CARING BEGINS AT THE TOP
Pam Gansmann
President, CEO
Pam has spent more than a decade working as an administrator in the assisted living environment. She has been instrumental in developing programs designed to meet the changing needs of the senior population, including those with dementia, and is a certified instructor for the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association’s Administrator Training program. Pam works hard to provide peace of mind and quality support to Villa St. Francis residents and their families and embraces the opportunity to create an environment where everyone feels valued and cared for.
Quote from Pam: “Our support means that both residents and family members can use their energy to enjoy life and the time they spend with each other. It removes the burden of always feeling like there’s something to ‘take care of.”
Lisa Richardson
Marketing/Community Relations Director
Lisa is a native of Green Bay Wisconsin and obtained her bachelors of Arts through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus with an emphasis in mass communication and applied business. Her combined experience in hospitality, customer service and financial services gives her the tools necessary to walk our residents and their families through the steps of choosing an assisted living. She strives to use her experience in the hospitality field to make Villa St. Francis the best option for our residents to live. Providing exceptional customer service for our residents is her absolute passion.
Quote from Lisa: “I go by what I call the 3 D’s Desire, Dedication and Determination. It is a privilege to share my day with the most important part of our community; our residents.”
Bob Reinap
Life Enrichment Director
Bob joined the Villa St. Francis community in 2007. He has been certified by the Alzheimer’s Association as a Dementia Specialist and is a charter member of the Association’s Speakers Bureau. Bob is a certified trainer for Community Based Resident Facilities Residents Rights and was recently trained in the Memories in the Making program—a painting program sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. Bob was instrumental in planning and implementing a Brain Wavers group—here at Villa and works diligently to develop programs that keep residents involved and engaged.
Quote from Bob: “I don’t create programs that just do something for the residents, I want to create activities that engage and enrich them.”
Sister Barbara Marie Brylka
Director of Pastoral Care
Sister Barbara Marie is a Felician Franciscan and has been at Villa St. Francis since 2005. She provides spiritual services to the residents and their families on an individual basis, as well as within group settings, and schedules clergy for both daily liturgical services and the bi-annual sacraments of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick. After spending 25 years in education as an elementary school teacher and principal, Sister Barbara Marie was certified as a pastoral chaplain by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. She spent three years as administrator and local minister of the Infirmary in Chicago, Ill. and was a provincial councilor within her community for 12 years before joining the Villa staff.
Quote from Sister Barbara: “I’ve come to love the residents as if they were members of my own family. I try to make a difference in the lives of the residents and their families by treating them with respect and compassion and thus allowing them to experience life in the fullest way possible.”
Nicole Back Feitoza—Social Worker
A new addition to the Villa team, Nicole has spent much of her career serving the needs of the elderly. She has worked with older adults in a variety of settings including adult day care, nursing homes, long-term care and hospice, Nicole has extensive experience in the area of dementia, including resident care, research and support groups. She received her Masters degree from Baylor University in Waco, Tex., where she specialized in gerontology. Nicole is a passionate advocate for the elderly and excited to work with the residents and staff at Villa.
Quote from Nicole: “I appreciate the wisdom and experience that older adults have to offer. In fact, I often say that my great-grandmother—who remains healthy and independent at 104 years old!—is my idol.”
Jim Koster
Facilities Director
If you’ve had the chance to tour Villa’s immaculate, well-maintained buildings, you’ve already seen the results of Jim’s hard work and commitment for yourself! A member of our staff since 2007, Jim oversees the maintenance, housekeeping and food service departments and is also in charge of all long-term planning for our facilities. He holds a degree in social studies from UW-Milwaukee, but after working in building maintenance during his college years, Jim decided to pursue a career in the field. He’s spent more than three decades in facilities management and enjoys the opportunity to make Villa a true home for our residents.
Quote from Jim: “I try to treat each resident that way I’d want my own mother to be treated. It can be difficult for someone to move out of their home and we work hard to create a safe, friendly environment where the residents feel cared for and happy. It’s our #1 job.”
Katie Teran
Food Services Manager
Katie has been in charge of Villa’s food service operations since January 2010. She has spent her entire career working in the food industry and is a Certified Dietary Manager and a Certified Food Protection Professional and is ServSafe® certified. Katie works hard to create meals that are delicious, visually appealing and meet the varying dietary needs of Villa’s residents. She’s always looking for new ways to “spice up” the menu, whether it’s adding residents’ requests to her meals or hosting a monthly Villa Cook-off where cooks compete and residents vote for their favorites (recent contests included a chicken noodle soup showdown and a cupcake war!). Katie is pleased to report that almost everything her kitchen serves is homemade, and the residents would add that it’s also delicious.
Quote from Katie: “Sometimes meals are the most important and exciting part of a resident’s day and to know that I have a part in providing a wonderful experience gives me a great sense of pride.”
