President
Sharon Wolfe, ADC

• Work Address:
  Meadowview Nursing Home
  235 Dolphin Avenue
  Northfield, NJ 08225
• Contact Info:
  609.645.5955
  sharwme1*aol.com

Started in the profession after being a CNA in a nursing home and always helping with Activities and deciding that she really Loved working with the Alzheimer population. Attended Debbie Hommel's Basic Education class and Advanced Management. Went on to graduate from Ocean County College and was then able to become certified.

She has been a member of NJAPA for 10 years. Started out as the Awards Chairman, then became the Treasurer. She is a member of NAAP, NCCAP, SOJAD and is a Facilitator of an Alzheimer's support group for Atlantic County, and is a yearly Team Leader for the Annual Memory Walk supporting Alzheimer Research has attended the last two National Conventions in Gatlinberg, Tennessee and also in Scottsdale, Arizona representing the State along with the State Contact.

Currently is working for Meadowview Nursing Home in Atlantic County where she works with the Alzheimer Dementia residents.
Currently serving as the President of NJAPA

Vice President
Guylaine Mazure
ACC, ATR, CALA

• Work Address:
  Christian Health Care Center
  301 Sicomac Avenue
  Wyckoff, NJ 07481
• Contact Info:
  201.848.5828
  gmazure*chccnk.org

Guylaine has worked in the Therapeutic Activity profession for over10 years. She is currently employed at Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff as the Director of Partial Hospital Program and Southgate Behavior Management Unit. She has done consulting for various facilities and organizations related to dementia care, programming and environmental stimulation. Guylaine has also lectured at a variety of conferences throughout the United States on a variety of topics ranging from therapeutic activity to issues related to brain injuries.

Guylaine posses a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Art Therapy. Her current certifications include a Certified Activity Consultant through NCCAP, a Certified Assisted Living Administrator through the NJ Department of Health and is a Registered Art Therapist through American Art Therapy Association. She is a member of NAAP, NJCAC, and AATA.

Guylaine has been a member of the New Jersey Activity Professional Association since 1994. She became the Recording Secretary for NJAPA in 1998 and worked on the Professional Development committee as coordinator of vendors and exhibits form 2000-current. She currently serves the board as the Vice President.

Treasurer
Lynne Wilksman
ADC, CALA

• Work Address:
  Absecon Manor
  1020 Pitney Road
  Absecon, NJ 09201
• Contact Info:
  609.652.1609
  wilkes111*aol.com

I’ve been a member of N.J.A.P.A since 1990. I have coordinated the hospitality suite for our annual conventions for many of those years, and on the awards committee for the last 2 years. Presently holding the position on the board as the treasurer.

I am a member of NAPP, NCCAP and the Alzheimer’s assoc. Actively participating on the speaker bureau, support group facilitator and on the memory walk committee.

I am currently the activity director at Absecon Manor – managing, implementing programs for lt, rehab & our behavior unit for the past 15 years. I have worked on various committees such as nutrition, wound care, falls, etc. – also hold the title of the volunteer coordinator.

On a corporate level and have worked on “information management” committee and the facilitator of coordinating the quarterly meetings for the activity directors of all 9 of our facilities.

We are a training facility for Richard Stockton college – the gerontology students in need of completing 120 hour internship. I work closely with professor David Burdick organizing the internships providing the students with “hands on” experience as well as understanding theory.

Last however most important to me is having the opportunity to present vision, hearing & the creative arts for the 90 hr basic education for activity professionals under the direction of dh special services – Debbie Hommel.

Corresponding Secretary
Debra Christians, ADC

• Work Address:
  Southern Ocean County Hospital
  Transitional Care Unit
  1140 Route 72
  Manahawkin, NJ 08050
• Contact Info:
  609.978.8900 x4150
  debnwalt * verizon.net
  

Debra is currently the Activities Manager at Southern Ocean County Hospital's Transitional Care Unit. She has been an Activity Professional since 1986. She has experience in the following areas: Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Residential Care, Rehabilitation Recreation Care and Dementia care.

Debra is an Activity Director Certified by NCCAP. She is a member of NAAP. She has successfully completed her Basic and Management courses and continues to educate herself in both the Activity and Healthcare fields.

Debra has been on the NJAPA board for four years now. When she joined NJAPA she was appointed the Web Site Chairperson, and then was elected the recording secretary. And now is currently the Corresponding Secretary.

Debra continues to enjoy sharing her activity abilities with her residents on a daily basis. And is here to assist her fellow NJAPA members whenever needed.

Recording Secretary
Joan Marie Granato
BA, CTRS, CLA ,CRA

• Work Address:
  Future Focus, Inc.
  95 A West 16th Street
  Bayonne, NJ 07002
  
• Contact Info:
  201-823-4711
  201.823.4721 (fax)
  futurefocus*att.net

Joan Marie Granato is the Executive Director of Future Focus Inc.
Her company provides an array of Health Care Consulting services throughout the Tri-State Area.

She has received her Bachelors degree in Recreation Administration with a minor in Psychology from Kean University. She furthered her studies in Therapeutic Recreation at New York University.

She is also trained by A.L.T.A., as an Assisted Living Administrator and is a Certified NCCAP Trainer for the MEPAP Part I: Basic Education Course and MEPAP Part II: Advanced Management Course.

Throughout her business ventures, she has opened various Adult Medical Day Care Centers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Florida. She continues to provide Administrative Consultation, Therapeutic Recreation Consultation and Tri-Level Marketing to the Long Term Care Industry.

Her certifications include:

C.T.R.S. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
C.L.A. Certified Leisure Associate
C.R.A. Certified Recreation Administrator

As a speaker, she had delivered presentations for the New York State Department of Health, Kean University, New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association, The NJ/Eastern PA TR Association, The Alzheimer's Association, The New Jersey Activity Professionals Association, New Jersey Adult Day Services Association, NJACA, RAPA, The Goldfarb Institute and various Health Care Organizations.

Through her contributions in development and publication of various manuals, books, videos, research reports and documentaries, she has proven to be an advocate for the advancement of the profession.

Her philosophy of work is distinguished by her dedication to the Therapeutic Recreation and Activity Profession in helping people and in providing quality service. Her philosophy of life is reflective of our professional outlook and the pursuit of finding strength in the mind, body and spirit.

Marketing
Aimee Montgomery Wilson
B.A., CTRS, ACC, RA

• Work Address:
  Five Star Adult Daycare Center
  1201 Deerfield Ave
  Linden, NJ 07036
  
• Contact Info:
  908-486-5750
  bushka84*aol.com

Aimee is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist providing direct care and consulting expertise since 1987. She has successfully treated the geriatric population, people with addictive disorders, and developmentally disabled adults and children in the hands-on environments of long term care facilities, group homes, and adult day care centers. Aimee is proud to have been part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s remarkable program, At Home with the A.R.T.’s. As an experienced trainer and workshop leader, Aimee has presented topics ranging from “Grant Writing” to “Tricks for Trainers” at industry conferences throughout the New York metropolitan area. Aimee has also completed the Train the Trainer Course (NCCAP), and is an instructor for the MEPAP I and MEPAP II courses.

Awards
Eucille (Emily) Brown, ADC

• Work Address:
  Allendale Nursing Home
  85 Harreton Road
  Allendale, NJ 07421

• Contact Info:
  201-825-0660 Ext. 4244
  emilybrown826*yahoo.com
  

Eucille (Emily) Brown has worked in the activities profession for the past 5 years and she is currently employed by the largest LTC facility in New Jersey, The Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus, where she provides services for the G –tube Unit. Emily loves her residents and has a personal philosophy that “no resident should be left behind”

Emily has taken the Basic Education and Advanced Management courses and is currently a member of NJACA, NJAPA, and is also a member of NCCAP.

Emily has also served in many leadership roles and committees throughout her adult life both at work and church.

She has a great passion for not just the activities field, but the entire health care field, as well. Her personal motto is “if you work hard at what you do, someday out of the blue your dream will come true”. Emily is a mentor for her peers in activities, and encourages Activity Aides and Assistants to strive to reach the goal of the next level of their profession.

Emily currently serves on the NJAPA board as Chairperson for the Awards Committee.

Registration
Keita Blinn

• Work Address:
  Buttonwood Hospital
  PO Box 6000
  Mount Holly, NJ 08060

• Contact Info:
  609.726.7097
  

Keita Blinn received her Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology from S. U. C. at Geneseo, NY in 1971 and her Master of Arts degree in guidance and counseling from Western State College of Colorado in 1975. She is NCCAP certified as an activity consultant since 1989.

Keita is a therapist at Buttonwood Hospital of Burlington County. Providing group sessions and documenting treatment plans for a psychiatric population are her primary responsibilities. From 1977 to 1998 she directed activities for the skilled nursing and psychiatric populations at Buttonwood Hospital.

Keita became a charter member of NJAPA in 1986. In 1990 she was elected Corresponding Secretary of the association. She served as the Education chairperson and in currently the Registration chairperson.

Keita is a member of Tri-County Activities Coordinators (TAC). She has served as the secretary and president of TAC. She has also provided workshop sessions for TAC including “The Psychiatric Patient in LTC.”

Legislation
Kimberly Grandal, BA, CTRS, ACC

• Work Address:
  
  
• Contact Info:
  732-340-1210
  kimCTRSacc*aol.com

Kimberly Grandal, Founder and Executive Director of Re-Creative Resources, Inc., is a strong advocate for the field of Therapeutic Recreation and Activities, with over fifteen years of experience working with the elderly in numerous management and consultant positions. She is an Activity Consultant Certified and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Kim is a member of the New Jersey Activity Professionals Association and the New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association.

In 1990, Kim graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Sociology and later studied gerontology courses at Union County College and Therapeutic Recreation courses at Kean University. Throughout her career, Kim has been the Director of Therapeutic Recreation for several long-term care facilities, including one of NJ’s largest.

In 2006, Kim founded Re-Creative Resources Inc. She is a speaker for various state and local activity associations such as NJAPA, MOCAP, and NJACA, as well as the Society of Licensed Nursing Home Administrators of NJ. She also offers lectures for Re-Creative Resources Inc., local colleges, and community groups, and provides consultation and support to numerous facilities in the state.

Kim is the editor and writer for the “The Rec-Room", a monthly newsletter published by her company. In addition, she writes monthly articles for the Activity Directors Office newsletter, and has contributed articles to Creative Forecasting Magazine, and The Continuing Care InSite newsletter.

Kim is a recipient of the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation 1997 Triumph of the Human Spirit Award. Her passion is to promote the field of Therapeutic Recreation and Activities and to unite Recreation Therapists and Activity Professionals. Kim currently serves on the NJAPA board as the Chairperson for the Legislation Committee.

Historian

open

Membership
Carol Kezel, ADC

• Work Address:
  Kimball Adult Medical Day Care
  619 River Avenue
  Lakewood, NJ 0701

• Contact Info:
  732.367.1133
  Njapmem*optonline.net

Carol has been working at Kimball Adult Day Care Center as the Activity Director for the past 10 years. Prior to this she had served as a Recreation Director at several Long Term Care facilities including Fountain ViewCare Center, Bartley Manor and Wanaque Convalescent Center. She started her career in activities as an Activity Assistant at Dellridge Nursing Home in Paramus and within six months she was promoted to Activity Director. Prior to this she had served as a Recreation Director at several Long Term Care facilities including Fountain ViewCare Center, Bartley Manor and Wanaque Convalescent Center. She started her career in activities as an Activity Assistant at Dellridge Nursing Home in Paramus and within six months she was promoted to Activity Director.

Carol received her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Administration in 1983 from Trenton State College (now known as The College of New Jersey). She is a NCCAP Certified Activity Director and is also certified by the state of New Jersey as a Recreation Administrator. She took the Basic Education Course in 1984 with Anne D'Antonio and Joan Beloff (many years ago)!

Carol served as the Nominations Chairperson from 1993-1995 and as the Membership Chairperson from 1995 to the present. She is also a member of the Monmouth and Ocean County Activity Professionals and had served as both President and Vice-President of that organization.

Carol has been married to husband Joe for 18 years, and they have a 14-year-old son, Stephen. In her spare time Carol is very involved with the Jackson Women of Today, a local community oriented women's group. She has held several board positions with this organization and is currently the editor of their newsletter. Her son Stephen is very involved in tournament roller hockey and she spends many weekends driving him to tournaments in the tri-state area. All of this driving to and from tournaments, games and practices paid off this summer when he and his teammates won a gold medal at the AAU Junior Olympics!

Professional Development/Education
Suzanne Gramuglia, AAC

• Work Address:
  Christian Health Care Center
  301 Sicomac Avenue
  Wyckoff, NJ 07481
  
• Contact Info:
  201.848.4269
  sgramuglia*chccnj.org

Suzanne has worked in the Therapeutic Activity profession for 5 years. She is currently employed at Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff as the Director of Activities for Southgate Behavior Management Unit and Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital.

Suzanne posses a Bachelors of Arts in Gerontology and a Bachelors of Science in Health Science. Her current certification is: Activity Assistant Certified through NCCAP.

Suzanne has been a member of the New Jersey Activity Professional Association since September 2001. She became the Legislation Committee Chair for NJAPA in 2003 and assisted the coordinator of vendors and exhibits from 2002-present. As of 2004 she became the chairperson for the Professional Development Committee for NJAPA.

Nominations
Kelly Dickinson

• Work Address:
  Care-One of Evesham Assisted Living
  874 Route 70 East
  Marlton, NJ  08053
• Contact Info:
  856-988-2412
  ksdickinson508*aol.com
  kdickinson*care-one.com

Ways & Means
Paige Doumenis

• Work Address:
  5101 North Park Drive
  Pennsauken, NJ 08109
  
• Contact Info:
  856.665.9111
  856.371.6844 (cell)

I joined the activity profession almost ten years ago as a temporary Recreations Assistant. It was not long before I realized this was the career I had wanted. I progressed in my career thanks to taking the Activity Professionals courses in my area. With the wonderful education provided and my Directors mentorship, I was able to obtain my activity Directors Certification. I currently work at Cooper River West / Genesis Eldercare in Pennsauken, New Jersey as the Therapeutic Recreation Director. I have been on the NJAPA board for two years. My current position is the Ways and Means Chairperson.

Community Relations
Robert Smaldore, ACC

• Work Address:
  South Jersey Health Care Center
  Two Cooper Plaza
  Camden, NJ 08103
  
• Contact Info:
  856-342-7600
  rjsmaldore*aol.com

Bob Smaldore has been a Director of Therapeutic Recreation, (Activities) for almost twenty years, beginning his career in Therapeutic Recreation at Mt. Holly Nursing Center, Mt. Holly, NJ.

Since becoming a Recreation Professional, Bob has been a member of the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP), as well as a member of NJAPA (NJ Activities Professional Association), serving on the Board of Directors since 1996. While serving as New Jersey Regional Director of Therapeutic Recreation for Philadelphia’s GeriMed Corporation, in 1993 Bob earned his Consultant certification (ACC) from NCCAP (National Certification Council for Activity Professionals). For the past eight years he has served at Recreation Consultant to Family Service Association of NJ.

Bob currently is Director of Therapeutic Recreation at The South Jersey Health Care Center in Camden. A firm believer in continuing education, over the years he has earned over 470 hours of CEUs, and has been trained by NCCAP to teach both the basic 90-hour Certification Course, as well as the 90-hour Advanced Management Course. Bob has earned a Certificate in Gerontology, and a Certificate in Volunteer Management, from Rutgers University. He has served as Long Range Planning chair for NJAPA since 1996, and in February of 2003 began his own company, RJS Consulting. While for most of his career he has worked in Long Term Care, Bob completed his course in Assisted Living Administration and worked for one year in that setting.

Bob is married and lives in Cherry Hill, NJ. He and his wife have one daughter who is a junior at The College of The Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

Web Site
Kevin J. Bassinder, ADC, CHHA

• Work Address:
  Bear Creek Assisted Living
  291 Village Road East
  West Windsor, NJ 08550
  
• Contact Info:
  Cell 732-773-0750
  KBActivities*aol.com

Kevin Bassinder is currently the Activities Director at Bear Creek Assisted Living, West Windsor, NJ. He began his tenure at Bear Creek in 2003, and he oversees their Activity Department and Dementia Unit.

Mr. Bassinder began his career in the Assisted Living field in 1990 at Marriott's Leisure Park. He has also worked for Brandywine Company as a Caregiver, and after six months was asked to be their Activities Director. Working for the Brandywine Company, Kevin learned his true calling: Helping seniors get the most out of life as they age in place. Later, Mr. Bassinder moved on as an Activities Director, Administrative Assistant, and Marketing Assistant for Nottingham House of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. He assisted with opening the community at The Wexford at Wall Township, and also assisted planning and implementing the Activities Departments. He was then named as the Activities Assistant and later the Director of Activities.

Kevin holds his certification as Home Maker Home Health Aide, and he also completed Debbie Hommel's Basic Education course. He has already completed the 56-hour Assisted Living Administrator Certification workshop, and has educational and career goals of administration in the field of assisted living. Kevin recently received his National Certification for Activity Professionals through N.C.C.A.P.

Mr. Bassinder holds a seat on the Board of his local County and on the State level of the Activity Organizations. In August 2004, Kevin accepted the position as the Web Site Chairperson for N.J.A.P.A. In addition Kevin became the President for “MOCAP”, the Monmouth and Ocean Counties Professionals.