Meet some members of our family

Ashley Alridge (licensed Masters Social Worker) graduated from The University of Connecticut (UCONN) in 2013 and has since then been serving as a social worker for the geriatric population, in the long term care field. Ashley also has previous experience working with children and teenagers in various settings. Ashley loves to be the reason why people smile and take pride in the work that she does. Ashley loves to see others happy and living their best lives. She reports that there are some people who cannot be heard and needs a voice and her duty is to be “that voice”. Ashley provides psychosocial and emotional support to the resident’s here at St. Joseph’s and is always available to help resolve issues or concerns. Ashley enjoys coming up with creative solutions that help others advance. Ashley loves the diversity, love and empowerment that come along with her social work practice and is very happy to be serving aa a social worker here at St. Joseph’s Residence.

Ashley Alridge, Social Worker

"Being a Director of Nursing for over 8 years, I still believe Our Lord directed my professional nursing career to St. Joseph’s Residence and to helping the Little Sisters of the Poor in their mission of caring for the elderly. My role is more of a vocation than a career, especially within this Christ-centered environment. From my experience, it is a unique place because of the family-oriented culture. I am really happy to be here and work for the Little Sisters and with the wonderful and dedicated staff."

Violeta de los Reyes, R.N., Director of Nursing

To Chef Stu Martinez, fresh food is a passion he’s developed over decades of culinary experience as a teacher and educator. He sums up his food philosophy with “it’s all from scratch.” He arrives at his state-of-the-art and spotless kitchen before dawn to create delicious and interesting daily meals that delight the Residents, the Sisters, retreat visitors, and special guests. And Stu also enjoys preparing for special events such as feast days and the monthly Residents’ birthday party. “It’s the fresh food and the personal touch,” he says, “that turns the meal into “comfort food.

Stuart Martinez, Dietary Supervisor

Anne L’Heureux has served as Bookkeeper at Saint Joseph’s Residence going on 10 years, a position in which she interacts with the Little Sisters of the Poor, the staff, residents, families, vendors, etc. She works closely with Accounting, including the processing of transactions from all departments, and the balancing of payroll and receivables to ensure accuracy in reporting. In short, she says, “I balance the books!”

Like several others who have been promoted into administrative positions at Saint Joseph’s Residence, Anne formerly worked at the Home for several years in both part- and full-time positions in the dietary area. Having former experience in bookkeeping elsewhere, she was a natural to fill her current position when it came open.

Anne’s enjoyment of her job is obvious as she talks about how she enjoys working in the wonderful environment of Saint Joseph’s Residence, where she says she sees, “small miracles happen almost every day.” One of her favorite stories, however, concerns what she describes as a really big miracle one time when cash was short and payroll imminent. On that occasion, she remembers how Mother Genevieve listened quietly, then calmed Anne’s anxiety by telling her to “put it in God’s hands.” Sure enough, that time things worked out. She readily acknowledges God’s work in answering our prayers, recognizing that things won’t always work as we want them, but as God wants.

Anne describes Saint Joseph’s Residence as a very special place, where a spirit of family and community thrives among staff and residents, with the Little Sisters of the Poor encouraging the different generations to get to know, love, and respect each other in living and working closely together. “There’s no other place like it,” she said.

Anne L’Heureux, Bookkeeper

Diane Falkowski, Therapeutic Recreation Director, says she doesn’t know where she’d be without the Little Sisters of the Poor and St. Joseph’s Residence. A 39-year employee of the Home, her biggest thrill is helping the Residents every day to lead a better life and working with them to determine just what they want and what they need in order to do that. Diane has held several positions through the years and feels now that she has the best job in the whole world.

Diane Falkowski, Therapeutic Recreation Director & Activities Director

Danielle Hurley, a 10-year employee of Saint Joseph’s, fills the dual role of running Arts and Crafts and sharing Activities. The bright and colorful Arts and Crafts room, open around the clock, is stocked with supplies and materials for any project. The Resident hobbyists who spend part of most days there are having fun and socializing, but, Danielle points out, they are also serving the mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor. “Basically these guys have a hand in every fundraiser,” says Danielle, “filling the gift shop with beautiful items for sale and selling items at events like the home show and golf tournament.” Danielle delights in the weekly outings to stock the Residents’ store and make the rounds of the Post Office, the Dollar Store, Walmart, and an occasional special lunch. “We’re all one big family here,” says Danielle, referring not only to the creative space, but also to the outings she and Diane Falkowski arrange for Residents from every floor. “It’s all about the Residents,” she says, crediting having learned so much from the Sisters about what she enjoys doing each and every day, in Arts and Crafts, and throughout the house.

Danielle Hurley, Arts & Crafts Coordinator