Meet the Staff

Meet the Staff

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Mark Welker: Owner

I was born and raised in the Rochester area and have lived in the area all my life. I have over 37 years of experience in Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage, including 14 years dedicated to Senior Living Management. I am the original developer of the Parkwood Heights Campus; I am still involved in the day to day operations; I am on site several days a week. Parkwood Heights is a locally owned company that is dedicated to the service of our residents.

Craig Welker: Business Manager

Craig was raised in Macedon and has always lived locally. Craig is a graduate of St. John Fisher College and spent over ten years in management capacities at Wegmans Food Markets. He has been working in the property management field since 1993 and has worked in senior housing for over ten years

Kate O'Brien, Executive Director

I am the Executive Director of Parkwood Heights, and also a seasoned geriatric case manager and administrator with vast experience in senior living management, eldercare advisement and social work. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University; a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin; and a Masters Degree in Health Systems Administration from RIT.

I'm responsible for assessing residents' needs; managing day-to-day operations and staff; and overseeing community relations efforts for this diverse senior campus.

I've been involved with seniors and their caregivers for more than 25 years. I have a passion for surrounding myself and working with this population.

Pat Welker, Patio Home Sales Manager

I have been a licensed realtor for 20+ years and have been working with the Senior Community for the last 10 years. I have been keeping up with the Senior lifestyles, wants & needs by completing my S.R.E.S. degree in senior living, along with several other courses during the last 10 years to offer what is needed and wanted at Parkwood Heights.

Iris Giancola, Marketing Outreach & Coordinator of Special Events

Mark Welker
Owner
Craig Welker
Business Manager
Kate O'Brien
Executive Director
Pat Welker
Patio Home
Sales Manager
Iris Giancola
Marketing Outreach
& Coordinator of
Special Events
Carol Ann Krug, Activities Director

My name is Carol Ann Krug. I have worked as the Activities Director at Parkwood Heights for the past 7 years. I also bring 16 years of marketing, sales, communications, and therapeutic recreation experience to our community. It is my responsibility and privilege to provide a variety of creative programming that focuses on the spiritual, educational, physical, and recreational needs of our residents that will enhance the quality of their lives. I consider the Parkwood residents, family members, and staff as a second family. Everyone is very warm and caring and it makes it a joy to come to work each day.

Shari Cascio, Residence Services & Reception Coordinator

My name is Shari Cascio and I have been a part of the Parkwood family for 7 1/2 years, since January of 2002. I started out as the evening receptionist and after a year became the day receptionist, helping out the activities, driving, kitchen and management through the years. I am now the Resident Services and Reception Coordinator. I have lived in the Wayne County area my whole life and enjoy being a vital part of the Parkwood Heights family

Michael J. Miller, Foodservice Director

I have been a member of the Parkwood Heights team for nearly 4 years. As the Foodservice Director I have the pleasure of being able to interact with the whole Parkwood community on a daily basis. I bring my 10 plus years of foodservice experience to the campus as well as a BBA in Restaurant & Foodservice Management. I have a strong foundation of business ethics and great leadership skills. My enthusiasm and ability to engage in conversation make my communication skills exceptional. I am extremely motivated at being successful and my dedication is second to none.

Ken Blieir: Maintenance

I am the head of the maintenance department. I’m originally from Rochester, but have previously lived in such locations as Colorado, and Florida. I have over 20 years of experience in construction, specifically in apartment remodeling and the building of homes and townhouses. In the late 1980s, I started my own construction company until moving to Colorado where I worked and then bought a home improvement company. Upon moving back to Rochester, I have worked for Parkwood Heights since 2001 on a perdiem basis, and plan to remain for a long time to come.

Maria Surline: House Keeping

Carol Ann Krug
Activities Director
Shari Cascio
Residence Services
& Reception Coordinator
Mike Miller
Foodservice Director
Ken Blieir
Maintenance
Maria Surline
House Keeping