Staff
At Florida Presbyterian Homes, our friendly, knowledgeable staff of highly trained professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional care to our retirement community members. We strive to create an enjoyable working environment for our employees, and our efforts are rewarded with low turnover and high job satisfaction rates among our staff.
Learn about our executive team and see what they have to say about our retirement community.
John M. Hehn, Jr., Executive Director
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the community, and serves at the direction of the Board of Directors. Mr. Hehn assumed these duties in November 2003. Prior to joining the Homes, he was an executive with BayCare Health System, serving from 1993 to 2003 in various positions, including: director of support services and director of ambulatory services for St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, real estate manager for BayCare Health System, and assistant administrator of planning and development for South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City. Before venturing into the healthcare field, Mr. Hehn was a commercial real estate appraiser with McGrath Appraisal Consultants and national sales manager for Elkhart Products Corporation, Plastics Division. Mr. Hehn received his B.S. in Marketing and Finance from the University of South Carolina and his M.B.A. from New York University.
“Daily, I witness compassionate, personalized continuing care and service of the highest quality being delivered by staff, consistent with our Christian heritage. Our mission is alive, and it makes the Homes an inspiring and fun place to work.”
Maria E. Rivera, Administrator
The Administrator is responsible for the efficient operation of the Assisted Living facility and the Skilled Nursing facility, supervising the staff and ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. She was hired by Presbyterian Nursing Center as a staff nurse in 1992 shortly after moving to Florida. She later became the evening supervisor, then the unit manager of the sub-acute wing. In 1996, she was promoted to Director of Nursing when the Homes built a new Skilled Nursing Facility on campus. Ms. Rivera assumed the duties of Administrator in 2007. Ms. Rivera received her B.S. in Nursing from the City College of New York.
“It has been a ministry working here almost 20 years. The love and honor for our elders is seen on a daily basis from all departments. The love between staff, residents and family truly makes it a home. I can not think of a better place to serve.”
Patty M. Fekete, Director of Finance
The Director of Finance is responsible for the maintenance of the financial records of the Homes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Director of Finance reports to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors regarding the historical, current and projected financial condition of the Homes. She is also responsible for managing the activities associated with accounting, budgeting and human resources, and for ensuring the accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports including, but not limited to, internal and external monthly financial statements, annual audits and budgets and annual Medicare and Medicaid cost reports. Ms. Fekete assumed these duties in January 2008. She received her B.S. from West Liberty State College, West Virginia, and her M.B.A. from Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL. Her background includes 20+ years in healthcare accounting positions.
“FPH is a great place to be – it is a pleasure to work with the dedicated staff and a privilege to serve our residents!”
Here’s what other staff members have to say about Florida Presbyterian Homes and why they love what they do.
“From the minute I walked into this beautiful home, I sensed a peace that rarely exists in this world. Love and joy abound in the relationships and daily life of this family-like community.”
Barbara Booth-Jarmon, Chaplain
“FPH is a place where you can practice your Christian faith with residents and staff.”
Tracy Jernigan, Director of Nursing
“I have been employed at the Homes for 29 years. We have a family environment here. The residents and staff make this facility a loving home.”
Linda Bryant, Accounting Supervisor
“The wisdom, knowledge and life experiences that are shared each day help to shape my life. Residents get to choose their daily preferences and I get to help make them happen. When we laugh, we are the happiest, healthiest people on earth, and we surely laugh each day.”
Etta Owens, Dean of Residents
“Staff is genuinely responsive to the welfare of our residents. Strong interdepartmental relationships help us provide well-balanced services.”
Dean Jameson, Director of Dining Services
“I enjoy coming in to work every day. It is an honor and a privilege to help our residents any way that I can.”
Kay Henry, Director of Community Life Services
“Working here for 23 years, it’s the pleasure we get from the residents’ reactions to the many services we provide. The level of their appreciation is the same no matter how small or complex a job may be, from opening a jar to landscaping or a major repair. This makes my staff and me feel good about the job we have done.”
Rick Powers, Director of Environmental Services
“One word – community! There’s just something special about the Homes that can be felt from the moment you step in the front door; a blanket of welcome that is shared by residents and staff. It is indeed something you have to experience, and why I think we have so many longtime employees.”
Terri Ciminello, Marketing and Sales Coordinator
“It is exciting to see a place that has such passion and caring for each of their residents. Our residents teach us as much as we teach them; there is constant interaction and relationship building.”
Teresa Montoya, Director of Social Services
“I’m a second generation employee at Florida Presbyterian Homes. My father, mother and sisters all worked and retired from FPH. I’m very proud that Florida Presbyterian Homes is an important part of my family.”
Kim Roberts, Human Resources Manager
