Tom McMullen, Executive Director
After growing up in Colorado, Tom McMullen moved to Massachusetts in 1997 to run a Senior Center in Ludlow. With a degree in Business and Gerontology, he has been working in aging services for over 30 years – managing assisted living communities since 2002. Tom has been with Heywood Wakefield Commons since pre-opening in 2011. Tom’s love of history and the Greatest Generation inspire him to work with the older adult population.
Very hands-on, Tom can often be found grilling for resident events in the summer or calling Bingo. For fun, Tom likes being outdoors fishing, hunting, hiking and kayaking. Tom is a proud father of two adult children and he lives with his wife and their two dogs.
Kristy Livingston, Assistant Executive Director
Kristy Livingston grew up in Athol, MA, and went to Clark University in Worcester, MA, where she graduated with a BA in Sociology and a Certificate of Gerontology from the Consortium Gerontology Studies Program. Kristy’s career path started in the arts and entertainment industry with positions at Foothills Theatre and the DCU Center. In 2011, her mother sent her an ad from The Gardner News for a soon-to-open assisted living community looking for a Director of Marketing & Admissions – and, “the rest is history” as they say!
Kristy lives with her husband and their two cats, Chandler and Joey. In her downtime, Kristy can be found spending time with family, binge watching episodes of Friends and planning her and her husband’s next vacation destination.
Rheana Rodriguez, Resident Service Manager
Rheana Rodriguez grew up in Gardner and in high school, she opted to nix the traditional route and attended a local vocational technical high school. Doing this allowed her to receive her H.S. diploma as well as earn her CNA. At a young age, Rheana knew that she wanted to care for the very population she serves today. Being a CNA for her was, and still is, the best career on earth! She worked as a CNA for 20+ years, the majority of her career in assisted living communities.
During this time, with the encouragement of family, friends, and colleagues, she pursued her LPN. Fortunately for Rheana (and HWC), she was able to remain in a community that she loved as a CNA, transitioning into a Wellness Nurse / Assessment Nurse, and then her current position as Resident Service Manager. Outside of work, Rheana truly enjoys spending time with her husband, kids and grandchildren doing anything and everything!
Sue Kelley, Resident Transitions Coordinator
Sue Kelley was born and brought up in Gardner in a large, tight-knit family. Her 100-year old aunt heard about an assisted living community opening in 2011 and tirelessly encouraged Sue to apply, as she had a background in administrative and clerical work. Finally, to appease her aunt, Sue decided to fill out an application. She was hired as the Administrative Assistant upon HWC opening, became Business Office Manager, and now graces the role of Resident Transitions Coordinator where she makes a positive impact on current and future residents and their families.
When not at work, Sue can be found with her biological family or her church family. She serves in the kitchen at church and the children’s ministries and has done missions trips in Haiti and in Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina’s rebuild, working in the kitchen at both trips. Sue loves to bake and cook and also helps families with children and babysitting.
John Germano, Executive Chef
John Germano grew up in Boston and now resides in Southern New Hampshire. John graduated from UMass with a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management, and he has worked with some great Chefs from whom he has learned throughout the years. John was drawn to the assisted living field by having aging parents and in-laws who were needing services that assisted living communities offer. John has been with Heywood Wakefield Commons since the community opened.
He is an avid Boston sports fan and enjoys the outdoors and the ocean. John and his family were recently “adopted” by a kitten who they named Meatball and has become a prominent member of their family.
Donna See, Activity Director
Donna See grew up in NY State where she met her husband, Mike, of 33 years…and counting. The two New Yorkers moved to Central MA in 1997, where they raised their son and daughter. Donna earned her AB in Anthropology and Sociology from Lafayette College and, having spent much memorable time with her grandparents while growing up, found her calling working with seniors and their families in settings such as nursing homes, adult day programs and adult care counseling organizations.
When she’s not dancing with HWC residents or reaching out to them to help with a project, Donna enjoys giggling with her 2 beautiful grandchildren, playing Pinochle with family, hiking, waterskiing, and generally having a good time. Wintering in Central MA, the family enjoys summering at Queen Lake in Phillipston.
Joe Raymond, Business Office Manager
Joe Raymond grew up in upstate New York where he graduated from a Private Christian High School and College. Before joining Heywood Wakefield Commons, Joe worked with his family for 30 years at the assisted living home in New Hampshire that they owned. He enjoys coming in every day and seeing our residents. Joe and his lovely wife (who creates the gift baskets that are raffled to HWC residents) live in New Hampshire with their 7-year-old Anatolian Shephard-American Bulldog mix Ferris. For fun, Joe collects nutcrackers, pint glasses and beer steins and he truly enjoys cruising around on his motorcycle.
Dan Matte, Director of Maintenance and Housekeeping
Dan Matte grew up in Southbridge, MA, and spent most of his adult life in Sturbridge. Dan’s background in the cleaning & restoration, building and real estate businesses makes him a great fit for the Director of Maintenance & Housekeeping position. He truly enjoys helping the residents on a day-to-day basis. Dan has three adult children and lives with his fiancé and their two cats. Dan is a Lion and Freemason, when not fulfilling those obligations, he enjoys playing cards and spending time with his family.
