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

We have had many activities in the home to keep the Residents entertained. Activities department has been very busy with Weekly Happy Hour, Hallway Bingo, Popcorn & Ice Cream Social, all being delivered to their rooms. Diane & Denise circulate each floor delivering the goodies, all while playing some music, singing and dancing; something the Residents look forward to every afternoon.

Diane Falkowski & Denise Weaver