Barclay Friends, a Kendal affiliate in West Chester, has announced the appointment of Maria Santangelo as the community’s new chief executive officer, effective April 3.
Santangelo takes the helm following Linda Sterthous, who will retire after seven years of outstanding service to the community.
Santangelo brings over 20 years of experience in senior living and has distinguished herself as a leader dedicated to the mission-driven values of nonprofit organizations. Her most recent role as executive director of Pine Run Retirement Community saw her manage a life care community with excellent results, and her wealth of knowledge extends to strategic planning and community development.
From her earlier work in children’s services, including a stint with the Peace Corps in Nepal, Santangelo has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service, which seamlessly translates into her passion for elevating the lives of older adults.
With a master’s degree in occupational therapy, she has honed a skillset that is well-aligned with the offerings and culture of Barclay Friends.
“We are truly inspired by Maria’s energy, expertise, and alignment with Quaker values,” said Board Chair Ellen Gilbert. “We believe she is the ideal choice to continue to move Barclay Friends forward.”
Santangelo’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Barclay Friends continues to enhance its services and living offerings to meet the community’s future needs. Her clinical experience, positive energy and commitment to fostering relationships with residents, families and teams will remain integral to the organization’s mission.
“Kendal welcomes Maria to the Kendal System and appreciates that she has chosen to share with her commitment to mission-driven organizations and clinical, strategic planning and renovation experience with Barclay Friends,” said Vassar Byrd, CEO of the Kendal Corp.
“I am thrilled to lead Barclay Friends and build upon its remarkable legacy of care,” Santangelo said. “I look forward to joining and serving this vibrant community as we continue to provide exemplary service to residents and their families.”
For more information about Barclay Friends, visit https://bf.kendal.org/community-life/community-overview.
About Barclay Friends: Barclay Friends is a Kendal affiliate offering a home environment and warm, compassionate care. Services for older adults include Residential Living, Memory Care, Personal Care and Skilled Nursing Care. Barclay Friends employs a dedicated staff with many years of service who understand that focusing on residents’ individual needs enhances their quality of life.
About Kendal: Founded on Quaker principles and guided by its values and practices, the operating Kendal affiliates provide independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation care. Kendal-affiliated senior living communities are located in Hanover, N.H.; Ithaca and Sleepy Hollow in New York; Northampton and Easthampton in Massachusetts; Lexington, Va.; the Washington Metropolitan area; West Chester; Oberlin, Ohio; and Sonoma Valley, Calif. In Ohio, Kentucky and Massachusetts, Kendal at Home provides the CCRC at Home model.
