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(401) 654-5259

101 Highland Ave. Providence, RI 02906

Meet Our Staff

Karen Van Gorden, CDP, Executive Director

KVanGorden@HallKeen.com

Karen’s dedication to the growth of our team, families, and most importantly our residents has proven true in her 25 years of experience in Assisted Living. In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Quinnipiac, Karen brings extensive expertise regarding Sales and Marketing as well as working closely with families to ensure the best possible outcome for their loved ones.
In her most recent role of eight years as the Director of Community Relations at the Highlands, Karen has learned a great wealth of knowledge for not only Assisted Living but Memory Care as well.

Born and raised in Smithfield, RI, Karen is the mother of two active sons, 14 and 18 years of age. Whenever she’s not assisting families with the important details and considerations of quality senior living, she can be found at an ice rink or traveling with her family for a hockey tournament. 

Pamela Tetreault, CDP, Assistant Executive Director and Senior Business Office Manager

PTetreault@hallkeen.com

Pamela joined the Highlands team in June 2021.  Although new to our team, we couldn’t have asked for a better fit. Residents and staff alike have welcomed Pamela with open arms. She has extensive experience in a geriatric setting. Starting at the age of eighteen, Pamela began working in various office roles in nursing communities and knew right away, this was her passion.  Her expertise ranges from Accounts Payable/Receivable, to Human Resources and everything in between.
 
Born and raised in Rhode Island, Pamela lives in Rumford, raising two teenagers. She is currently learning the joys of teaching them both to drive. She is family oriented and loves spending time with her children. When not at work you can find Pamela by the water, a good fire pit, taking day trips, and enjoying a show at PPAC.

 

Chloe Mete, CDP, Director of Marketing

CMete@HallKeen.com

A familiar face in our Community, Chloé is always eager to assist, ask how someone is doing, and do whatever she can to brighten our resident’s days. She is passionate about helping others and supporting the individual needs of each resident to their satisfaction. Coming from a Hospitality Management background, she places a strong emphasis on teamwork, personal development, and positivity. She is enthusiastic and passionate about her career here at Highlands, where residents and staff become family.
 
Growing up with four siblings has taught Chloé the true values of spending time with with loved ones and honoring traditions. This has contributed immensely to her successes in her role here at the Highlands on the East Side.
 
Outside of the Community, Chloé explores a more creative side. She and her twin sister own their own wood sign and rustic décor business and paint everything by hand. From local vendor events to teaching paint classes for Charity, Chloé enjoys staying busy and giving back to her community. When she is not covered in paint, you can find her chasing a rainbow or full moon, photographing nature. Aside from these hobbies, she also enjoys antiquing with her sisters and tackling home renovation projects.

Ernie Parfitt, Director of Maintenance

EParfitt@HallKeen.com

Ernie was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI. He was influenced at a very young age to respect his elders and admire their accomplishments. His beloved grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when he was eight, so Ernie feels especially close to the mission here at The Highlands.

He has fond memories of visiting his grandfather on weekends, first at home and, eventually, in a nursing home. Like his father and father before him, Ernie is a hands-on, can-do kind of man. Ernie can fix just about anything and enjoys doing so!

Ernie worked in the maintenance department for HallKeen Management for over four years when he jumped at the opportunity to transfer to The Highlands. His skills, knowledge and dedication to our residents are invaluable. If your television remote is not working, Ernie will fix it. If you need a picture hung, Ernie will hang it. In short, he can do it all and is happy to do it.

Casey Dube, CDP, Resident Care Director

CDube@HallKeen.com

Casey’s genuine compassion for our residents can be seen by her dedication to ensuring our nursing department is well trained and fully staffed. She brings with her over 10 years of experience in assisting the elderly with their care needs. She started her nursing career as a Certified Nursing Assistant / Medication Technician in Assisted Living. There she found her passion and continued her education graduating as a Registered Nurse in 2017. By working with residents and their loved ones, Casey and her team provide individual care plans that meet our residents’ needs.

Born and raised in Rhode Island, Casey is the mother to her beautiful 13-year-old daughter. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, 4 dogs and traveling to new destinations.

Jean Joy, CDP, Life Enrichment Director

JJoy@HallKeen.com

Born and raised in East Providence, Jean brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of passion to our team at The Highlands. A graduate of East Providence High School and The Sawyer School, Jean has spent over 15 years as a medical assistant and 8 years in life enrichment, with a specialized certification in dementia care. Jean is dedicated to helping others, where the opportunity to help others continues to be a driving force.

With a love for food (especially donuts!), all kinds of music, and a unique fascination with cars and trucks, Jean brings a fun, vibrant energy to our community. She brings this enthusiasm into her work, where she believes that “laughter is the best medicine.” Jean is always finding ways to bring joy and engagement to the residents of The Highlands through engaging activities.

When she’s not working, Jean enjoys spending time with her cat, Queso, and sharing her love of life with those around her.

Kevin Hardy, Food Service Director

KHardy@HallKeen.com

Kevin Hardy, originally from Hartford, Connecticut moved to Rhode Island in 2021. He studied at Johnson and Wales University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Foodservice Management and Master of Business Administration. He has worked for over 20 years creating delicious menus and in multiple industries. Kevin’s passion and love for food is what drives him.

“Cooking is a family affair in my household. The women in my family taught me how to cook and how to add a lot of love in every dish I prepare.”

Highlands Vaccinated Employees: 100%

last updated 4.15.2024