Fellowship Village leadership team

Mr. Aguilar is a licensed certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wilkes University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University. A strong, analytical, and strategic executive, Mr. Aguilar has provided thought leadership to lead organizational, operational, and financial improvements. Most recently, he served at Simpson Senior Services, a multisite Life Plan Community provider, where he implemented key initiatives to improve their operations.

In addition to Mr. Aguilar’s operational and business acumen, he believes in building strong relationships and establishing effective communication with all stakeholders. His focus is on providing exceptional care and services to older adults and maintaining the organization’s sound financial and operational health.

His extensive expertise in the continuum of senior care includes post-acute, outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation, wellness, independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s, long-term skilled nursing, medical, and specialty physician services.

As part of the leadership team at FellowshipLIFE, Mr. Ellias has contributed significantly to the expansion and repositioning of Health and Medical Services to meet older adults’ prerequisites. He has led the efforts to provide a homelike environment with a person-centered culture by making the transition from an institutional model of care to a household model. The household model focuses on the needs of the person while increasing engagement and providing a healthier living environment. Mr. Ellias also guided the growth and expansion of Fellowship Medical Group, providing geriatric and specialty medicine to both residents and seniors within the broader community.

Mr. Ellias’ education and licensure complements his extensive background in healthcare administration. He holds a Master of Business Administration in healthcare administration from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, as well as degrees in economics and social work from Queens College, City University of New York. Mr. Ellias is a licensed nursing home administrator in New Jersey and New York. He resides in Wayne, New Jersey, with his wife and two children.

Dr. Sheppell is one of 19 doctors at Morristown Medical Center who specialize in geriatric medicine. Dr. Sheppell is board-certified in geriatric and internal medicine. He also serves as the medical director at Fellowship Village, bringing his vast knowledge and experience in geriatric care to the residents of FellowshipLIFE’s premier Life Plan Communities.

In 1982, Mr. Mercado joined Compass Group and worked at several locations in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, where he gained a wealth of knowledge and know-how over the last 35-plus years on the right approaches to deliver a 5-star dining experience. In recognition for his achievements in financial performance, customer service, and hospitality training, Mr. Mercado received the President’s Award.

Mr. Mercado inherently understands the three primary areas that every restaurant or meal must achieve to provide the best experience to the customer – presentation, service, and quality. Without those three special ingredients, a resident’s expectations will never be met.

At FellowshipLIFE, Mr. Mercado has received accolades, awards, and recognition for his dedication to the customers and guests he has served over the years. He has earned the respect of his residents, colleagues, and the senior living industry for his unyielding devotion to people and service.

Mr. Mercado has been blessed with a wonderful wife, two children and two grandchildren. He resides in Lopatcong, New Jersey with his wife.

Mrs. Burach began her career as an account executive working on market research and new business development at a boutique advertising agency in NYC. She left the agency to oversee the account management efforts of an entertainment marketing agency focused on connecting brands with music, lifestyle and event sponsorships. After 9-11, Marcy worked as a Director for the NYC Economic Development Corporation where she managed programs designed to help struggling small businesses in lower Manhattan generate new business. Throughout the last decade, Marcy has successfully led sales and marketing teams through strong leadership, proven sales techniques, and insightful training on how to best connect with a prospect.

Marcy has a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University and earned the Advertising in Excellence Award from the American Association of Advertising Agencies.

Marcy resides in Livingston, NJ with her husband and two children.

In her current capacity, Ms. Yip is dedicated to delivering an exceptional living experience for the Fellowship Village community, prioritizing safety and enjoyment. Ms. Yip has been recognized for her efforts in creating employment opportunities and contributing to a positive workplace environment.

Ms. Yip holds an M.A. from New York University and a B.A. from Rutgers University. A distinguished member of Phi Beta Kappa, she is keen on connecting with her team and those she serves to nurture her communication and leadership skills.

Ms. Yip’s diverse skill set isn’t confined to the professional realm; she holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Her dojo instilled in her the values of perseverance and indomitable spirit, qualities that resonate in her work ethic.

Having spent the past two decades in Basking Ridge and growing up in nearby Bridgewater, Ms.Yip is deeply rooted in the community. Her passion for connecting with people to explore their cultures and experiences aligns seamlessly with her role at Fellowship Village, making her an invaluable addition to the team.

Mr. Morin has over 40 years of experience in public accounting and taxation, and is still active in the professional practice with offices in New Jersey 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 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, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and a 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.

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 has 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.

Mr. Lawrence is a licensed nursing home administrator and a certified public accountant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Seton Hall University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration in finance from the Stern Graduate School of Business at New York University.

As president and CEO, Mr. Lawrence is currently leading FellowshipLIFE’s senior leadership team with responsibility for overall Healthcare and Medical Services, Independent Living, and Home Community Based Services operations and performance. Mr. Lawrence actively participates with the FellowshipLIFE board of directors, ensuring the execution of strategic planning and development initiatives. His vision and number one priority is providing a high level of care and services to seniors and maintaining the sound financial health of the organization.

Mr. Lawrence received the “President’s Award” from LeadingAge NJ in 2019 for his outstanding accomplishments in the senior living industry. He is a member of the American Society on Aging, LeadingAge, Healthcare Financial Management Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. He resides in Millburn, New Jersey, with his wife, son and daughter.

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.

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.

Dr. Pasnik earned a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from Tufts University and doctorate in physical therapy from Boston University. Here at Fellowship Village, she’s enjoyed being a part of the Village Players in several of their productions. She is also chair of the Marketing Committee and chair of the Fellowship Foundation.

Her volunteer experience has included several leadership roles on local and national boards, through the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, Somerset Hills YMCA, VNA of Somerset Hills, PTPN-NJ Chapter, The Presbyterian Church USA’s Committee on Theological Education, and Frost Valley YMCA.

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.

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.

Michael 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. Michael is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in NJ.

Michael 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. Michael is an active supporter of St James Parish and School along with his wife Suzanne.

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 member of the Board of Trustees of Children’s Specialized Hospital and past member and officer of the Board of Directors of Integrity House..

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.