We’re here for you
Our team makes all the difference
At Applewood Village, our leadership team works closely with residents and team members to create exceptional experiences for all those who are part of our community.
We invite you to visit our campus and meet the leaders who inspire innovation in our community every day.

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.

Karen Sembello
Director of Sales and Marketing
kasembello@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Karen Sembello brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role at Applewood Village, drawing on over 20 years in senior living. She returns to Applewood Village after contributing to the success of Pines Village, another community within the FellowshipLIFE family, as Director of Sales.
In her current position, Karen leads a team that assists prospective residents and their families in navigating the complexities of senior living. She emphasizes the importance of making well-informed decisions that are both financially sound and emotionally supportive. Karen’s commitment to this role stems from her understanding that choosing senior living is a significant decision, and she aims to replicate the happiness experienced by residents at Applewood Village for others.
Karen graduated from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Communications/Public Relations. She has worked in other senior communities in various states and worked with the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Her passion for helping people is what motivates her every day.

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.

Tim McCall
Director of Plant Operations
tmccall@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Tim McCall is the Director of Plant Operations at Applewood Village, overseeing building services, housekeeping, security, IT support coordination, and project management. He brings strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to lead teams toward operational excellence.
Tim is experienced in improving processes to increase productivity and reduce operating costs, quickly identifying obstacles, and implementing effective solutions. He is committed to collaboration and maintaining positive relationships with residents, team members, and vendors to ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained community.

Arthur Patterson
Executive Chef
apatterson@fellowshiplifeinc.org
With over 20 years of culinary experience, as well as an exceptional knowledge and passion for food. Executive Chef Arthur Patterson offers Applewood Village residents a very special and unique dining experience. Chef Patterson holds dual degrees in Restaurant Management and in the Culinary Arts from the distinguished and world renowned Culinary Institute of America.
Over the past decade, Chef Patterson, has brought his skills, vision, and leadership to the Applewood Village kitchens. Where he takes great pride in refining the culinary experience as well as introducing innovative ideas including his much sought after “Exhibition Dinners”.
When not at Applewood Village, Chef Patterson, can be found spending quality time with his wife Sara and their two young sons Theo and Wesley.

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.
Meet our Applewood Village Board of Advisors
Our volunteer Board of Advisors complements our leadership team with their skills and experience, following the faith-based principles that have defined us from the beginning.

Stanely J. Morin, CPA
Chairman of the Board and Finance Chair
Mr. Morin currently serves as FellowshipLIFE’s chairman of the board and its affiliates. He is a certified public accountant with certifications in New Jersey, New York, South Carolina and Pennsylvania, and he is a shareholder of Stanley J. Morin, CPA PC.
Mr. Morin has over 40 years of experience in public accounting and taxation and is still active in professional practice with offices in New Jersey, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. He has been a frequent speaker on various accounting, auditing, tax and estate-related topics. His concentrations are primarily in not-for-profit, corporate, and taxation matters. Mr. Morin is a graduate of Husson University in Bangor, Maine, with graduate work completed at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is chairman of the board and finance committee of FellowshipLIFE. He serves and has served on the board and committees of various local and national not-for-profit and charitable organizations. He is a trustee/treasurer of the Jack Weisberg Charitable Foundation. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New Jersey Society of Public Accountants, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, South Carolina Board of Accountancy and a member of the International Chartered Global Management Accountant. He is an active member of the New Jersey State Society of CPAs, having served as a trustee, and was past chairman of the society’s professional conduct and ethics committees.
Mr. Morin resides with his wife in Bluffton, SC, and has three children, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. ”

Jeffrey J. Zenna, Esq., LLM
Vice Chairman of the Board
Mr. Zenna is an experienced plaintiff personal injury lawyer and a partner at Blume, Forte, Fried, Zerres, and Molinari, located in Chatham, New Jersey. He is a graduate of the City University New York School of Law.
After law school, he completed a judicial clerkship for the Honorable Mahlon Fast, J.S.C. Since joining the firm, he has received a Master of Laws degree from New York University School of Law.
Mr. Zenna is a member of the Essex, Hudson and Morris County bar associations. He was also admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals (3rd Circuit). As a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, he lectured on their behalf with regard to trial advocacy, and in 2010 lectured for the New Jersey Association for Justice regarding the use of rebuttal testimony. Mr. Zenna has also been a member of the William J. Brennan, Jr. Inn of Court, since 1997. He is a long-standing member of the New Jersey chapter of The Miami Project, dedicated to the cure of paralysis, and he was approved in 2013 to sit on the New Jersey Supreme Court’s 10B Ethics Committee for Morris County for a four-year term.

Brian G. Lawrence, LNHA, CPA, MBA
President & CEO, FellowshipLIFE
blawrence@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Mr. Lawrence is a distinguished leader in the healthcare and Life Plan Community/CCRC industry, with over three decades of progressive leadership experience. He began his career at FellowshipLIFE, Inc. in 1999 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing strong financial acumen and a passion for mission-driven leadership. In recognition of his abilities, he was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2006. With a decade of growing influence and vision within the organization, Mr. Lawrence was appointed President and CEO in 2009, a position he continues to hold today.
As a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Lawrence brings a rare and valuable combination of financial and operational expertise to his role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Seton Hall University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and an Executive MBA in Finance from New York University’s Stern Graduate School of Business.
In his current capacity, Mr. Lawrence leads FellowshipLIFE’s highly experienced senior executive team and is responsible for the overall performance of Healthcare, Medical and Wellness Services, Independent Living, and Home and Community-Based Services. He works closely with the Board of Directors of FellowshipLIFE and its affiliates to execute forward-looking strategic plans, expand access to aging services, and ensure operational excellence across multiple communities in New Jersey and beyond.
Recognizing the growing need for not-for-profit senior living providers to access operational and strategic expertise, Mr. Lawrence launched FellowshipLIFE Management Services – Partners. Performance. Purpose. This service extends FellowshipLIFE’s deep industry knowledge, operational best practices, and leadership culture to like-minded organizations seeking to strengthen their performance, grow strategically, and advance their missions.
Mr. Lawrence’s leadership has been widely recognized throughout the senior living industry. In 2019, he received the prestigious President’s Award from LeadingAge New Jersey, honoring his outstanding contributions to the field. He is an active member of the American Society on Aging, LeadingAge, Healthcare Financial Management Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Father Dave L. Jones
Father Dave Jones has spent almost his entire life in New Jersey, serving churches in Pond Eddy, Basking Ridge, and Jersey City. Prior to his ordination into the priesthood, Father Dave was the Vice President for Student Engagement at Centenary University for about twenty years. While serving at Centenary, he was integral to the construction of two 120 student residences and a combined Dining Facility/Performing Arts Center. Programmatically, he is most proud of a self-funded program he founded and co-directed in which a total of 1,600 students over 7 years traveled to New Orleans to work with St Bernard Project in reconstruction following Hurricane Katrina.
Recent honors include being named Person of the Year by the Warren Chapter of the NAACP, an Honorary Alum by the Centenary University Alumni Association, reception of the first “Beacon” Award given by the Warren County Human Relations Commission and Granting of Entrance to the Village by the Elders of Brahabebome, Ashanti, and Ghana. Dave was ordained a priest by The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, Tenth Bishop of Newark, on June 9, 2018.
Father Dave earned his undergraduate degree at Montclair State University, his Masters of Divinity at Drew Theological School, and completed courses in Anglican Studies at General Theological Seminary.

Rulene DiFrancesco
Mrs. DiFrancesco joined the FellowshipLIFE board in 2021. She has a master’s degree in early childhood education and certification in supervision and elementary principal. She taught first grade and kindergarten in the Scotch Plains/Fanwood school district for 25 years and as an adjunct at William Paterson University for 11 years.
Mrs. DiFrancesco was the first recipient of Joan Vagelos Currie Award for Excellence in Teaching, the volunteer of the year award in Somerset County and the Educator of the year award in Somerset County. She is a longtime active member of Somerset Hills Baptist Church.

Ralph Acquaviva
Mr. Acquaviva’s passion for quality homemade food and hand-crafted wine led him into culinary school and a career in hospitality. Mr. Acquaviva received an associate degree in culinary arts from Hudson County College and a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality business management from New Jersey City University.
Mr. Acquaviva’s initial skills were developed in the fast-paced kitchen at the Short Hills Hilton in Short Hills. In 2002, he opened Delicious Heights, a small delicatessen in Berkeley Heights. Five years later, he opened up his first full-service restaurant bar and grill — also in Berkeley Heights and also named Delicious Heights. Today, he is the part-owner of three successful restaurants and two sophisticated banquet venues.
Mr. Acquaviva credits his parents for his cooking talents and ambitious work ethic. If he had a personal motto, it would be, “Dream it, think it, do it. Repeat.” He lives with his wife and their two daughters.

Michael Toscano
Michael Toscano is a finance executive with over 25 years of experience in public corporate finance, primarily in the travel industry. Mr. Toscano most recently served as the CFO for the travel and membership division of Travel + Leisure Co. for 8 years. Travel + Leisure Co is the world’s largest timeshare developer and timeshare exchange company, headquartered in Orlando Florida. In this role, Mr. Toscano was a key member of the executive leadership team for the business along with the division CEO and COO. He was responsible for a worldwide team of 200+ finance professionals in more than 10 countries. Prior to the segment CFO role, Mr. Toscano was SVP of Financial Planning & Analysis for the division for over 10 years.
Before Travel + Leisure, Michael worked for Wyndham Worldwide and Cendant Corporation, both of which were predecessors to T+L Co, serving in a variety of roles in corporate finance including leading the finance organization for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.
Mr. Toscano started his career at Arthur Andersen’s Roseland NJ office in the audit practice. He has broad experience in finance, including audit, controllership, financial planning & analysis, and M&A. He is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in NJ.
Mr. Toscano has a BS in Accounting from Villanova University and an MBA from the Columbia Business School. He is an active supporter of his undergrad alma mater, serving as a member of their Accounting Advisory Board. He resides in Basking Ridge with his wife and 3 children. Mr. Toscano is an active supporter of St James Parish and School along with his wife Suzanne.

David G. Kostinas
David Kostinas is the owner of David G. Kostinas & Associates, a consulting company that has served New Jersey’s health care industry since 1985. Mr. Kostinas has represented New Jersey’s major health care providers in system development strategies, business brokering, new venture development, facility sales, acquisitions, mergers, and regulatory issues.
Mr. Kostinas has counseled clients for transplantation services, cardiac surgery, new psychiatric hospitals, major capital projects, free-standing ambulatory surgery centers, ESRD centers, linear accelerators, nursing homes, assisted living, medical day care centers, Life Plan Communities, cardiac care programs, and rehabilitation.
In addition to his professional positions, Mr. Kostinas has also been very involved in community activities. Mr. Kostinas served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton for 23 years, including Chairman of Governance Committee and Chairman of Hamilton Continuing Care Center. Mr. Kostinas is Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Springpoint, Past Chairman and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Children’s Specialized Hospital and past member and officer of the Board of Directors of Integrity House.

Robert Fodera
Mr. Robert Fodera currently serves as a board member of FellowshipLIFE and is a member of the Board’s Audit Committee. He is a certified public accountant with certifications in New Jersey and New York and is a retired partner of Baker Tilly where he was partner in charge of the firm’s Metropark, NJ office.
Mr. Fodera has over 40 years of experience in public accounting and taxation and is still active in the profession with a small practice in New Jersey. He is active with the NJCPA and currently serves as treasurer of that organization’s scholarship fund. He has been a frequent speaker on the New Jersey Law and Ethics program and has been appointed to the State Board of Accountancy by Governor Phillip Murphy. Mr. Fodera’s practice concentrations include real estate, construction, legal and professional service firms, manufacturing and distribution industries, healthcare practices, and nonprofit and governmental organizations.
Mr. Fodera is a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. He has served on the board and committees of various local and national not-for-profit and charitable organizations. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Public Accountants. Mr. Fodera resides with his wife in Hillsborough, NJ and has two daughters and two grandchildren.

Phyllis Bruce, RPh
Applewood Village Resident Board Member
Phyllis Bruce earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers College of Pharmacy in 1963. Beginning her career in retail pharmacy, she dedicated 23 years to delivering exceptional service and care to the community. Transitioning to a role as a sales representative for a major drug manufacturer, she expanded her industry knowledge. Ms. Bruce then joined New Jersey’s largest long-term-care pharmacy provider as a Certified Consultant Pharmacist, specializing in serving psychiatric facilities with a commitment to top-tier pharmaceutical care.
Recognized for her expertise and leadership, Ms. Bruce rose to Vice President of Professional Service for the LTC division, where she played a pivotal role in setting standards and enhancing patient care quality. In 1998, she became one of the founding partners of a leading long-term-care pharmacy provider in New Jersey, assuming the role of Director of Sales & Marketing.
Upon relocating to Applewood Village, Ms. Bruce immersed herself in community engagement, serving on committees and co-founding the Applewood Village’s Women’s Club. Her involvement culminated in leadership roles within the Residents Association Executive Committee, including Vice President and Acting President before her election as President in January 2024.
Ms. Bruce is delighted to leverage her extensive experience and leadership skills to support the mission of Applewood Village’s Board of Advisors in a positive and impactful manner.

Thomas W. Scott, FACHE, FABC
Tom Scott is a seasoned healthcare executive whose career spans more than 20 years. He presently serves as president and chief executive officer of CentraState Healthcare System, having initially joined in 2015 as chief operating officer. Scott previously served for seven years as chief operating officer at Chilton Medical Center, an Atlantic Health System hospital. He has deep experience in healthcare management with prior positions at Stamford Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, among others.
At CentraState, Scott oversees a 284-bed acute care hospital, two senior living communities, an ambulatory campus, four satellite health pavilions, a family medicine residency program and more than 2,500 employees.
He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a Fellow of The Advisory Board, and he serves on the board of trustees of the VNA Health Group and the board of directors of NJHA Business Solutions. He is also an at-large delegate to the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Review Board 2 (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania), and a board member for the New Jersey Hospital Association.
He received a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree in health administration from Cornell University. He is a board member of New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and is president and chair of Boy Scouts of America Monmouth Council. He lives in Manasquan with his family.

James Matera
Dr. Matera is a distinguished figure in healthcare leadership, bringing more than 30 years of clinical excellence to the forefront of medicine. Specializing in End Stage Renal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease, he has honed a profound expertise in patient care, emphasizing adaptability, clear communication, and unwavering accountability. His career has been marked by a steadfast dedication to improving healthcare systems through initiatives aimed at reducing variation and advancing health equity. Dr. Matera is also deeply invested in cultivating the next generation of medical leaders, fostering their development to drive positive change in healthcare delivery.
Beyond his clinical roles, Dr. Matera is a prominent voice in the healthcare community, sought after as a national speaker on a wide array of medical topics. His influence extends to the realm of medical education and knowledge dissemination as an editor and podcast host for Consultant 360, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering impactful content.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Matera is a multi-faceted individual with a passion for culinary arts. His culinary skills have been showcased on the renowned Food Network show “Cooks Vs. Cons,” where he emerged victorious alongside Chef Geoffrey Zakarian in 2017. When not in the kitchen or in the clinic, he enjoys immersing himself in literature, perfecting his golf swing, and creating harmonies on the bass. Family holds a central place in his life, with cherished moments spent with loved ones in both his New Jersey residence and his retreat in Manchester, New Hampshire.
