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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

Applewood’s Executive Director is Keith Grady. Keith is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LHNA) and has more than 35 years of management, operational and development experience in continuing care communities. Keith is responsible for the administration of the day-to-day operations and the development of Applewood’s future strategy. His innovative ideas and charismatic personality have shaped Applewood Village into one of New Jersey’s top choices for retirement living.

“I was extremely close to my grandparents and felt the need and desire to serve others at a very young age, providing a compassionate approach to care,” Keith says. “Most people usually pick their occupation, but this occupation picked me. I wouldn’t want to spend my life anywhere else than in a continuing care community.”

Heath Braunstein

Senior Director of Dining Services

Heath Braunstein has been Director of Dining Services at Applewood Village since 2013 and oversees all restaurant, catering and healthcare dining operations. He is a graduate of the Michigan State University School of Hotel and Restaurant Management and has attended courses at the Culinary Institute of America.

Prior to working at Applewood Village Mr. Braunstein’s work experience included Director of Training, Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety and Director of Purchasing for a Regional Contract Food Management Company. Mr. Braunstein has also received “Food Management Professional” and “Serve Safe” certifications from the National Restaurant Association.

Jennifer Kohan

Director of Sales & Marketing

Jennifer Kohan, Director of Sales and Marketing, has been with Applewood Village since August 2021. Jennifer is a highly experienced sales and marketing professional and brings more than 20 years of experience working with senior living and continuing care retirement communities in New Jersey.

Ramon Vargas

Director of Plant Operations

Ramon Vargas is the Manager of Facilities Management which includes Building Services, Housekeeping and Security. Ramon has over 25 years of experience in facilities management with more than 17 of those years being in the healthcare field. He is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator in the State of New Jersey.

Charles Arolla

Executive Chef

Charles joined the Applewood Village team after amassing a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry. Charles spent nearly 40 years working in hotels and restaurants both as the Head Chef and General Manager. Charles’ culinary experiences began in New York City and have taken him throughout Europe. This has made him a very diversified chef, able to accommodate a variety of tastes and preferences.