the Center Director at Town Square Adult Day Enrichment Center at the Jersey Shore. Before coming to Town Square, Jennie held various roles in the healthcare industry including dialysis technician, assisted living administrator, clinical liaison, and hospice liaison. Jennie stayed close to home completing her schooling at Rutgers University, Douglas College. She has since become certified as an assisted living administrator, emergency medical technician, and end of life doula. She loves helping individuals and their families navigate the senior healthcare industry and is overjoyed that she can assist now in the adult day setting. She has a strong desire to learn and grow in her career and is looking forward to expanding her experience and expertise in this new role. Jennie is married and has four beautiful children. In her down time she enjoys hot yoga, Zumba and traveling. She is an avid tennis player and loves to stay active.

Jennie steps into this role vacated by Kristen Heaney who is now Regional Center Director for all NJ Town Square Centers.

Jessica Cartnick, Enrollment/Marketing Manager, has over 18 years of experience in the healthcare industry. During this time, she has gained a vast amount of knowledge in various aspects of this field which positions her as a valuable resource to our members and their families.

Prior to her role with Town Square at the Jersey Shore, Jessica worked in subacute rehabilitation and long-term care, hospice, and assisted living. Jessica is passionate about memory care as she was the primary caregiver for her grandmother who had dementia.

She is enthusiastic about our model of care and loves to see all of the ways it benefits our members and their families on a daily basis.

Our Administrative Business Coordinator, Mary-Ann Landi, brings over 25 years of administrative and management experience to her position. She has a strong background in operations management. Her former roles include HR and payroll management for an in-home nursing care agency.

Mary-Ann earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Rutgers and holds an MBA in Management from FDU.