Orchard House Appoints New Executive Director

BRANFORD, CT – is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Evans-Ariker to the position of Executive Director.  Ms. Evans-Ariker is a healthcare professional with experience building and growing healthcare organizations that serve seniors.

"We are confident Stephanie is the right person to lead Orchard House's continued growth," notes Shaun Heffernan, president of Orchard House's board of directors.  "She has experience building quality programs, engaging the community and supporting caregivers."

Ms. Evans-Ariker previously worked as executive director of LivHOME, a geriatric homecare agency (Roswell, GA); executive director of Sunrise Senior Living, an assisted living and dementia care community (Marietta, GA); director of operations/assistant director of Winnwood Retirement Community, an independent living community (Marietta, GA); and ICU coordinator for St. Vincent’s Hospital (Jacksonville, FL).

"Orchard House is a respected regional resource that has provided medical, therapeutic and social care to seniors and respite to caregivers for thirty years," notes Evans-Ariker.  "I am honored to be chosen to lead this vital organization.  Helping seniors to continue to live independently in the community, with the help of adult day care services, is a key piece of the geriatric care equation."

Ms. Evans-Ariker succeeds Mr. Tom Romano, who founded Orchard House 30 years ago and who retired August 2011.  Orchard House serves Branford, Clinton, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Madison, West Haven, Westbrook.

Stephanie Evans-Ariker is a nurse and healthcare professional with a passion for building responsive systems of care.  Stephanie has worked for 14 years in the geriatric care community, specializing in client care, marketing and operations.

Stephanie’s professional accomplishments include serving as: executive director of LivHOME, a geriatric homecare agency (Roswell, GA); executive director of Sunrise Senior Living, an assisted living and dementia care community (Marietta, GA); director of operations/assistant director of Winnwood Retirement Community, an independent living community (Marietta, GA); and ICU coordinator for St. Vincent’s Hospital (Jacksonville, FL).

Stephanie has led cross-discipline teams, coordinated complex care delivery programs; built fiscally sound organizations and developed client-centered care plans.  She has successfully transitioned operations following a company acquisition and built operational controls and client and staff morale following rigorous state inspections.

Since relocating to Connecticut, Stephanie has been active in the local community and volunteers with several organizations in Greater New Haven, including the Junior League of Greater New Haven, New Haven Home Recovery, and The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.  Stephanie lives in New Haven with her husband, nine year old son and their three dogs.