A new chapter for Chestnut Knoll

For 22 years, Boyertown native Shawn Barndt has been a pillar to Chestnut Knoll Personal Care and Memory Care, helping countless aging adults and their families navigate the transition to senior living.

She recently accepted a promotion from executive director of Chestnut Knoll to a regional director of operations for Heritage Senior Living LLC, the company responsible for managing Chestnut Knoll, including 19 other senior housing communities throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

“Chestnut Knoll has become my home away from home and extended family,” Barndt said. “This new role is the perfect opportunity for me to continue to stay involved and connected to my Chestnut Knoll family, while expanding my skills to provide operational oversight to additional senior communities.”

As a regional director of operations, Barndt will stay routinely involved with Chestnut Knoll and mentor Holly Heydt in her new role as executive director.

Barndt's assignments also include overseeing Chestnut Knoll At Home and Keystone Villa at Douglassville—independent living, personal care, and memory care.

“Some thought the transition would be tough, but Holly has much experience and knowledge of senior services and has done a terrific job to maintain the exceptional level of care our residents and their families become accustomed to,” Barndt said.

Heydt has over 25 years of experience working with seniors in various roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance.

She is also licensed as a nursing home administrator and personal care home administrator in Pennsylvania, a certified dementia practitioner, and maintained her certified nursing assistant license.

Heydt’s early positions in senior living include dietary aide and caregiver. In pursuit of further education and advancement, she has maintained a senior management role within the industry for 18 years.

“I feel privileged to join the Chestnut Knoll team because they are a recognized leader in senior living and I thank Shawn for entrusting me with this wonderful opportunity,” Heydt said. “Chestnut Knoll and the Boyertown community have been very kind and welcoming, and I am enjoying getting to know staff, residents and families.”

Under her watch, Chestnut Knoll will continue to strive for award-winning excellence in senior living and be a trusted community partner to the residents of the tri-county area.

Chestnut Knoll offers personal care and memory care residences at an affordable month-to-month lease with no buy-in fees. Services include 24-hour personal care assistance with medical support, meals, housekeeping, social events, transportation, and access to FOX Optimal Living, an evidence-based continuum of wellness and rehab services. The senior living community is a winner of A Place for Mom’s 2023 Best of Senior Living Award and ranked Best Assisted Living and Best Memory Care by U.S. News & World Report. Chestnut Knoll also offers nonmedical home-care services. For more information, please call Julie Krasley, director of marketing, at 610-473-8066 or visit www.chestnutknoll.com.