Staff
Jeanne Silvers – Director
B.S. Degree from Central Michigan University and 28 years of medical social work experience with an emphasis in geriatrics and brain injury rehabilitation. She was part of the community task force that lead to the development of New Horizons Adult Day Center in 2000. Jeanne is employed full-time as administrator, social worker and program developer.
Kari Roth – Activity Program Manager
B.S Degree in Family Services from Iowa State University and 26 years of recreation and therapeutic activity experience with an emphasis in geriatrics and dementia activity planning. Her enthusiasm, long term care expertise and leadership skills are an asset to our organization. Kari is employed full-time to coordinate the daily programs, manage the day-to-day activities and to assess the recreation needs of each participant.
Vicki Engh – Administrative Assistant
Attended Mankato State College and has 23 years of in-home childcare provider experience. She brings compassion, direct care, medical and business knowledge from her history of self-employment to our multidisciplinary team. Vick is employed full-time and manages the food service program, performs all office tasks and assists with the activity programs.
Gloria Gaffke – Registered Nurse
R.N. Degree from William Rainey Harper Junior College and 31 years of experience in acute care hospital facilities with an emphasis pediatric nursing. Gloria has an important clinical role to monitor acute health care changes, dispense medications and provide the clinical health care assessment to our participants. She is employed part-time and we rely on nursing expertise for health care coordination with families and their physicians,
Michelle VanGinkel – Program Assistant
Completed Certified Nursing Assistant Training at Fleur Heights Care Center and has 10 years of direct care experience in assisted living and nursing home care settings. She is employed full-time to conduct activities, assist with the hygiene care needs of program participants and as a Certified Medication Aid is qualified to administer medications.
Terri Schmacker – Nursing Assistant
An Associate Degree in Horticulture and continuing education in Dental Hygiene and Direct Care in residential care facilities. Terri’s experience in direct care, transportation, and day treatment programs are of benefit to our program. She provides assistance in the areas of feeding, grooming, showers, toileting and ambulation and activities.
Dorothy Basham – Food Service Worker
A high school graduate with ten years of office work experience and countless years of volunteer work. Dorothy has been a dedicated employee who is willing to serve in other program capacities. She is responsible for food service of the catered meals that are delivered to the center.
Ellen Cherry – Bus Driver
An Ankeny High School graduate and has 29 years of bus driving experience with Ankeny School System. She also for 15 years transported senior citizens to the Senior Center for noontime meals and we’re fortunate to have such an experienced driver on staff. Ellen provides door-to-door bus service and assistance to persons who otherwise would not be able to get to the center. She makes riding the bus a fun and safe experience.