Leading with Purpose:
Honoring Quaker Values
to Redefine Aging
KENDAL ANNUAL REPORT 2025
From the Chair of the Board
Evolving Excellence: Kendal’s Annual Report
As Board Chair of The Kendal Corporation (TKC), I am privileged to reflect on another impactful year for the Kendal System. 2024 demonstrated the power of collaboration, the value of shared purpose and the strength of interconnected Affiliates in moving us all forward. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes and reaffirmed our commitment to the Quaker values that guide everything we do.
At the heart of this progress lies our dedication to creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration. One of the most inspiring examples of this is the Kendal Leadership Forum. The forum fosters crucial connections and forward-thinking action by bringing together Affiliate Executive Directors, CEOs and Board Chairs with the leadership team at The Kendal Corporation.
I am inspired by the generosity, candor and resilience displayed by each Affiliate, Board and TKC leadership team member. These qualities will drive us toward an even brighter future for Kendal and Affiliates across the System.
Celebrating Progress and Shared Achievements
Recent Leadership Forums have highlighted priorities that set the stage for a dynamic year ahead:
- Enhancing Peer Group Collaboration: Kendal’s peer groups continue to serve as hubs of expertise and shared learning. We remain committed to identifying new ways to deepen participation and ensure valuable information is communicated across the System.
- Unified Strategic Alignment: We will continue strengthening the connection between Affiliate and TKC strategic plans, paving the way for greater cohesion and impactful progress.
- Commitment to Data Security: We recognize our shared responsibility to protect sensitive information and will continue to advance initiatives that ensure data safety throughout Kendal.
- Developing Metrics and Dashboards: By establishing standardized benchmarks, we equip Affiliates with tools to measure success and drive evidence-based decision-making.
With an eye toward the future, and together with all the many moving parts that make the Kendal System so unique, the Leadership Forum will continue to be part of the foundation supporting our alignment and collective progress.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
Warm regards,
Annetha Hall, Chair
Board of Directors,
The Kendal Corporation
From the CEO
Letter from Vassar Byrd
This year’s Kendal Annual Report, themed “Leading with Purpose,” offers a lens into how we, as a System, honor Quaker values while transforming the narrative around aging.
Rooted in principles of equality, stewardship, community and simplicity, we strive to create environments that are dynamic and inclusive, recognizing and valuing the strength and experience of everyone involved. Throughout 2024, the Kendal System demonstrated our continued commitment to this partnership.
To understand Kendal, revisiting what makes us unique is essential. Kendal is not just a senior living and services organization; it is fundamentally focused on embracing and redefining human potential.
Person-Centered, Values-Based Practices
What does the Quaker tenet of equality and integrity look like in practice?
- Respect for every individual puts residents as partners in designing community programming and on Affiliate Boards.
- Team members and residents create spaces where everyone feels valued and welcomed, fostering richer, interconnected communities.
- Through their personal agency, residents and members guide the social conscience of their own community, both within and out Kendal.
- Emotional and physical enrichment is essential, joy is celebrated, and healthy living is prioritized.
- Integrated into the Quaker belief that everyone possesses an “inner light,” it is one of the foundations of the Kendal System that all people are inherently valuable and capable of spiritual growth.
Sustainable Senior Living Communities
The Quaker principle of stewardship is reflected in our commitment to sustainability. At Kendal, environmental responsibility isn’t a checkbox; it’s a priority.
- Kendal Affiliates champion best practices like net-zero energy buildings, biophilic design, community gardens and local food sourcing.
- Many residents, including some with backgrounds in engineering and education, collaborate to implement and refine key sustainability initiatives, from renewable energy integrations to preserving bird migration paths through dark-sky lighting.
- Kendal embraces operational approaches that have a positive impact on the environment, as well as the bottom line, including transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal power, performing energy audits and developing sustainability plans. One of the benefits of the Kendal System is the ability to innovate, test and share model practices. Successful programs in one community can be implemented, often with local adaptation, elsewhere.
It is a very positive feeling to know that Kendal communities are leaving a lighter footprint for future generations. All of us are working to ensure that sustainability and senior living go hand in hand.
Community-Driven & Mission-Focused
At Kendal, our sense of community spreads far beyond the walls of Affiliates’ campuses. We nurture deep social connections, recognizing that everyone deserves a sense of belonging.
- Fueled by partnerships with nonprofits and community groups, Kendal Affiliates are fully integrated into supporting the broader communities in which they are located.
- Volunteering, social activism and lifelong learning are more than options; they’re opportunities. Residents tutor local children, create gardens, participate in local singing groups and more.
- This applies to employees as well. Career advancement within the system is frequent and encouraged. Residents and staff together create a sense of community that improves the quality of life and well-being for all.
Kendal’s Quaker Roots
Did you know that the name “Kendal” was chosen in honor of the town in Northwest England’s Lake District, where the Kendal Fund was established centuries ago to help meet the expenses of traveling Quakers? Still, now, I see us as travelers leading in our work to improve the lives of older adults across the Kendal System and in the wider world.
We move forward with balancing tradition and innovation. Kendal honors Quaker roots through the thoughtfulness with which we approach our work. We act with intention, integrity and purpose. I believe that thoughtfulness is expressed in every Affiliate — you can feel it.
Ultimately, Kendal’s annual report isn’t just about reflecting on accomplishments; it’s an expressed commitment to improve and continue our work. We invite residents, employees, members and stakeholders to lend their voices. Together, we redefine what it means to age with dignity, joy, and purpose.
Vassar Byrd, CEO, The Kendal Corporation
Leading with Purpose:
Honoring Quaker Values to Redefine Aging
2024 was a year of significant achievements and meaningful progress across the Kendal System. The Kendal Corporation is honored to reflect on and celebrate the efforts of residents, employees and members who embody the responsibility of leading with purpose.
Highlighting Purpose-Driven Leadership
Throughout this collection of stories from across our System, each Kendal Affiliate has demonstrated inspiring leadership and creativity, showcasing initiatives transforming how older adults age and interact with the world around them. Communities have prioritized programs that foster meaningful connections, champion environmental stewardship and harness best practices to improve quality of life.
Community-Centered Environmental Planning
Tunley Environmental, a team of trusted sustainability scientists, helped develop a carbon reduction and biodiversity map for Kendal at Ithaca.
Resident focus groups and questionnaires shaped the community’s sustainability initiatives by providing valuable insights into what residents prioritize, including green space accessibility, sustainability interests and biodiversity goals, to align environmental efforts with what matters most to the community.
“It’s inspiring to see how residents drive Kendal at Ithaca’s sustainability initiatives forward,” shared Laurie Mante, Executive Director of Kendal at Ithaca. “Their devotion to drive real change creates a space where every voice is not only heard but deeply valued.”
Kendal at Ithaca’s collaboration with Tunley Environmental provided valuable guidance on land use, conservation efforts and campus development, offering a clear pathway for reducing carbon on campus and an overview of habitat classifications on the property.
Kendal at Ithaca’s dedication to sustainability reflects their unwavering commitment to fostering community through collaboration and listening, ensuring environmental efforts are driven by those who call the community “home.”
Sustainable Innovations on Campus
Building on their ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, Kendal at Ithaca developed a three-year program for a low-mow/no-mow test area, which is a designated area where mowing is reduced or eliminated to allow native plants and grass to flourish. Low-mow varieties are being analyzed for certain areas around campus.
The community also implemented a reusable cup policy in the Café to eliminate the use of disposable cups and began composting yard waste into nutrient-rich material. These combined efforts reduce landfill waste and work to lower the Kendal at Ithaca’s carbon footprint.
Engagement for a Greener Future
Alongside these efforts, Kendal at Ithaca actively participates in ongoing Kendal System-wide sustainability meetings, which support Affiliate communities across the country as they implement programs that reflect Quaker principles of earth stewardship.
The community is dedicated to creating an eco-friendly environment for both staff and residents to enjoy.
Part of that work includes residents serving on the board of Senior Stewards Acting for the Environment (SSAFE), a resident-founded organization that promotes a sustainable planet for all generations.
Through the community’s involvement with SSAFE and their own sustainability programs, Kendal at Ithaca successfully conducted an energy audit, created pollinator gardens, restored bird habitats and outdoor recreation spaces, reduced the use of herbicides and insecticides, introduced eco-friendly tools, and more.
As Kendal at Ithaca’s pursuit of sustainability continues, residents and staff remain committed to reducing their carbon footprint. The community stands as a shining example of how the Kendal System continues to prioritize the impact they have on the environment.
Environmental Protection:
How Passion Shapes Meaningful Change
Staff members and residents at Kendal at Ithaca actively engage in efforts to protect and improve the environment. From implementing environmentally friendly policies to collaborating with sustainability groups, Kendal at Ithaca is committed to environmental stewardship and living the values that guide the Kendal System.
Stewardship in Action:
Lathrop’s Ongoing Efforts to Protect the Land
If you’ve lived at Lathrop for any amount of time, chances are you’ve heard the word “invasives” and maybe even winced a little at the mention. Plants like bittersweet, glossy buckthorn, Japanese barberry and multiflora rose have long overstayed their welcome on both the Easthampton and Northampton campuses. These invasive species are finally meeting their match thanks to the hard work and dedication of Lathrop residents and staff.
Community Commitment:
Sustainability, Inclusion and Community
At Collington, the spirit of innovation, collaboration and environmental responsibility is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Guided by a shared commitment to sustainability, inclusion and community engagement, residents and staff work together to create a thriving, forward-thinking environment reflecting the core values of the Kendal System.
Bridging Connections:
Harnessing the Power of Technology
Located in the bustling town of West Chester, Barclay Friends strives to deliver innovative wellness and dignified healthcare. Often, that leads staff members to explore state-of-the-art and burgeoning technologies that foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
Technology has the power to bring people together, and this year, the community harnessed that power to introduce two interactive innovations to the community: the Tovertafel and the Crdl (pronounced “cradle”).
Connection and Curiosity:
Intergenerational Connections and Learning Opportunities
Ensō Village has embraced meaningful growth through learning at every stage of life. This year, they welcomed the wider Healdsburg, CA, community and fostered intergenerational connections through a local internship program. Residents also led the charge to expand Ensō Village’s lifelong learning series.
These initiatives showcase the community’s commitment to purposeful engagement during retirement.
Early Learning Center Receives Program
of Merit from Generations United
The Kendal at Hanover Early Learning Center (ELC) was honored with the Program of Merit designation by Generations United, a national organization that promotes meaningful intergenerational engagement. This recognition places the ELC among an elite group of only 34 programs nationwide commended for exceeding standards of innovation, impact and intentionality in connecting younger and older generations.
Values Inclusion
Kendal at Oberlin residents and staff strive for excellence, so when the community achieved a High Performer designation in 2023 for being LGBTQ+ inclusive in long-term care and senior housing, everyone celebrated and then began to set their sights higher.
Renovating with Intention:
The “Commons Refresh” at Kendal on Hudson
As Kendal on Hudson celebrates its 20-year anniversary, residents and staff have embarked on an exciting new chapter with the Commons Refresh initiative. This bold and thoughtful project is more than a renovation; it’s a commitment to fostering connection, wellness and the celebration of Kendal’s breathtaking location along the Hudson River.
Community Connections:
The “Residents Helping Residents” Initiative
At Kendal at Lexington, aging is viewed as a dynamic opportunity to live with purpose, build community, and lead with compassion.
Rooted in Quaker values of integrity, equality, simplicity, and shared responsibility, the community continues to redefine what it means to age well by honoring the wisdom and strength of older adults — and the power of coming together.
Encouraging Social Interactions and Engagement At Home
Dedicated to maintaining older adults’ quality of life as they age in the homes they love, Kendal at Home provides meaningful opportunities — virtually and in person — to prevent isolation and foster a sense of community across their markets in the United States.
Though the “At Home” model functions outside the traditional senior living community setting, members have the chance to connect with their peers, showcasing the person-centered, holistic approach to aging that Kendal at Home encourages and offers.
System Finances
The Kendal System, established in 1971, is a collaborative network of interdependent not-for-profit senior-living programs, communities, and services inspired by the principles of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Kendal’s values and practices, shared among all Affiliates, form the foundation of our operations. The system has evolved into a federal-style model, now encompassing 10 operating Affiliates across the country. Each Kendal Affiliate functions as a locally governed 501(c)(3) organization with a board of directors and leadership team, maintaining strong ties to their respective local communities.
In this federal-style model, The Kendal Corporation (TKC) serves as the supporting organization, providing essential services, developing model practices, and fostering mission-aligned growth and connection throughout the Kendal System. Each Kendal organization manages its financial resources and obligations independently while participating in enterprise-level initiatives, which allows for both local responsiveness and the collective scale of a national values-driven system.
David Smart Welcomed as Ensō Village’s Executive Director
David Smart is the new Executive Director of Ensō Village effective January 2025. With over 20 years of experience in senior living and community management, David brings a wealth of knowledge to advance Ensō Village’s mission of fostering mindful aging, sustainability, and contemplative care.
David’s leadership philosophy is deeply aligned with Ensō Village’s values. He emphasizes a resident-focused approach, ensuring they have a voice in community decisions, alongside a strong commitment to staff development, reflecting his own career beginnings in senior living at just 14 years old. David aims to guide Ensō Village’s growth with his expertise in visioning, strategic planning, operational management, and fiscal oversight.
Rob Lippincott, the community’s Board Chair, and Paul Kuenstner, Chair of the Search Committee, expressed their satisfaction with the extensive selection process and their confidence in David’s leadership qualities. Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation, also praised David’s rich background and alignment with Ensō Village’s culture.
David holds a master’s degree in Gerontology and Long-Term Care Administration from Naropa University, a Buddhist-inspired institution.
Please note: Maria Santangelo (Barclay Friends) and Seth Vilensky (Kendal at Oberlin) were acknowledged in last year’s annual report.
Kendal at Lexington Welcomed Adam Day as New CEO
Kendal at Lexington welcomed Adam Day as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2025. Adam brings over 20 years of experience in operations management, strategic planning, and community development within senior living organizations — including leading roles at Beaumont at Bryn Mawr and Foxdale Village.
Adam’s leadership expertise includes alignment of operational strategies, spearheading impactful renovations, and fostering innovative partnerships. His collaborative approach and dedication to building vibrant communities make him well-suited to guide Kendal at Lexington into the next chapter.
Pam Luecke, Chair of the Kendal at Lexington Board, praised Adam’s appreciation for the Quaker-inspired values that underpin the organization, citing his passion for working with staff, residents, and the board to ensure continued growth and success. Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Adam’s enthusiasm and strategic vision for the future.
Kendal at Lexington expects that Adam’s leadership will further enhance its reputation as a leader in senior living, with a focus on fostering strong community ties, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
Kendal Charitable Funds
Giving with Purpose: Advancing the Kendal Charitable Funds Mission
Thirty-six years since its inception, the Kendal Charitable Funds continues to evolve to address the needs of the aging community. Throughout 2024, the foundation successfully fostered a sense of community across the Kendal System and raised awareness for important causes for the future of aging.
The power of philanthropy shone through these accomplishments, specifically as the System worked to raise awareness to end Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
As of June 11, 2025, Kendal Charitable Funds (KCF) formally merged into The Kendal Corporation. The spirit and intention of KCF’s mission will now be under the purview of a newly formed committee — the Advancement Committee — as part of The Kendal Corporation’s board. This milestone reflects a thoughtful alignment of our charitable efforts, ensuring they continue with clarity, efficiency, and shared purpose.
A Year of Purposeful Giving
Excited to expand upon a successful initiative, Kendal Charitable Funds granted $5,000 on behalf of each Kendal Affiliate to encourage participation in their local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The funds were utilized to secure a Walk sponsorship position for the Affiliate or directly contribute to the Affiliate’s Walk Team.
Affiliates took advantage of the financial support from Kendal Charitable Funds, reached their goals, and participated in walks nationwide, with many noting that this year’s funding support truly made a difference in fostering deeper connections with their broader communities. Participating Affiliates included: Kendal at Oberlin, Kendal at Home, Kendal at Lexington, Kendal at Ithaca, Kendal at Hanover, Kendal on Hudson, Barclay Friends with The Kendal Corporation, Lathrop communities, and Collington.
Illustrating their commitment to providing exceptional memory care and support for those experiencing Alzheimer’s or other dementias, Kendal at Lexington participated in its local walk for the first time in several years thanks to the foundation’s support and donated the funds raised as a result of their events and activities directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Collington participated as a lead sponsor in their local walk, and Resident Don Zelman served as the representative of a person living with Alzheimer’s disease during the Walk’s Opening Ceremony.
As a part of Collington’s larger educational and engagement activities to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia, they connected with George Washington University researchers conducting a county-wide aging services needs assessment. Focus groups with 30 residents, organized by Collington Foundation Board Member Chuck VanAnden, informed the study.
“We were thrilled to see such a strong and powerful response to the foundation’s financial support,” shared Diane Massey, Interim Executive Director at The Kendal Corporations’s Governance Resource Group. “Affiliates came together to support each other in their programming and efforts, while at the same time making it unique and meaningful to the local Affiliate community.”
Generosity Meeting Purpose
In addition to the System-wide funding initiative, the Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School successfully completed its two-year Promising Innovations Grant. Kendal Charitable Funds provided $50,000 to support their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Healthcare Career Pathways program, training over a 24-month grant period.
Through this initiative, the Academy of Hope trained and certified 50 adult learners as CNAs, offering hands-on and in-depth training that included clinical practice and shadowing opportunities. Working as a pipeline to the healthcare field, this program prepares CNA graduates for careers in senior living and aging services. The partnership signifies the foundation’s reach beyond Affiliates to transform the aging experience across the country.
“For the future of senior living, Kendal Charitable Funds remains focused on advancing Kendal’s mission,” shared Barbara Freedman, former Board Chair of Kendal Charitable Funds. “We will continue to create new and innovative ways to advance our purpose and calling.”
The Kendal Leadership Fellows Program:
Deep Learning for Inspired Leaders
Leadership is not just about titles or positions. It’s about a person’s influence, self-awareness and ability to inspire others. Since its inception in 2012, the Kendal Leadership Fellows Program has been at the forefront of developing these qualities in participants. Designed to cultivate leaders who embody Kendal’s values and mission, this program has empowered employees in various areas and positions to grow personally and professionally.
Here’s a closer look at the history, purpose and impact of this innovative program that has been inspiring leaders for over a decade.
From Vision to Reality
What started as a visionary idea from Loraine Deisinger, former Kendal Human Resources Director, and John Diffey, Kendal’s CEO at the time, became a reality after nearly a decade of planning. Initially targeting high-level management, the program has since evolved to include informal leaders at all levels, making it accessible to a diverse group of participants eager to make an impact.
The Leadership Fellow’s Design Team, which includes Judy Sorum Brown—the program’s lead designer since its beginning—and Lynne Giacobbe, CEO of Kendal at Home, has contributed significantly to its success. Their guidance and expertise are instrumental in shaping the program and ensuring its effectiveness.
What Makes the Program So Distinctive?
The Kendal Leadership Fellows Program has a holistic approach that bridges personal development, community connection and practical leadership tools. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Focus on Leadership as an “inside job”
- The program emphasizes that leadership begins within. Self-awareness and personal development lie at the heart of its curriculum. Participants explore their strengths, reflect on their values, and connect deeply with themselves and others.
- Rooted in Quaker values
- True to Kendal’s heritage, Quakerism plays a pivotal role in the program, guiding participants toward humility, active listening and thoughtful self-reflection in their leadership journeys.
- Tools for Growth
- Practical tools like CliftonStrengths assessments, Appreciative Inquiry techniques, and Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal teachings equip Fellows to tackle real-world challenges with resilience and authenticity.
- Connection with Peers in the Kendal System
- Leaders meet confidentially with colleagues from various departments and roles, fostering connections and a deeper understanding of one another and their connections within the Kendal System.
Guided by Exceptional Expertise
Much of the program’s success has been attributed to the care and attention the Design Team and group facilitators share with participants.
Judy Sorum Brown is an acclaimed speaker, writer, poet and educator who focuses on leadership, change, creativity, learning, diversity, dialogue and personal renewal. Her lifelong work spans many areas, including the development of a fellowship program for the non-profit LeadingAge. Her work is about helping people recall deeper principles and their own essence to connect with the authenticity within themselves and in others, and to uncover common ground within their work.
Lynne Giacobbe, a seasoned facilitator and innovative leader, has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Kendal at Home since its founding in 2003. She brings her vast experience in the field and ability to ask provocative questions. She has a passion for leadership development and inspires others to accomplish whatever work they’re passionate about.
A Transformative Experience
The nine-month curriculum is structured around monthly sessions dedicated to thematic leadership topics. Beginning with introductions and Quaker values, sessions evolve to cover building belonging, leadership tools, and facing crucial moments, culminating with a collective celebration at Kendal headquarters.
Participants describe the program as “inspiring and life changing.” One graduate shared, “This program will shift your perspectives and transform you into a better leader and person. If you’re given the opportunity, take it.”
Through this shared experience, Fellows form lasting relationships across the Kendal System while creating an invaluable support network and shared learning.
Broadened Access
As a result of adapting through the pandemic, the transition from in-person sessions to a virtual Zoom format has been a game-changer. Not only has it reduced costs, but it has also significantly broadened access, allowing for greater inclusivity and scalability.
Impact and Legacy
Over the last decade, the Kendal Leadership Fellows Program has achieved remarkable success. Many Fellows have advanced in their careers, assumed greater responsibilities, and grown their influence within and beyond Kendal.
The Kendal Leadership Fellows Program remains a beacon of growth and potential, with opportunities to deepen its impact. Leaders are not born overnight, but can be cultivated with care through opportunities like these.
Kendal Culinary Cook-Off:
A Signature Event
In October of 2024, Executive Chefs from nine communities across the Kendal System gathered at Sysco headquarters in Houston, Texas, for a dynamic culinary showcase and cook-off. The event highlighted their exceptional culinary talents and facilitated camaraderie within the organization.
For the signature “Cook-Off” event, four teams of two chefs were randomly paired to compete. Each duo was presented with a market basket filled with premium ingredients, including strip steak, sustainably caught gulf snapper, lion’s mane mushrooms, fennel and spreadable salami.
Over the course of an hour and a half, they crafted four plates consisting of one appetizer and one entrée. The winning dish, recognized for its flavor, presentation and creativity, resulted from a collaboration between Executive Chef Eddy Dias from Kendal on Hudson and Director of Culinary Lisa Wilken from Kendal at Oberlin.
The event is not only a fun way for chefs to showcase their talents; it emphasizes Kendal’s commitment to high-quality culinary excellence and community spirit among its chefs.
Christian Ramsey, Director of Operations for Kendal, expressed his pride, stating, “This now-signature Kendal event showcases the high level of culinary skill, talent and camaraderie Kendal Chefs exhibit each and every day in the Kendal communities they serve. The winning team’s dish was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. The Kendal team sincerely thanks Sysco for hosting the Gathering and for the use of their state-of-the-art test kitchen.”
Judged by a panel of culinary experts, including Laurel Elliott, Director of Culinary- Outside Consulting & Marketing Services NorAm for Entegra, the competition underscored the collaborative spirit and expertise within the culinary community.
“My sincerest thanks to Christian Ramsey and the team at Kendal for the invitation to judge their culinary competition at Sysco. Meeting Chris, Chef Neil and the team was an absolute pleasure! Thank you all for your continued partnership,” Laurel shared.
At Kendal, we believe in fostering an environment where creativity and community thrive. This is where tradition meets innovation and where the future of culinary arts is shaped.
The Culinary Cook-Off is a showcase event held annually at the Kendal System Culinary “Gathering,” a Kendal tradition of bringing Kendal colleagues together across the country to improve skills, exchange innovative ideas and forge connections that transcend geographic boundaries.
The Power of Connections:
Intergenerational Learning at Kendal
From on-site early learning centers to partnerships with universities and local schools, Kendal’s intergenerational approach enriches lives, strengthens communities, and promotes lifelong learning.
Building Bonds
Numerous stories from Kendal communities show generations coming together, forming bonds that nurture empathy, understanding, and joy. By embedding intergenerational programming, communities can create environments where everyone benefits.
More Than an Amenity
The care and thought behind the effort make onsite early learning centers and intergenerational programs stand out. These programs are central to the community’s culture, treating residents and younger generations as key players in an inspiring exchange of perspectives, skills, and compassion.
Spotlight on Kendal Early Learning Centers
Kendal at Hanover’s Early Learning Center (ELC) has been recognized with the prestigious Program of Merit designation by Generations United, celebrating its innovative intergenerational programming. This recognition places the ELC among an elite group of only 34 programs nationwide commended for exceeding standards of innovation, impact, and intentionality in connecting younger and older generations.
Kendal at Oberlin, which previously earned the designation of a Program of Distinction through Generations United, was recertified and aims to apply for the Merit distinguished accolade next year. Kendal at Oberlin’s intergenerational program exemplifies the true spirit of community—embracing diversity, fostering continuous learning, and creating meaningful connections.
The IC3 Program at Kendal at Ithaca is run by an outside organization that uses the Child-Centered Active Learning curriculum. Children and older adult residents have meals in the same dining room and have multiple opportunities to engage.
Celebration and Sharing
From crafting valentines for “grand friends” to exploring the honeybee’s life with a resident beekeeper, Kendal ELCs provide countless opportunities for children and older adults to connect.
- Collaborative Learning: Residents volunteer in the preschool classroom, conduct one-on-one visits, craft and tell stories, and support hands-on learning during field trips to local parks, libraries, and orchards.
- Shared Community Spaces: Older adult residents and children enrolled in the early learning centers can connect on-site at the pool, outdoor spaces, on-campus art galleries and for performance events in the auditoriums, sharing experiences from swimming to spontaneous string quartets.
- Special Celebrations: Together, the communities celebrate events like Dr. Seuss’ birthday with Green Eggs and Ham or engaging in shared art and music projects through creative workshops.
Lifelong Learning- University Partnerships
Kendal Affiliates also foster strong ties with colleges and young adults through partnerships with local universities. Residents at Kendal at Lexington benefit from classes at Washington and Lee and with VMI for collaborations, such as computer training. At Kendal at Oberlin, residents enjoy hundreds of Oberlin Conservatory concerts while auditing college classes for free. The University of Maryland School of Music hosts an Artists in Residence program at Collington, uniting musicians and residents through performances and teaching.
Across Kendal locations, partnerships range from mentoring Bowie State students to engaging with local preschoolers, high school interns, and community youth groups in activities that foster connection and mutual growth. Notable examples include Pace University students conducting PT/OT sessions at Kendal on Hudson and shared dining experiences with preschoolers at Kendal at Ithaca.
Retirements of Howard Braxton and Steve Bailey from The Kendal Corporation
Howard Braxton
After an inspiring 45-year career, Howard Braxton, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Communications, retired, leaving a lasting legacy at The Kendal Corporation. Known for his warmth and professionalism, Howard elevated Kendal’s marketing efforts with visionary leadership and collaboration.
Fondly remembered for his vibrant personality, Howard’s welcoming smile and sense of humor made him not just a colleague but a friend to many. Thanks to Howard’s guidance and dedication, Kendal’s marketing team has strong Affiliate connections, continuing a tradition of excellence inspired by past mentors.
Howard’s impact is lasting, and while his absence will be felt, his dedication and contributions have shaped a standard of excellence that lives on in Kendal’s culture.
Steve Bailey
Steve Bailey, Senior Strategy Advisor, ended his 12-year tenure with Kendal with a focus on development and growth. Steve led advisement on development, expansion and renovation projects for Kendal Affiliates. Beyond blueprints, he connected deeply with residents and employees, reinforcing a sense of community.
Steve’s initiatives extended into national partnerships, such as intergenerational programs with universities and collaborations with Quaker groups, enriching Kendal’s mission. A keystone achievement was the realization of Ensō Village, a Zen-inspired Kendal life plan community in California. This milestone reflects Steve’s ability to integrate Kendal’s values into groundbreaking projects.
Steve’s final role as Senior Strategy Advisor emphasized sustainability, cementing Kendal’s leadership in environmentally conscious initiatives. Reflecting on his time, Steve expressed profound gratitude to his colleagues and the Kendal system for their trust and collaboration.
Kendal Leadership
Jonathan Alessandrini, IT Security Analyst
Max Ault, Senior Director, Project Integration
Crystal Baker, Controller
Jessica Buhler, Director, Communications & Public Relations
Jennie Bury, Business Development Strategist
Vassar Byrd, CEO
Cara Cassner, Director, Marketing
Imad Chehab, Assistant Director, IT Software Applications
Kim Dunn, Director, Talent & Employee Engagement
Jason Eldridge, Director, Health Systems
Amy Harrison, Chief Financial Officer
Doug Helman, Chief Operating Officer
Marquis Hynson, Marketing Specialist
Jennifer Karsten, Governance Advisor
Diane Massey, Director, Outreach & Engagement
Deb McCardell, Senior Director, Human Resources
Carlos Menendez, Assistant Director, IT Network Operations
Pam Moriarity, Executive Assistant
Kurt Rahner, Chief Technology Officer
Angela Rafine, Lead HRIS Benefits Administrator
Christian Ramsey, Director, Hospitality Services
Dan Rock, Director, Procurement
Janet Ruggieri, Financial Analyst
Alli Skelly, HRIS and Payroll Administrator
Craig Witz, Vice President, Development
Kendal New York
Vassar Byrd, CEO
Kendal Charitable Funds
Diane Massey, Interim Executive Director
Executive Director/CEO of Kendal Organizations
Maria Santangelo, Barclay Friends
Ann Gillespie, Collington
David Smart, Ensō Village
Beth Vettori, Kendal at Hanover
Lynne Giacobbe, Kendal at Home
Laurie Mante, Kendal at Ithaca
Adam Day, Kendal at Lexington
Seth Vilensky, Kendal Northern Ohio/
Kendal at Oberlin
Jean Eccleston, Kendal on Hudson
Patrick Arguin, Lathrop
Residents Association President
Grae Baxter, Collington
Kate Page, Val Ohanian and Debbie Faigenbaum (Exec. Comm.), Ensō Village
Margaret Clark, Kendal at Hanover
Elaine DeWan, Kendal at Ithaca
Lee Henkel, Kendal at Lexington
Joyce Benjamin, Kendal at Oberlin
Hildegarde Gray, Kendal on Hudson
Kamala Brush, Lathrop Easthampton
Chris Hjelt and Elly Rumelt, Lathrop Northampton
Kendal Boards
BARCLAY FRIENDS
Tim Boyd
John Braceland
John Cigler
Susan Cusack
Matt Davis
Cendrine Gemberling
August Gerhardt
Ellen Gilbert
Sony John
Jolie Karp
Marianne Pessognelli
Mike Scheuren
Serita Spadoni
John Spangler
COLLINGTON
Alexis Allen-Shorter
Christal Batey
Doreen Bickel
Charlie Clapper
Peter Cochran
Dick Garrison
Vikki Kalitsi
Matt Lewis
Rosalind Muchiri
Greg Niblett
Adam Osteryoung
Lori Simon-Rusinowitz
Zan Smith
Marsha Voigt
ENSŌ VILLAGE
Laura Ferracane
Spencer D. Hamrick Jr.
Dan Hirsch
Walter Kieser
Paul Kuenstner
Vakil Kuner
Rob Lippincott
Alison Lum
Gregory W. McClune
Zesho Susan O’Connell
Roy Remer
KENDAL AT HANOVER
Nan K. Carroll
Tom Corindia
Judy Csatari
Suzanne Elusorr
Sean M. Gorman
Ruth Lappin
Lisabeth L. Maloney
Nancy Marion
Bridget Mudge
George Rupp
Eric Shirley
Anant Sundaram
KENDAL AT HOME
Heather Ahearn
Edna Chun
Wendy Ferullo
Joseph Haubrich
Alan Kolp
Rosa Licea-Mailloux
Allen Mix
Mary Picken
Jeff Pollock
Colleen Ryan Mallon
KENDAL AT ITHACA
Charles Ackerman
William “Bill” D. Crane
Peter Dugo
Davina A. Desnoes
Elaine DeWan
Mary Pat Dolan
Judith A. Ehren
Mary Ann Erickson
George P. Ferrari, Jr.
Justina Fetterly
Jeffrey Layton
Joe Mareane
Alan D. Mathios
Stephen Nunley
Alan Pedersen
Jeffrey Penoyer
Sonia Rucker
Vito Sciscioli
Chris Sheppard
Lucy H. Staley
Helen D. Talty
Donald D. Wilson
KENDAL AT LEXINGTON
Priscilla Baker
Elizabeth Branner
George “Merce” Brook, IV
Tom Gosse
Randolph Hare
Michele Hentz
Dianne Herrick
Mark Keeley
Pam Luecke
Valerie Moliterno
Colin Reid
Bennett Ross
Bruce Summers
Tasha Walsh
Harry Warner, Jr.
Linda Wilder
KENDAL AT OBERLIN
Barb Benjamin
Wuu-Shung Chuang
Rollin Conway
Andria Derstine
Tom Konkoly
Betsy Manderen
Annette McIver
Robert Monchein
Scott Moore
Gary Olin
Liz Schultz
Michael Shiferaw
Jack Southworth
Dominique Stecker
Dan Storer
Dan Styer
Tracy Sutherland
Carmen Verhosek
Joan Villarreal
KENDAL CHARITABLE FUNDS
Dan Churchill
Barbara Freedman
James Greenwood
Annetha Hall
Jeffrey Harness
Richard Schramm
Lee Ann Sullivan
Grace Tompos
Carla Willis
KENDAL FOUNDING DIRECTORS
Curtis L. Clapham
Nancy F. Darling
Anne W. Harrington
David L. Hewitt
Alan Reeve Hunt
Joanna B. Savery
Robert M.W. Taylor
Richard M. Worth
Sarah Edge Worth
KENDAL NORTHERN OHIO
Liz Burgess
Rey Carrion
Ruth Ann Clark
Josephine Jones
Tangi McCoy
KENDAL ON HUDSON
Kiran Batheja
Jeffrey Brensilver
Victoria Gearity
Bernard J. Lillis
Barry Morris
Adriana Murphy
Ed Napoleon
Howard Permut
Caroline Persell
Henry Schacht
Lynn Tepper
Samuel Vieira
Sharon Stahl Wexler
Deborah B. Wood
LATHROP
Carole Bull
Ruth Constantine
Katie Edwards
Michael Ford
Bill Hogan
Susannah Howe
Larry Hunt
George Kriebel
Sharon Kletzien
George Leonard
Daniel Lesley
Georgia Moore
Carol Neubert
Mark Peterson
Elaine Reall
Liz Weissbach
THE KENDAL CORPORATION, KENDAL AGING, KENDAL NEW YORK
Anna Marie Butrie
Brooke Carroll
Paul Cooney
Barbara Freedman
Diane Gibson
Annetha Hall
Julie Houpt
Jodi Leeser
Rosa Licea-Mailloux
Susan Murphy
Anne Page
Stanley Pelli
Margaret Plank
Howard Smith
BARCLAY FRIENDS
Tim Boyd
John Braceland
John Cigler
Susan Cusack
Matt Davis
Cendrine Gemberling
August Gerhardt
Ellen Gilbert
Sony John
Jolie Karp
Marianne Pessognelli
Mike Scheuren
Serita Spadoni
John Spangler
COLLINGTON
Alexis Allen-Shorter
Christal Batey
Doreen Bickel
Charlie Clapper
Peter Cochran
Dick Garrison
Vikki Kalitsi
Matt Lewis
Rosalind Muchiri
Greg Niblett
Adam Osteryoung
Lori Simon-Rusinowitz
Zan Smith
Marsha Voigt
ENSÓ VILLAGE
Laura Ferracane
Spencer D. Hamrick Jr.
Dan Hirsch
Walter Kieser
Paul Kuenstner
Vakil Kuner
Rob Lippincott
Alison Lum
Gregory W. McClune
Zesho Susan O’Connell
Roy Remer
KENDAL AT HANOVER
Nan K. Carroll
Tom Corindia
Judy Csatari
Suzanne Elusorr
Sean M. Gorman
Ruth Lappin
Lisabeth L. Maloney
Nancy Marion
Bridget Mudge
George Rupp
Eric Shirley
Anant Sundaram
KENDAL AT HOME
Heather Ahearn
Edna Chun
Wendy Ferullo
Joseph Haubrich
Alan Kolp
Rosa Licea-Mailloux
Allen Mix
Mary Picken
Jeff Pollock
Colleen Ryan Mallon
KENDAL AT ITHACA
Charles Ackerman
William “Bill” D. Crane
Peter Dugo
Davina A. Desnoes
Elaine DeWan
Mary Pat Dolan
Judith A. Ehren
Mary Ann Erickson
George P. Ferrari, Jr.
Justina Fetterly
Jeffrey Layton
Joe Mareane
Alan D. Mathios
Stephen Nunley
Alan Pedersen
Jeffrey Penoyer
Sonia Rucker
Vito Sciscioli
Chris Sheppard
Lucy H. Staley
Helen D. Talty
Donald D. Wilson
KENDAL AT LEXINGTON
Priscilla Baker
Elizabeth Branner
George “Merce” Brook, IV
Tom Gosse
Randolph Hare
Michele Hentz
Dianne Herrick
Mark Keeley
Pam Luecke
Valerie Moliterno
Colin Reid
Bennett Ross
Bruce Summers
Tasha Walsh
Harry Warner, Jr.
Linda Wilder
KENDAL AT OBERLIN
Barb Benjamin
Wuu-Shung Chuang
Rollin Conway
Andria Derstine
Tom Konkoly
Betsy Manderen
Annette McIver
Robert Monchein
Scott Moore
Gary Olin
Liz Schultz
Michael Shiferaw
Jack Southworth
Dominique Stecker
Dan Storer
Dan Styer
Tracy Sutherland
Carmen Verhosek
Joan Villarreal
KENDAL CHARITABLE FUNDS
Dan Churchill
Barbara Freedman
James Greenwood
Annetha Hall
Jeffrey Harness
Richard Schramm
Lee Ann Sullivan
Grace Tompos
Carla Willis
KENDAL FOUNDING DIRECTORS
Curtis L. Clapham
Nancy F. Darling
Anne W. Harrington
David L. Hewitt
Alan Reeve Hunt
Joanna B. Savery
Robert M.W. Taylor
Richard M. Worth
Sarah Edge Worth
KENDAL NORTHERN OHIO
Liz Burgess
Rey Carrion
Ruth Ann Clark
Josephine Jones
Tangi McCoy
KENDAL ON HUDSON
Kiran Batheja
Jeffrey Brensilver
Victoria Gearity
Bernard J. Lillis
Barry Morris
Adriana Murphy
Ed Napoleon
Howard Permut
Caroline Persell
Henry Schacht
Lynn Tepper
Samuel Vieira
Sharon Stahl Wexler
Deborah B. Wood
LATHROP
Carole Bull
Ruth Constantine
Katie Edwards
Michael Ford
Bill Hogan
Susannah Howe
Larry Hunt
George Kriebel
Sharon Kletzien
George Leonard
Daniel Lesley
Georgia Moore
Carol Neubert
Mark Peterson
Elaine Reall
Liz Weissbach
THE KENDAL CORPORATION, KENDAL AGING, KENDAL NEW YORK
Anna Marie Butrie
Brooke Carroll
Paul Cooney
Barbara Freedman
Diane Gibson
Annetha Hall
Julie Houpt
Jodi Leeser
Rosa Licea-Mailloux
Susan Murphy
Anne Page
Stanley Pelli
Margaret Plank
Howard Smith
