We’re here for you
Applewood’s professional team makes all the difference
Where employees are happy, residents are happy, too. Consider this: Nationally each year, 30% of all employees change jobs, while at Applewood Village, the average tenure of staff is nearly a decade.
Keith Grady
Executive Director
kgrady@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Keith Grady is the Executive Director. He is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LHNA) and a Dementia Care Capable Specialist (DCCS) with more than 35 years of management, operational and development experience in life plan communities. Mr. Grady is responsible for the administration of the day-to-day operations and, in conjunction with FellowshipLIFE, the development of Applewood Village’s future strategies. His innovative ideas and charismatic personality have shaped Applewood Village into one of New Jersey’s top choices for retirement living.
Mr. Grady is on the Board of Directors of LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware is the co-chair of LeadingAge’s Leaders of Color Network. He often shares his expertise in senior living strategies at both state and national industry conferences.
“I was extremely close to my grandparents and, at a very young age, felt the need and desire to serve others, providing a compassionate approach to care,” Mr. Grady says. “Most people choose their occupation, but this occupation chose me. I wouldn’t want to spend my life anywhere else than in a continuing care community.”
Sally Sefin
Senior Director of Healthcare Services
ssefin@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Sally Sefin is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA). She has experience in both Social and Medical Adult Day Programs, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing. Ms. Sefin received her degree from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Policy Public at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
Jennifer Kohan
Director of Sales & Marketing
jkohan@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Jennifer DePierro brings over 25 years of sales and marketing expertise in senior living, real estate, and corporate environments. As Director of Sales and Marketing at Applewood Village, she leads a high-performing sales team, focusing on growth by implementing proven sales techniques to achieve measurable success.
Ms. DePierro began her career in human resources and corporate training at Merrill Lynch, later transitioning to leadership roles in senior living at Lantern Hill, where she managed the sales and move-in transition for new residents, and at FellowshipLife, overseeing the Fellowship Freedom Plan program.
Ms. DePierro holds a Master of Arts from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Stony Brook.
Heath Braunstein
Senior Director of Dining Services
hbraunstein@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Heath Braunstein has over 40 years of food service management experience with over 10 years in senior living. His core competencies include all facets of food service operations, purchasing, cost management, quality assurance, HACCP and training. He has demonstrated a proven ability to build, train, and motivate teams of salaried and hourly employees to achieve operational & organizational goals. He is passionate about providing excellent resident experience and a positive working atmosphere for his employees.
During his tenure at Applewood Village, Mr. Braunstein successfully implemented menu innovations, food service forums, and sustainability initiatives that have improved communication, service, and resident satisfaction. He is also the creator and facilitator of the “Culinary Institute of Applewood”, one of the most popular engaged living activities for Applewood Village residents. Mr. Braunstein has also held multiple corporate roles including Director of Training, Director of Purchasing & Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety while previously employed by a major regional food contract management company in the NY Metro Area.
Mr. Braunstein holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration/hotel restaurant management from Michigan State University and is a Certified Dietary Manager / Certified Food Protection Professional. Mr. Braunstein resides in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey, and lives with his wife and two children.
Anna Zonis, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Director of Nursing
azonis@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Anna Zonis is the Director of Nursing at Applewood Village. She has her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in nursing education from New Jersey City University and has been a nurse working in long-term care for nearly 15 years. Ms. Zonis’ career in nursing leadership has been focused on ensuring that nursing staff have the knowledge and tools needed to provide excellent care to our residents. She is local to the area community, growing up in and still residing in Manalapan. While not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Ramon Vargas
Director of Plant Operations
rvargas@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Ramon Vargas is the Director of Plant Operations at Applewood Village, which includes building services, housekeeping, security and IT, as well as project management. Mr. Vargas has over 25 years of experience in facilities management, 17 of those years in the healthcare field including the last 10. He is married and the proud father of two sons.
Samantha Scanlon
Lifestyle & Hospitality Director
sscanlon@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Samantha Scanlon has 8 years’ experience working in social work with the senior population. Her professional journey commenced at Adult Protective Services as a Social Work Supervisor, where she obtained knowledge and skills to better support the senior population. Ms. Scanlon has been an advocate for the residents of Applewood Village for 4 years. Throughout her time at Applewood Village, she has created a supportive and welcoming environment for the residents.
Ms. Scanlon has applied the seven dimensions of wellness for all residents in every stage of their life through Engaged Living including, but not limited to physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. She is truly passionate about ensuring all residents feel they are living life to their fullest potential while implementing many requests from hundreds of different personalities and interests.
Ms. Scanlon has a master’s degree in social work from Monmouth University. She received her professional certification in Assisted Living Administration in 2022 and became a Dementia Capable Care Specialist in 2024.