Fellowship Village leadership team
Meet our team
Mark Aguilar
Executive Director of Fellowship Village
maguilar@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Mr. Aguilar has over 30 years of progressive accounting and financial experience, with an extensive senior living track record as a key advisor of strategic and operational improvements that have benefited each organization he has worked for. Mark served as FellowshipLIFE’s CFO from 2009 to 2016 as an essential member of the senior leadership team, enabling the organization to meet its strategic and financial objectives effectively.
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.
Jack Ellias
Senior Director of Health & Medical Services
jellias@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Mr. Ellias has been in the field of aging services for more than 30 years with a focus on health and medical services across the continuum of care for older adults. His extensive experience, knowledge, and focus on quality care have delivered deficiency-free surveys and 5-Star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, maximizing census and operating efficiencies resulting in positive outcomes and profitability.
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.
Arthur (Art) Sheppell, MD
Dr. Arthur Sheppell is a geriatrician in Denville, New Jersey, and is affiliated with Morristown Medical Center and Atlantic Medical Group. He received his medical degree from Paul Sabatier University and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
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.
Paul Woroch, MD
Dr. Paul Woroch is a physician in Internal Medicine who is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He brings outstanding outpatient and inpatient clinical experience to his practice. As an empathetic and active listener, Dr. Woroch spends time with patients to hear their concerns, be responsive to their needs, and develop a long-lasting relationship. His emphasis is on prevention and wellness, taking a proactive approach to help his patients stay healthy.
Dr. Woroch earned his medical degree from the UTESA, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and completed his residency in internal medicine at Jersey City Medical Center, NJ. He joins Fellowship Medical Group with over 10 years of clinical experience caring for the adult population and is a member of the American College of Physicians. He is married and has two daughters. During his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and attending automotive events.
Rich Mercado
Senior Director of Culinary & Catering Services
rmercado@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Rich Mercado’s culinary career spans 43 years with the 6 years serving in the United States Army where he served his country and passion for food and people. Mr. Mercado joined Compass Group and worked at several locations in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania market, where he gained a wealth of knowledge and know-how on the right approaches to deliver 5-star dining experiences. In recognition for his achievements in financial performance, customer service, and hospitality training, he 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 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.
Jill Yip
Director of Plant Operations and Housekeeping
jyip@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Jill Yip brings over two decades of expertise in Facilities Management within the vibrant landscape of New York City to her role as Director of Plant Operations and Housekeeping at Fellowship Village. Her professional journey commenced at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and flourished at Warner Music Group, where she honed her skills in strategic planning, construction management, event coordination, and relationship and hospitality management.
In her current capacity, Ms. Yip is dedicated to delivering an exceptional living experience for the Fellowship Village community, prioritizing safety and enjoyment. She 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.
William Heisterman
Chaplain
wheisterman@fellowshiplifeinc.org
The Rev. William Heisterman has over 30 years of ministry experience with extensive training in providing spiritual, emotional, and religious support in a broad range of settings. Ordained with the Assemblies of God, “Pastor Bill” served as a Pastor in 3 local parishes, retired as a Military Chaplain at the rank of Colonel with numerous deployments and multiple Command Chaplain assignments, and worked as a Clinical Chaplain with both hospitals and hospices. He and his wife, Claudia, live in Flanders, NJ and have 6 adult children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 dogs.
Patricia Yannotti
Lifestyle & Hospitality Director, Executive Director of Sieminski Theater
pyannotti@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Patty Yannotti has over 30 years professional leadership experience with expertise in lifestyle, hospitality, community life services and the arts. Ms. Yannotta began her diverse, professional career in the arts as an Editor and later served as a Director of Advertising/Account Executive. She went on to become a consultant and to explore her growing interest in serving older adults in aging services, thanks to a trusted mentor.
Starting out as a volunteer in public relations, she soon transitioned to a full-time role as a recreation assistant and later took on a role as Director of Resident Services in another life plan community.
In her current role as Lifestyle & Hospitality Director at Fellowship Village, Ms. Yannotta is dedicated to creating an exceptional, vibrant living experience for residents and the community. She directs the resident programs including arts, entertainment, special events, life-long education, social and volunteer opportunities and wellness activities for the residents and members. She is also committed to providing excellence in services and communication with the residents and is at the helm of hospitality, creating a welcoming, engaging, and vibrant experience for the Fellowship Village campus and Theater patrons.
An avid lover and supporter of the visual and performing arts, she worked closely with the team to open the theater in 2019 and became the Sieminski Theater, Inc.’s Executive Director when the Theater incorporated as its own non-profit organization in 2023. She is dedicated to executing the Theater’s artistic vision and ensuring its successful business operation and fund-raising. Furthermore, Ms. Yannotta is driven and passionate about the Theater, serving as a cultural hub for our residents and the greater community, providing the best in entertainment, arts and culture.
Ms. Yannotta is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator in NJ and a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University, New Brunswick and a master’s certificate from Rutgers’s University in Senior Care Management. She is a Leading Age Leadership Academy Fellow.
Ms. Yannotta lives in Bridgewater and serves on the NJAPA (New Jersey Activities’ Professionals Association) board as Professional Development co-chair. When she isn’t donning her professional hat, she is in her kitchen cooking and entertaining with family and friends.
Jennifer Ward
Arthur Marston
Executive Chef of Fellowship Village, System Executive Chef
amarston@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Arthur Marston is an award-winning, American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Executive Chef with an illustrious career spanning 30+ years in the food service industry. A Northern New Jersey native, Mr. Marston holds a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics and Food Service Management from Rowan University and is doubly certified by the ACF as a Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA).
Mr. Marston’s expertise and passion for culinary arts have been recognized on multiple stages, including his feature on Food Network’s Cooks vs. Cons (Season 2, Episode 7 – “Pie Fight”) in 2016. Among his numerous accolades are Compass Group’s “Be-A-Star” Culinary Achievement Award for Chef of the Year in 2016, the “Account of the Year” Award as Executive Chef in 2024, and two prestigious “Best Recipe Awards” from National Restaurant Association culinary competitions in 2009 and 2010.
As a chef, Mr. Marston brings a deep well of experience from diverse culinary environments—ranging from fine dining and 5-star hotels to high-volume banquet catering, off-premises events, quick-serve establishments, and casual family dining. Classically trained in global cuisines, Mr. Marston’s repertoire spans French, Italian, Asian, European, German, American, Kosher, Spanish, and Mexican cuisines, ensuring an exceptional and versatile culinary artistry.
Mr. Marston’s career in retirement dining management has been marked by leadership roles, including Executive Chef/Director at Arbor Terrace Retirement Community in Teaneck, NJ, and Executive Chef at Crane’s Mill CCRC in West Caldwell, NJ, prior to joining Compass Group in 2014. Since then, he has served as Executive Chef at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, NJ (2016–2024) and, most recently, has taken on the role of System Executive Chef for FellowshipLIFE communities as of June 2024.
In his current position, Mr. Marston oversees and directs all culinary operations across the FellowshipLIFE communities. His mission is to lead and innovate alongside a team of highly skilled culinarians, continually striving to deliver exceptional and memorable dining experiences to those under the community’s care and service.
Meet our Fellowship Village Board of Advisors
Stanley 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 the 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 and CEO
blawrence@fellowshiplifeinc.org
Mr. Lawrence is a distinguished leader in the healthcare and Life Plan Community/CCRC industry, with over 25 years of experience. He began his career at FellowshipLIFE, Inc. in 1999 as Chief Financial Officer and in recognition of his leadership abilities Mr. Lawrence assumed the additional role of Executive Vice President in 2006. With his keen understanding of the healthcare business and a decade of progressive leadership in the organization, Mr. Lawrence was appointed President and CEO in 2009, a position he holds to this day.
As a licensed nursing home administrator and certified public accountant, Mr. Lawrence brings a unique blend 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 Master of Business Administration in Finance from the prestigious Stern Graduate School of Business at New York University.
In his current capacity, Mr. Lawrence leads FellowshipLIFE’s senior leadership team and is responsible for the overall Healthcare, Medical and Wellness Services, Independent Living, and Home Community Based Services operations and performance. He actively participates with FellowshipLIFE and affiliates Board of Directors to ensure the execution of strategic planning and development initiatives. Mr. Lawrence’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and services to older adults, while maintaining a focus on innovation, growth, and the sound financial health of the organization, is his top priority.
Mr. Lawrence’s remarkable accomplishments in the senior living industry have been widely recognized. He received the “President’s Award” from LeadingAge NJ in 2019, an honor reserved for outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry. Mr. Lawrence 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.
Mr. Lawrence resides in Millburn, New Jersey, with his wife, son, and daughter. He is a passionate advocate for the well-being of older adults and is dedicated to ensuring that FellowshipLIFE continues to provide the highest level of care and services for years to come.
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.