Ledgewood Resident Janel Kohaut Named to WTWH Healthcare Future Leaders Class for Leadership in Senior Living

June 23, 2025 (Chatham, NJ) – Juniper Communities is delighted to share that Janel Kohaut, Executive Director of Juniper Village at Chatham, has been chosen by WTWH Healthcare to be part of the Future Leaders Class of 2025 for senior living. The Future Leaders Awards program recognizes dynamic leaders, age 40 and under, who are defining the future of aging and healthcare across the behavioral health, complex rehab technology, at-home care, home medical equipment, hospice and palliative care, senior housing, and skilled nursing industries.

“Janel is a standout example of a rising star in senior living, a dynamic and mission-driven leader whose vision, dedication, and innovative thinking are shaping the future of care,” expressed Lynne Katzmann, Founder/CEO, Juniper Communities. “Since stepping into the Executive Director role at Juniper Village at Chatham in January 2024, Janel has made a remarkable impact on operations, culture, and community partnerships.”

Janel’s journey in senior living began nearly a decade ago at Juniper Village at Chatham, where she started as a concierge. From the start, she knew she wanted to build a career in senior housing. Her progression through roles in the industry, including sales director, reflects not only her personal drive, but also her deep understanding of the business, as well as her ability to connect with people at every level.

As ED of Juniper, she has brought in new talent and set a tone of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. “Janel is a born leader, bringing together the residents, staff and family members. Despite the many roles in steering a huge ship, she handles all challenges in a calm professional manner. Her kind demeanor combined with her excellent skill sets attribute to her successfully leading this community,” expressed Laura Otten, a resident family member.

Janel was also recognized for her innovation, actively volunteering for pilot programs and special initiatives within Juniper. One of her most notable achievements has been the resurrection of Juniper’s partnership with Drew University which opens the eyes of university students to the possibilities of a career in senior living. Under her leadership, psychology students from Drew are engaging with residents in impactful and intergenerational experiences that benefit both students and seniors. This initiative exemplifies Janel’s ability to bridge communities, inspire connections, and create meaningful change.

“The Future Leaders Class of 2025 exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing the well-being of the individuals and communities they serve,” said Tim Mullaney, VP and Editorial Director of WTWH Healthcare. “These outstanding professionals are not only enhancing patient experiences and supporting caregivers — they’re also distinguished by their mentorship, their innovative approaches, and their dedication to excellence. Their impact is felt across the continuum, and their leadership is shaping the future.”

Juniper Communities acknowledges and congratulates Janel Kohaut on her success.

About Juniper Communities

Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation, operates senior living communities in Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas that emphasize residents’ well-being, interaction and security. Our communities and approach to housing and care offers residents the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Juniper’s innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve residents’ care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent care visits, while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of our residents, visit www.junipercommunities.com.