401.490.6566
TTY: 800.745.5555
Chair
Kim Denny
Pawtucket Credit Union
VP Employee Development and Training
Vice-Chair
Johnny Luo, MD
Doctors Choice
President
Treasurer
Sandy Wilkerson, RN
Hope Health
VP Clinical Integration
The Story of PACE-RI
PACE-RI was founded to help local elders live safely at home, stay out of the hospital and nursing home, and reduce strain for their caregivers. We have had steady growth since opening our original center in Providence (2005), adding new centers in Westerly (2013), Woonsocket (2016), and Newport (*Pending CMS approval). We have 140 staff, speak 10 languages, and are proud to be one of the fastest growing companies in Rhode Island (Providence Business News, 2020). We will be opening our new flagship center and headquarters in East Providence in June 2021.
PACE Nationally
Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Started in 1973 in San Francisco, PACE health plans believe that successful aging means moving away from institution-based, long-term care toward a community-based model that provides affordable, comprehensive, and integrated health care and social services. Now, there independently owned and operated Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly in 31 states, serving over 50,000 participants. Fundamental to the PACE model is the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) which is comprised of 11 specialists and ensures each participant gets care and attention tailored to their unique needs.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
To blend and deliver medical and social care for older adults with significant health needs who want to continue living at home.
Vision
Everyone ages with the independence they want, support they need, and dignity they deserve.
Values
- Accountability – We act with integrity and take responsibility for our actions.
- Collaboration – We work together to resolve challenges and build strong community partnerships to enhance our services.
- Curiosity – We have a growth mindset and are continually looking to learn and improve.
- Excellence – We are committed to achieving the highest standards and being the best at what we do.
- Respect – We treat everyone with dignity and compassion.
Meet our
leadership team…
Joan Kwiatkowski
MSW Chief Executive Officer
Joan has worked as a healthcare administrator since the early 1980s in hospital settings and community mental health clinics, and currently serves as CEO of PACE Organization of Rhode Island. She has been at PACE-RI since its inception in 2005.
Joan has a degree in psychology and philosophy from Boston College, a Master’s of Social Work from Boston University, and a certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Nonprofit Administration from Stanford University School of Business. From 2013-2016 Joan served as the Chair of the Board of the National PACE Association, and currently serves as the board’s treasurer.
Contact: jkwiatkowski@pace-ri.org
Joan has a degree in psychology and philosophy from Boston College, a Master’s of Social Work from Boston University, and a certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Nonprofit Administration from Stanford University School of Business. From 2013-2016 Joan served as the Chair of the Board of the National PACE Association, and currently serves as the board’s treasurer.
Contact: jkwiatkowski@pace-ri.org
Tsewang Gyurmey
MD Chief Medical Officer/Primary Care Physician
Dr. Gyurmey joined PACE-RI in 2012, first serving as a primary care physician and geriatrician, and now as Chief Medical Officer. He graduated from the Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University and completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Connecticut, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, CT. Dr. Gyurmey also completed a residency in internal medicine at Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi University.
In 2012, Dr. Gyurmey completed a fellowship in geriatrics at the University of Connecticut, and a structural acupuncture course for physicians through Harvard Medical School.
Contact: tgyurmey@pace-ri.org
In 2012, Dr. Gyurmey completed a fellowship in geriatrics at the University of Connecticut, and a structural acupuncture course for physicians through Harvard Medical School.
Contact: tgyurmey@pace-ri.org
Betsy Canino
Chief of Clinical Services
Betsy has been a nurse for 41 years and a nurse practitioner for 15 years. During her career, she has worked in both acute and post-acute care settings as well as in community health in California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Betsy has been a part of PACE-RI since 2007, first as a nurse practitioner, then as the Vice President of Clinical Services, before becoming Chief of Clinical Services in 2016. Betsy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island.
Contact: bcanino@pace-ri.org
Betsy has been a part of PACE-RI since 2007, first as a nurse practitioner, then as the Vice President of Clinical Services, before becoming Chief of Clinical Services in 2016. Betsy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island.
Contact: bcanino@pace-ri.org
Lynda M. Gilbert
Chief Financial Officer
Lynda provides oversight for the financial management and federal reporting requirements for PACE Organization of Rhode Island. She has 20+ years of experience in public accounting, auditing, and financial reporting for nonprofit organizations and commercial entities.
Lynda received a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Rhode Island College. She co-chaired the nonprofit committee of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants and served as treasurer for nine years for Providence CityArts for Youth.
Contact: lgibert@pace-ri.org
Lynda received a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Rhode Island College. She co-chaired the nonprofit committee of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants and served as treasurer for nine years for Providence CityArts for Youth.
Contact: lgibert@pace-ri.org
Tom Boucher
Chief of Marketing and Development
Tom oversees marketing, enrollment, and development initiatives for PACE-RI, while researching and implementing growth opportunities. As a senior executive, he also contributes to the organization’s business development and participates in setting and achieving the strategic goals of the organization.
Tom has over 20 years of experience running effective public relations and marketing programs, improving operational efficiency and managing constituent engagement in health care, political and government settings. He earned his B.A. in Political Science from Fairfield University, and completed a Certificate in Project Management at Bryant University’s Executive Development Center.
Contact: tboucher@pace-ri.org
Tom has over 20 years of experience running effective public relations and marketing programs, improving operational efficiency and managing constituent engagement in health care, political and government settings. He earned his B.A. in Political Science from Fairfield University, and completed a Certificate in Project Management at Bryant University’s Executive Development Center.
Contact: tboucher@pace-ri.org
Liz Boucher
MSW Chief of Organizational Performance
Liz oversees human resources, professional development and compliance at PACE-RI. Previously, she worked at CareLink as chief operating officer and in clinical and project management positions, and at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work in project management.
Liz obtained a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University, an M.S.W. at Boston College, and a Certificate in Project Management from Bryant University’s Executive Development Center. Liz is also a licensed, certified social worker and a member of the Society for Human Resources Management.
Contact: lboucher@pace-ri.org
Liz obtained a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University, an M.S.W. at Boston College, and a Certificate in Project Management from Bryant University’s Executive Development Center. Liz is also a licensed, certified social worker and a member of the Society for Human Resources Management.
Contact: lboucher@pace-ri.org
Maryellen Girard
Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing Operations
Maryellen has worked in the health and human services industry for nearly 20 years. She began her career in the mental health sector in 2003—working with adolescents in a therapeutic residential facility in Connecticut. In 2006, Maryellen moved to Rhode Island to serve as a case manager at an adult group home facility.
Maryellen joined PACE-RI in 2008 as an Intake Coordinator before moving into the role of Health Center Manager and now serves as Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing Operations. Maryellen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Connecticut in 2003.
Contact: mgirard@pace-ri.org
Maryellen joined PACE-RI in 2008 as an Intake Coordinator before moving into the role of Health Center Manager and now serves as Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing Operations. Maryellen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Connecticut in 2003.
Contact: mgirard@pace-ri.org
Ryan Girard
Vice President of Operations
Over the past 20 years, Ryan has helped a vast array of individuals in the human services field. He began his career working with children as a homebased therapist and moved into the mental health field as a case manager and eventual program manager, running several facilities.
Ryan joined PACE Organization of Rhode Island in 2013 as the Day Center Director for the Westerly location and moved to the Providence site in 2018. Ryan now serves as the Vice President of Operations and oversees the operations across all PACE-RI sites. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Rhode Island in 2003.
Contact: rgirard@pace-ri.org
Ryan joined PACE Organization of Rhode Island in 2013 as the Day Center Director for the Westerly location and moved to the Providence site in 2018. Ryan now serves as the Vice President of Operations and oversees the operations across all PACE-RI sites. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Rhode Island in 2003.
Contact: rgirard@pace-ri.org
Board Members
Secretary
Meredith Eckel, RN
Retired
Nurse
Chris Woulfe
Retired
Nursing Home Administrator
Julie L’Europa, DNP
Salve Regina University
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Fritz Eckel
Self-employed
Attorney
Rosa Baier, MPH
Brown University School of Public Health
Associate Director (Center for Long-Term Quality & Innovation), Assoc. Professor
Erica Estus, PharmD
URI, Dept of Pharmacy Service
Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
Sam Havens
Retired
Healthcare Executive
Ed D’Arrezzo
RI Health Dept.
Retired
Jeff Meyer
Retired
Chief Technology Officer
Skye Leedahl, PhD
University of RI, Health Policy
Assoc. Professor, Human Development and Family Studies
Marianne Raimondo, PhD
Rhode Island College, Healthcare Admin
Assoc. Professor, Management and Marketing Development
Denise de Hertogh
BCBSRI
Manager of Quality and Clinical Performance Improvement
Candidus Nwakasi, PhD
Providence College, Health Policy and Management
Assistant Professor
Danielle Kopf, CIA, CFSA, CRMA
Beacon Mutual Insurance
Internal Audit Manager
Jessica Mowry, MSW
Rhode Island Housing
Assistant Director, Leased Housing and Rental Services Division
Participant Advisory Committee
PACE-RI’s Participant Advisory Committee (PAC) gives you a place to talk to other PACE-RI participants and to our staff. The PAC gives you the chance to tell us what you think about our health plan. You can tell us how we can make things better for you and other participants. We would like you to join our PAC. Contact your Day Center Director or social worker to learn more.