LEADERSHIP AT THE VILLAGE AT ORCHARD RIDGE

Cyndi Walters was named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of National Lutheran Communities and Services (NLCS) in May 2021, assuming the position full time in August 2021. Prior to this role, she served as chief operating officer (COO) since 2016. Cyndi has served at NLCS in varying capacities for nine years; first as a consultant before joining as chief operating officer in 2016.

Cumulatively, Walters has over 30 years of experience in the senior living industry including a strong background in strategically growing and diversifying the organization and an enhanced focus on operating as a senior-living system and leveraging its benefits and efficiencies. Prior to joining NLCS, she provided project management and advisory services to senior living organizations through Walters Advisors, LLC. She has also served in a leadership role at Presbyterian Senior Living in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and during her 19 years at KPMG (a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services), spent significant time as a partner and leader of their National Senior Living Advisory Practice.

As president and CEO, Cyndi’s focus is strategically growing and furthering NLCS’ mission to honor, inspire and support choice and opportunity in partnership with older adults. Cyndi is an advocate for “aging with choice,” which means supporting older adults in making their own choices in aging, whether it means moving to a senior living community or bringing in supportive services to their home. She is also an advocate for team members across the organization and leads a team dedicated to ensuring NLCS remains a Great Place to Work® and an employer of choice for those who have a heart to serve older adults.

Cyndi is a native of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from York College of Pennsylvania.

Steven Nastasi joined The Village at Orchard Ridge in November 2023 as Executive Director.

With more than 20 years of experience in working with older adults, Steven brings a wealth of knowledge and is excited for the opportunity to share his expertise and unwavering commitment to resident satisfaction, team member engagement and community growth with the Orchard Ridge community. 

Prior to joining The Village at Orchard Ridge, Steven held many director level positions including activity director, food service director, business office manager, assisted living manager, senior executive director and regional director of operations. His experience and exposure to the operations of each of these areas has provided him the opportunity to understand the unique qualities of the departments’ functions. 

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Steven moved to Houston, Texas where he earned his Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Houston. 

Melissa Wood joined The Village at Orchard Ridge in October of 2019 as the healthcare administrator.

Prior to joining The Village at Orchard Ridge, Melissa served nine years in the West Virginia Army National Guard with the 157 Military Police Company and then accepted a promotion to sergeant serving with the 154 Military Police Company. Melissa brings seven years of experience working in a fast-paced healthcare environment where she served in various capacities.

Melissa is a person-centered healthcare professional with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in healthcare administration from Shepherd University. She is currently in pursuit of her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in health care administration from Trident University. She holds her Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) in the states of Virginia and West Virginia. Working in health care, she understands the importance of continuous growth and knowledge.

Melissa is driven by a passion for serving others through work and in the community. She eagerly seeks opportunities to use her life experiences to transform them into actionable ways to impact the lives of those around her.

Bonnie joined The Village at Orchard Ridge in July 2024, bringing over 33 years of nursing experience. With a bachelor’s degree in nursing from George Mason University, Bonnie has excelled in various nurse management roles across skilled nursing/long-term care, assisted living, home care and hospice settings.Bonnie has a passion for working with older adults and believes in providing compassionate care that makes every patient and resident feel valued and supported. She enjoys collaborating with her team to ensure the highest level of care.
Outside of work, Bonnie cherishes time with her husband, two daughters and her Golden Retriever and Alaskan Malamute. She also loves gardening, particularly growing African Violets.

In November 2022, Lauren Gwinn transitioned to resident experience director at The Village at Orchard Ridge.

Lauren Gwinn first joined myPotential at Home in 2018 as the outreach liaison, allowing her to integrate in the Winchester community. She is involved in the Top of Virginia Chamber of Commerce and has served in leadership roles with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the Senior Interest Network Lead Share Group and as Board of Trustee member for The Shenandoah Fellowship Foundation and Winchester House. Her hard work earned myPotential at Home Best in Home Care nominations two years in a row through the “Winchester Star Awards,” winning the award in 2020. She has also been nominated twice for the Top of Virginia’s Emerging Leader Award and Citizen of the Year awards.

Gwinn was inspired to work with older adults from enjoying a close relationship with her grandmother growing up. Gwinn states, “When I see a need in the community, I tend to act on it. My grandmother has been a driving force in my life since I was young and that relationship drove me into this field. I approach every decision and every conversation with a client and their family in the same way I would with my own grandmother. There is still a huge need for home care services in all the areas National Lutheran Communities & Services operates, and I am really excited to help tackle that need.”

Mary Hurd Ceravalo  joined The Village at Orchard Ridge in October 2022 as the executive assistant for the executive director. She has 30 years of experience working with senior management, assisting internal and external customers and running her own business.

Mary likes helping others. In the past she was a licensed doula who worked with mothers-to-be to plan for labor and delivery and coached the new parents through the birthing process.

While working at The Village at Orchard Ridge, Mary really enjoys working as part of a team to improve the lives of the residents.

In her spare time, Mary relishes spending time with her family and her four grandchildren. As well, she enjoys attending church and participating in a group bible study.

Mary Palomo joined The Village at Orchard Ridge in December 2021 as the talent and culture director.  She has over 20 years of experience in all areas of human resources. Mary earned a Bachelor of Science from Frostburg University and achieved the designations of SHRM-SCP and SPHR. 

Mary has proven success in creating cultures of collaboration and implementing change to achieve workforce excellence. Mary uses her strong human resources background and a blend of experience in various positions to affect positive change in the organizations where she’s worked.  Effectively balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution to combine decisiveness, strong business acumen and formal education to achieve professional objectives.  She is passionate about the people that bring organizations to life and believes in supporting the development of people and their potential! 

Esteban Meza joined The Village at Orchard Ridge in January 2024.

With more than 20 years of extensive experience in business management within the hospitality industry, Esteban has spent the last eight years honing his expertise in food service. Most recently he served as a Sodexo retail manager at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. His journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for driving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

A recipient of certifications in both Business Management and Operations Management from Cornell University, Esteban has continually enriched his skill set and knowledge base. These certifications underscore his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, highlighting his dedication to mastering the intricacies of business management within the hospitality industry.

In recognition of his expertise and industry insights, Esteban serves on the advisory panel for digital marketing at Shenandoah University. This role underscores his standing as a thought leader in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing within the hospitality sector.

In addition to his impressive career in business management, Esteban has also made significant contributions to the non-profit sector. Through his leadership, he has successfully spearheaded projects and fostered cohesive teams, leaving a lasting impact on the organizations he has served.