Who Are We

Amy Silva-Magalhaes
Chief Operating Officer
Amy Silva-Magalhaes is an accomplished executive leader with a wealth of experience in both senior care and hospitality. Amy brings a compassionate, forward-thinking approach to her leadership, fostering a strong culture of collaboration and excellence. Her dedication to resident-centered care and building cohesive, empowered teams has contributed to the growth and success of every organization she has served.

Her leadership philosophy centers on building meaningful connections and delivering impactful results. Her talent for building cohesive teams promotes open communication and active engagement, creating an environment that prioritizes personalized care and sustainable growth. With a foundation in the hospitality industry, including experience with esteemed brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood, Amy brings a service-driven perspective that enhances her approach to senior living.

Beyond operational excellence, she is a recognized thought leader in the senior living sector, having received various distinctions, including the “Senior Housing News Executive to Watch 2025″ and ” Schneps Media’s 2025 Long Island Press Power List.” Her commitment to mentorship and leadership development inspires those around her, as she actively supports and guides future leaders in their professional journeys.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s in Healthcare Administration from Post University. She extends her expertise beyond senior living by serving on multiple boards, including the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. Amy also contributes her knowledge in advisory roles with esteemed organizations such as the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures and Ability Beyond’s Mission Validation Board.

Eileen Rainer
Chief Financial Officer
Eileen Rainer is a seasoned financial leader who brings three decades of impeccable expertise in accounting and finance to her role as Chief Financial Officer. Eileen’s unique combination of hands-on financial management skills and creative strategic vision enables her to confidently handle day-to-day operations while positioning Ultimate Care for sustained growth and stability. Her analytical excellence and enthusiasm for innovation have been instrumental in maintaining the financial health of all communities while driving organizational success. 

Her career progression exemplifies dedication and expertise within senior living, having hones her specialized skills in this sector since 1995. Eileen’s journey from staff accountant to Chief Financial Officer demonstrates her comprehensive understanding of every aspect of financial operations, from foundational accounting principles to executive-level strategic planning.

Eileen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from SUNY Fredonia, providing her with the technical foundation that supports her strategic financial leadership. Her exceptional management, evaluation, and forecasting capabilities continue to keep Ultimate Care’s communities on solid financial ground while positioning the organization for steady progress in an evolving marketplace.  

Samantha Fischgrund, MBA
Vice President of Strategy
Samantha Fischgrund is a strategic development leader who brings a distinctively holistic perspective of the senior living industry to her role as Vice President of Strategy. Samantha’s comprehensive understanding of operations, finance, and strategic planning enables her to drive corporate development through tactical, purposeful initiatives that directly impact resident experience, employee retention, and community culture. Her leadership ensures that Ultimate Care remains the premier choice in assisted living through data-driven strategic planning and execution. 

Her unique career journey began with Ultimate Care in 2015, where she developed and subsequently completed a comprehensive management training program, ensuring future leaders would master business fundamentals from the ground up. After serving as Executive Director at The Bristal at Armonk for nearly three years, Samantha pursued advanced education and gained valuable external experience working for a leading REIT in senior housing, before returning to Ultimate Care in 2022. 

Samantha earned a Bachelor of Science in Human & Organizational Development and Corporate Strategy from Vanderbilt University, followed by an MBA from Columbia University. Her combination of healthcare consulting experience at Huron Consulting Group, operational leadership, and financial sector expertise positions her to model and deliver strategic excellence across all organizational levels. 

Kristen Celender
Vice President of Human Resources
Kristen Celender is a mission-driven human resources leader who brings over twenty years of comprehensive HR experience to her role as Vice President of Human Resources. Kristen’s commitment to supporting team members stems from her firm belief that exceptional team members who serve residents deserve exceptional care themselves. Her strategic approach to employee development, benefits administration, and organizational culture creates an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver outstanding resident care.

Her expertise in streamlining and centralizing HR operations was demonstrated through her previous role with a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, where she led the development and growth of the HR department. This experience included transforming training, recruitment, and payroll processes to enhance operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. 

Kristin earned a Master’s degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in Human Resources from Stony Brook University, building upon her undergraduate education from Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania. Her mission-oriented mindset drives her work in developing superior benefits packages, continuous training opportunities, and employee appreciation programs that reflect Ultimate Care’s commitment to team members.

Michael DePeola
Vice President of Sales
Michael DePeola is a results-driven sales leader who brings over 15 years of specialized experience in the assisted living industry to his role as Vice President of Sales. Michael’s comprehensive understanding of what drives success in senior living sales, combined with his data-driven approach to occupancy management, enables him to strengthen and unify company processes while building cohesive regional teams across Ultimate Care’s growing portfolio of communities. His field-proven expertise ensures sales and operations integrate seamlessly to deliver exceptional results.

His leadership approach reflects a unique blend of strategic acumen and genuine compassion rooted in personal experience. Raised by his grandparents, Michael understood from an early age that seniors would play a central role in his life and career. After training in Fine Arts & Photography at the University of the Arts, his creative background led him to serve in the hospitality industry, before finding his calling in senior living. 

This distinctive combination of creative spirit, hospitality excellence, and personal connection to seniors positions Michael as the ideal balance of analytical strategy and heartfelt service, making him exceptionally effective in coaching teams, developing technique, and delivering meaningful results. 

Jillian Lorenzo
Vice President of Marketing
Jillian Lorenzo is a strategic marketing leader who brings 14 years of comprehensive experience in marketing and advertising to her role as Vice President of Marketing. Jillian’s proven track record supporting major consumer healthcare brands across global markets demonstrates her ability to combine tactical insight with hands-on expertise in marketing technologies and digital solutions. Her collaborative approach focuses on understanding Ultimate Care’s unique value proposition and brand vision while developing campaigns that drive measurable results and build lasting stakeholder relationships.

Her leadership philosophy centers on empowering team members through personalized professional development, working closely with team members to identify individual goals in the context of organizational success. Jillian’s commitment to fostering talent while delivering strategic marketing excellence has consistently generated returns across diverse brands and markets.

Jillian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature with a coursework concentration in Marketing and Advertising. This noteworthy educational foundation, combining language proficiency with marketing expertise, enhances her approach to brand communication and positions her to build Ultimate Care’s brand presence while developing a high-performing marketing team that advances the company’s objectives and organizational growth.

Mark Paretti
Vice President of Resident Experience
Mark Paretti is a compassionate healthcare leader who brings over two decades of progressive experience from senior housing management and retail operations to his role as Vice President of Resident Experience. Mark’s commitment to optimizing quality of life for residents drives his comprehensive approach to recreational programming with specialized expertise in creating an enriching and personalized environment for those living in our Reflections memory care neighborhoods. 

Mark’s empathetic listening skills and collaborative leadership style have consistently distinguished him throughout his career, enabling him to build meaningful connections with residents, families, and team members. His ability to understand diverse needs and translate them into engaging programming reflects his deep commitment to maintaining a high standard of care and person-driven focus. 

Mark holds a Master of Arts in Law & Governance from Montclair State University and graduated with honors from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business. His extensive experience, including as a certified Validation Worker, certified Validation Group Worker, Alzheimer’s Association essentiALZ® practitioner, and Certified Assisted Living Administrator in New Jersey, positions him as a catalyst for compassionate care excellence. 

Shawn Philp
Vice President of Government Affairs
Shawn Philip is a seasoned government affairs leader who has been instrumental to Ultimate Care’s success since 2007, bringing nearly two decades of regulatory expertise to her role as Vice President of Government Affairs. Shawn’s meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of senior living compliance makes her essential in managing Department of Health licensure, risk management protocols, and policy development. Her leadership ensures that all regulatory requirements are met while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence. 

Her experience as an Executive Director provides her with valuable operational perspective that enhances her current role managing contractual matters and regulatory oversight, and serving as liaison to state assisted living associations. Shawn brings both strategic insight and practical knowledge to complex compliance challenges. 

Shawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s in Health Care Administration from The New School. Her strong academic foundation, combined with extensive field experience, positions her to expertly navigate residency agreements and uphold Ultimate Care’s high caliber of hospitality, service, and accommodation.

Jacques P. Preval, Jr.
Vice President of Business Optimization
Jacques P. Preval, Jr. is a strategic business optimization leader who brings over 25 years of comprehensive experience in accounting, finance, and operations exclusively within the senior living industry. Jacques’ understanding of the financial intricacies that drive successful senior living operations makes him instrumental in guiding communities toward sustained growth and profitability. His leadership approach focuses on empowering executives through tactical guidance on financials, collections, revenue management, and key performance indicators that directly impact business results. 

His career progression from Accounting Clerk to Regional Business Manager demonstrates his thorough understanding of operations at every level, culminating most recently in the role of Vice President of Community Accounting for a national senior living brand. His extensive background enables Jacques to identify opportunities and implement solutions that streamline operational and financial performance.

Jacques earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting, providing him with a keen technical foundation, which in combination with his hands-on experience and analytical expertise make him an invaluable asset to Ultimate Care’s continued success. 

Maureen Scalesi
Vice President of Quality and Compliance
Maureen Scalesi is a distinguished quality and compliance leader who brings over 25 years of specialized expertise in senior care to her role as Vice President of Quality and Compliance. Maureen’s comprehensive background, spanning from nursing home admission coordination to regional leadership in assisted living organizations, provides her with unparalleled firsthand understanding of every aspect of senior care operations. Her meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of residents’ needs enable her to develop policies and procedures that empower team members to deliver exceptional, consistent, and compassionate care.

Her leadership extends beyond Ultimate Care Management through active participation as a respected presenter and mentor at industry conferences, seminars, and professional events. Maureen’s commitment to sharing her knowledge and advancing best practices throughout the senior living sector demonstrates her dedication to elevating care standards across the entire senior living industry. 

Maureen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gerontology from Molloy College and a Master’s in Public Administration from LIU Post, both with highest honors. Her strong academic foundation complements her substantial practical experience in developing quality-driven care environments. 

Kyra Sosnow
Vice President of Information Systems
Kyra Sosnow is a dedicated information systems leader who has been foundational to the development of Ultimate Care Management’s technology infrastructure for more than twenty years. Kyra’s comprehensive approach to IT management and her understanding of the  senior living industry make her instrumental for both daily operations and major organizational initiatives. Her expertise ensures seamless technology integration across all communities while maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and data security. 

Her leadership extends beyond traditional IT management to encompass critical liaison work with partners, vendors, and development teams, ensuring that all expansion and renovation projects align with Ultimate Care’s technological goals and operational needs. Kyra’s ability to bridge the gap between complex technical requirements and practical business applications has made her indispensable during numerous community openings and renovations. 

Kyra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Information Systems, both from SUNY Albany. This unique educational foundation enhances her ability to understand where the human and technological elements in information systems implementation meet and to decisively manage IT operations and increase digital efficiencies throughout the entire organization.

Jennifer Tauber, JD
Vice President of Risk Management
Jennifer Tauber, JD is an accomplished risk management leader who brings two decades of comprehensive insurance and legal expertise to her role as Vice President of Risk Management. Jennifer’s multifaceted background across litigation management, compliance, catastrophic claims, and vendor oversight provides her with an unparalleled understanding of the complex and ever-evolving risk management landscape. Her strategic approach to enterprise-wide auditing and her commitment to resident advocacy make her an invaluable asset in protecting Ultimate Care Management’s communities.

Her career journey began as a Claims Examiner while pursuing a law degree, eventually advancing to handle complex claims for large nationwide accounts. Jennifer’s transition into litigation and risk management roles has been marked by successful team leadership and improved operational outcomes. 

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Law from Hofstra University, followed by a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. Her recent focus developing innovative strategies using predictive analytics demonstrates her forward-thinking approach to maximizing both protection and productivity. 

Randy Tremble
Vice President of Food & Beverage
Randy Tremble is a distinguished culinary leader who brings more than 30 years of superlative experience in the culinary arts to his role as Vice President of Food & Beverage. Randy’s unwavering commitment to gourmet excellence and comprehensive understanding of senior nutrition enable him to create consistently outstanding dining experiences that distinguish The Bristal communities from others in the marketplace.

His leadership philosophy centers on the belief that exceptional food is fundamental to a high quality of life, ensuring that every meal reflects both culinary artistry and the specific dietary needs of senior living residents. 

Formally trained in the U.S. Air Force, Randy has built an impressive career working alongside world-renowned chefs both nationally and internationally. His distinguished credentials include being twice decorated for meritorious service, earning participation in the prestigious Hennessey Trophy, a worldwide military cooking competition, and winning Best in Show for Culinary Display. Randy’s uncompromising attention to detail, global culinary expertise, and genuine passion for his craft translate directly into resident dining programs that consistently exceed expectations and enhance the overall community experience. 

Brian White
Vice President of Environmental Services
Brian White is a tactical environmental services leader who brings over 20 years of specialized expertise in senior living construction and maintenance to his role as Vice President of Environmental Services. Brian’s hands-on approach and wealth of knowledge surrounding senior living environments enable him to lead his team to balance functional requirements with design aesthetics while prioritizing resident safety and comfort. 

His extensive background in environmental maintenance and construction, with concentrated experience in senior living settings, gives him an unparalleled perspective on the daily challenges these environments present. Brian’s discerning eye, comprehensive knowledge of regulatory standards, and organizational command ensures that every project, from daily maintenance tasks to major renovations to new construction, is completed with the highest possible standards. 

His commitment to quality craftsmanship and broad understanding of the unique complexities associated with community building and facility management have become defining characteristics of his valuable contributions toward Ultimate Care’s continuing success.