A Look Inside Maplewood at Stony Hill: Meet the People Who Make the Difference

Choosing a senior living community means placing trust in the people who shape daily life each day. At Maplewood at Stony Hill, that trust is earned through experienced leadership, thoughtful collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping each resident live with comfort, dignity, and purpose.

In this leadership Q&A, meet the team whose expertise helps create a warm, supportive environment for residents and families. 

We begin with Lauren Stowell, Senior Executive Director of Maplewood at Stony Hill, who has been part of Maplewood for eight years. Known for her thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to residents, families, and associates, Lauren has helped shape a community grounded in compassion and excellence.

Q: What distinguishes Maplewood at Stony Hill in today’s evolving senior living landscape?
A: One of the most distinguishing qualities of Stony Hill is that every associate has chosen to work with individuals living with cognitive impairment. That choice reflects compassion, patience, and purpose. The community was thoughtfully designed to support aging in place while recognizing each resident’s strengths and fostering independence. Each neighborhood offers a unique focus, with every detail intended to support meaningful living.

Q: How do you define exceptional leadership in this community?
A: Exceptional leadership begins with presence, accessibility, and engagement. Our leadership team remains visible throughout the community each day, walking every floor, greeting residents and associates, and offering support where needed. That consistent presence helps build trust, encourages collaboration, and sets the tone for a connected and responsive environment.

That same leadership philosophy is reflected in how care is delivered each day.

Shelby Kurjiaka, Resident Services Director at Maplewood at Stony Hill, has been a valued leader in the community for five years. Having begun her journey as a Resident Services Associate, she brings firsthand knowledge of care and service.

Q: How does your team balance clinical excellence with personalized care?
A: Clinical excellence and personalized care must always work hand in hand. Strong clinical standards help ensure safety and quality outcomes, while individualized care honors each resident’s routines, history, and preferences. That balance requires tailored care plans and close collaboration among providers and families so care remains both effective and meaningful.

Q: What strategies help residents maintain independence and avoid unnecessary hospitalization?
A: We focus on recognizing change early and responding before concerns escalate. Associates are trained to notice subtle shifts in appetite, mobility, mood, sleep, or cognition so nurses and providers can intervene quickly. Early signs and signals often precede acute issues and catching them early allows the provider to intervene before hospitalization becomes necessary. 

Q: How do you partner with families?
A: Families are an essential part of the care team. We prioritize regular communication through pre-move-in meetings, care conferences, updates, and ongoing accessibility. Even when there are no major changes, staying connected helps families feel informed, reassured, and confident in their loved one’s care.

Personalized clinical support is further strengthened through consistent daily connection and collaboration among the nursing team.

Natalie Rodriguez, RN Designee at Maplewood at Stony Hill, has been part of the Maplewood community for twelve years. She works closely with residents, families, and care teams to ensure care remains personalized and supportive throughout each stage of the journey.

Q: How do you ensure each resident’s care feels both highly personalized and responsive to their changing needs throughout the day?
A: Meaningful care begins with truly knowing each resident. By understanding what brings comfort and familiarity, we can create a more personalized daily experience, whether that means incorporating a resident’s preferred morning routine, favorite music, lifelong hobbies, or familiar dining preferences into their day. Nursing teams continuously monitor residents’ evolving needs and adjust individualized care plans to ensure support remains compassionate and tailored to each person.

With individualized care supporting each resident’s daily routine, attention also turns to how residents continue to find purpose and engagement.

Andrew Kurjiaka, Lifestyle Director at Maplewood at Stony Hill, has been a valued member of the Maplewood community for four years. With a thoughtful, resident-centered approach, he creates experiences that reflect the individuality of those who call Stony Hill home.

Q: How do you design enriching and personally meaningful programs?
A: It begins with authentic relationships. By learning more about our residents, including their histories, interests, hobbies, and what gives them a sense of purpose, we can create programs tailored to them that feel engaging and personally relevant. 

Q: What role does lifelong learning and cultural engagement play in your approach?
A: Lifelong learning and cultural engagement are central to creating meaningful, resident-centered programs. Continuing my education, especially through dementia-related certifications, helps me better understand residents’ evolving needs and create experiences that are enriching, supportive, and dignified. It also helps me design programs that foster familiarity and a sense of belonging.

That sense of purpose and engagement is further strengthened through specialized memory care.

Christie Germinaro, Memory Care Director at Maplewood at Stony Hill, brings six years of experience within the Maplewood organization to her role. She leads with compassion and expertise while supporting residents and families through every stage of the journey.

Q: What sets Stony Hill’s memory care program apart?
A: Stony Hill is solely dedicated to memory care, so every aspect of the community, from staffing to design, is created with cognitive support in mind. Distinct neighborhoods based on resident needs allow individuals to live among peers with similar abilities, fostering comfort and familiarity. Specialized dementia training also helps associates meet each resident where they are.

Q: How does your team create moments of connection as communication changes?
A: Connection is not limited to words. Our team pays close attention to facial expressions, body language, and energy, using music, touch, familiar routines, and sensory experiences to create comfort and recognition. Often, a favorite song, a reassuring hand, or simply sitting quietly together can become the most meaningful interaction of the day.

For many families, understanding this level of care begins with thoughtful guidance and support.

Amy Palagonia, Community Relations Director at Maplewood at Stony Hill, has been a valued member of the organization for three years. She is dedicated to helping families navigate the senior living decision with clarity and confidence.

Q: What are families most often looking for?
A: Most families are looking for safety, meaningful daily engagement, and strong clinical oversight. They want to know their loved one will be cared for with compassion while continuing to enjoy purpose and connection each day. We strive to exceed those expectations through teamwork, communication, and genuine care.

Q: How do you guide families through an emotional decision?
A: I focus on listening carefully, understanding each family’s concerns, and helping them feel supported from the very first conversation. My goal is to provide guidance and reassurance so they feel confident taking the next step.

Q: What helps families feel confident in their decision?
A: Families often feel reassured when they experience the warmth of our team, clear communication, and the depth of our memory care expertise. Meeting the people who will care for their loved one often brings peace of mind and confidence in the path ahead.

An equally important part of daily life is the dining experience, where comfort and enjoyment come together.

Jason Matula, Senior Culinary Service Director at Maplewood at Stony Hill, has been a valued leader in the organization for eight years. He oversees a culinary program centered on hospitality and enjoyment.

Q: How does your culinary program elevate daily life?
A: Our culinary program enhances daily life in many ways. Open kitchens on all three floors allow residents to enjoy the sights and aromas of meals being prepared, helping stimulate appetite and interest. We also use show plates so residents can experience dining options visually, making mealtimes more engaging and inviting.

Q: How do you create joy through food?
A: Dining is meant to be social and enjoyable. We host cooking demonstrations residents can participate in, and we often recreate favorite family recipes that bring meaningful memories to the table.

Supporting these experiences is a strong internal culture built on communication and trust.

Tearsha Askew, Community Human Resources Director at Maplewood at Stony Hill, has been a valued leader with Maplewood for four years. She helps foster a workplace culture rooted in communication, support, and professional growth.

Q: What does transparency and trust look like in your role?
A: Trust is built through consistency, honesty, and open communication. I maintain an open-door approach so associates feel comfortable speaking freely and know they will be heard. Through training, support, and ongoing development, we help team members feel confident in their roles and valued as part of the community.

Behind the scenes, a well-maintained environment plays a critical role in supporting safety and overall peace of mind.

Carlos Liranzo, Environmental Services Director at Maplewood at Stony Hill, has been with the company for sixteen years and plays a key role in ensuring the community consistently reflects the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and comfort for residents and families.

Q: How do you ensure the environment consistently supports safety, comfort, and peace of mind for residents and families?

A: It starts with consistency, attention to detail, and a proactive approach. My team and I focus on maintaining a clean, well-functioning environment where everything—from lighting and temperature to safety systems and overall upkeep—supports residents’ comfort and well-being. We conduct routine checks, respond quickly to any concerns, and work closely with other departments to ensure the environment aligns with residents’ needs. Our goal is for families to walk in and immediately feel a sense of trust and reassurance.

As the conversation came full circle, we returned to Lauren for one final reflection.

Q: What are you most proud of when you walk through the community today?
A: I am most proud of the growth of our associates. Many began in entry-level roles and have continued to develop their skills, education, and confidence over time. Most importantly, they bring compassion, positivity, and meaningful connection to residents each day. Their dedication is what makes this community so special.

At Maplewood at Stony Hill, exceptional memory care is shaped by experienced leadership, personalized support, and a deep commitment to each resident’s quality of life. Discover how Maplewood at Stony Hill can support your family’s next chapter by scheduling a private tour.