Your Interdisciplinary Team

Dr. Luz Ramos-Bonner, Medical Director – Luz Ramos-Bonner, M.D. has been the LIFE St. Francis medical director since July 2007. She is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine with Board Certification in both Internal and Geriatric Medicine. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of the Philippines in Manila, Philippines, and her medical degree from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, Philippines.

Dr. Ramos-Bonner has conducted vast medical research in several fields and also has been featured in many publications. She has been awarded “Best Medical Resident of the Year” by different bodies of staff. She is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Association, the American Geriatrics Society and the American Medical Director’s Association.

Dr. Sivakoti N. Guda, Physician – Dr. Guda is a Board Certified Geriatrician and is a member of the teaching staff at St. Francis Medical Center. He was previously in private practice at Vadakara Internal Medicine Associates in Hamilton, NJ. After receiving his medical degree from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, AP, INDIA, Dr. Guda completed his Post Graduate work at Seton Hall University and then completed a Geriatrics Fellowship at VCU Health System/ MCVH, Richmond, Virginia.

Linda Wagner, RN Linda has been a nurse for 20 years. Having spent a majority of her career at St. Francis Medical Center, she started as a nurse on the general medical /ortho floor for four years. After that, Linda worked on Cardiac Step Down Unit for two years. Linda also worked at the VNA for nine years before returning to St. Francis as an Emergency Room nurse for the past 5 years. Linda enjoys working with seniors and looks forward to meeting and caring for all of our LIFE St. Francis participants.

Patricia Allen, RN A seasoned nurse with over thirty years of experience, Pat has a background in medical/surgical, pediatric, acute care, prenatal nursing and home care. As a Team leader/preceptor in home care for the last 15 years, Pat has a wealth of experience in wound care, diabetes, cardiac, respiratory and total patient care.  Pat has also provided care to the terminally ill on the Palliative/Hospice team.  A graduate of Helene Fuld School of Nursing, Pat also has an Associate degree from Mercer County Community College..

Marion Walters, PT With over 40 years of experience, Marion brings a wealth of knowledge regarding geriatric rehab and physical therapy. Marion spent over twenty years in a nursing and rehab environment participating in Interdisciplinary Care Conferences, developing a sub-acute rehab program and supervising staff. Marion has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College and a Masters in Counseling with a specialty certification in Gerontological Counseling from the College of New Jersey.
                        
Suzanne DiMassa, OT A graduate of Thomas Jefferson University with a Masters inOccupationalTherapy, Suzanne brings a wealth of research experience as well as hands on experience. Suzanne’s experience includes a graduate assistantshipthatenables her to collaborate and advise students on the design of an interactive exhibit as well as co-authoring an article that was published in the Journal of BiologicalRhythms,December 2007. Since joining Fox Rehabilitation in May of 2009 Suzanne has expertly assisted LIFE St. Francis participants in all their occupational therapy needs.

Jacqueline S. Brennan, LCSW – Social Worker ; Jacqueline is a licensed social worker with a Masters in Social Work from The Catholic University of America. She has over 10 years of experience working directly with the disabled and elderly in Mercer County. In addition, Jacqueline has extensive experience in crisis intervention, facilitating support groups and discharge planning. Especially skilled in assisting clients and families with Social Security, Medicaid and Paad applications, Jacqueline will be able to assist our LIFE St. Francis participants.

Sally S. Haupin , Social Worker – Sally earned a B.S. in Social Work from the Richard Stockton College of N.J., and her M.S.W. degree from Rutgers University. She has spent the last 19 years with St. Francis Medical Center working with various inpatient/outpatient populations including Maternity, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and the Adult Medical/Surgical units. Sally is very pleased to have joined the LIFE St. Francis program as a Social Worker, where she has the opportunity to work closely with the participants, and caregivers at the Center, and the community.

Herb Wallace ,

Kimberly Altman , Registered Dietician – Kimberly had her own private practice in Ohio that provided Medical Nutrition Therapy to clients of all ages. She has a Masters Degree in Public Health Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. She was the Director of Nutrition at Henry J. Austin Health Center ( Trenton) and provided all of the medical nutrition therapy and programming at 4 sites. She has served as an Adjunct Faculty Member since August of 2006 at THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY in Ewing, NJ teaching two sections of Nutrition in the Life Cycle to nursing students.

Gillian Tanner, Recreational Therapist – Gillian brings a wealth of experience to LIFE St. Francis. She has a Bachelor of Education and has her ADC (National Activity Director Certification). After teaching special education for 4 years, Gillian taught English as a foreign language in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates for 2 years. Gillian headed up the recreation departments of a Social Adult Day Center for Alzheimer’s in Staten Island and a Health Care Center in Jackson, NJ. Before joining LIFE St. Francis, Gillian was a Recreation Supervisor at a PACE program at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland for two years.

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