Stephanie Howe, RN

Owner

Stephanie Howe, RN, is the owner of 6 Comfort Keepers franchises in central NJ.  She began providing services to her first client in 2005 in her first office in Hamilton and 2006 in Monroe Township.

The business started because Stephanie had a parent with chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis and was admitted into a nursing home at age 44, because there were no services like this available at the time.  Stephanie was diagnosed with the same disease at age 26 and did not want others to suffer as her family did.

She is committed to assisting not just the elderly, but anyone needing home care services in order to continue living safely at home. 

Stephanie is a Registered Nurse and has been elected by her peers to the National Advisory Council to represent other franchisees across the country at the Comfort Keepers corporate level.

In 2016, Stephanie opened the New Jersey Caregiver Academy to certify caregivers as Certified Home Health Aide's with the Board of Nursing. It is a great resource for training our caregivers with the best nurses and curriculum in the state!

Stephanie remains healthy and resides in Robbinsville with her six children and five dogs.

Henry (2011-2018)

Director of The "Golden" Rule

In Spring of 2018, we lost Henry, our four legged friend, who served as our Director of Love & Respect. Every day, Henry reminded all of us the importance of treating others how we wish to be treated... the "Golden" Rule.

Henry was a fun loving pup, who could be found around the office to greet our guests. 

While Henry is no longer with us, his legacy lives on as we remind ourselves the importance of kindness and respect for others. 

Millie

Director of Cuteness

Millie was hired as our Director of Cuteness in March 2018. As the Director of Cuteness, Millie's responsibilities are very limited, yet very meaningful---- be cute. 

Despite getting caught taking occasional naps during the work day, Millie fulfills her responsibility day in and day out. 

Sheila Truncellito, CDP

General Manager

Sheila Truncellito is the General Manager with oversight of all services in the six territories of the franchise. She began her career with Comfort Keepers as Client Care Coordinator in 2012. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) endorsed by the National Council of Certified Practitioners.

Sheila hails from Indiana where she grew up in a farming family. She received a B.A. from DePauw University and went to work on the start-up staff of People Express airlines. She gained human resources experience there which she put to work in a career as a human resources manager in the insurance field.

She took a hiatus to raise her daughter and in those years also worked as a professional storyteller/singer, performing in many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, senior centers and schools in the tri-state area. She has further served as a community mediator in her local municipal court system. She also loves singing in a cappella groups and sewing.

Sheila has been married to her wonderful husband, Gene, for nearly 40 years. They have a lovely daughter, Eva, who previously enjoyed working for Comfort Keepers.

Her daily joy is knowing when Comfort Keepers has found the perfect match between client and caregiver that lets clients and their families feel at ease and in good hands.

Nina Talone, BSN, RN

Director of Nursing

Nina is our Director of Nursing for all 6 territories. Before Comfort Keepers, Nina worked in the ICU at St. Francis for 10 years, and has been working in Home Care for the past 6 years.  

Nina graduated nursing school in 2006, and then went on to attend Felician College and graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2011. 

Having previous experience in a fast-paced environment has made Nina’s transition into Director of Nursing much easier.  Her compassion for people and ability to remain positive helps her succeed in this new role!

Outside of work, Nina loves to read, spend time with her friends and family, and loves to spend time outdoors- either poolside or on a waverunner. Nina also has a love for animals and did dog rescue for 7 years until she had her son in 2010. 

Megan Durbin

Director of Operations

Meg has been with Comfort Keepers since 2013.  As Director of Operations she works with the Territory Managers, operations staff, and caregivers to provide excellence in services to Comfort Keepers’ clients throughout our six territories.

Before joining Comfort Keepers, Meg worked many years as a manicurist in an upscale salon and as a private caregiver.  She developed a passion for helping the elderly and had many clients whom she loved dearly.  Meg will admit she is not a good cook, but she always tried to find ways to make mealtime a treat, such as with one client who loved Meg’s spaghetti – which may have been due in part to the two packets of sweet and low that Meg put in the sauce to “season” it to taste!

Meg recognized her calling when taking care of her clients, singing and dancing with them to feed their spirits (and her own!) and using her manicurist skills to do their fingernails and toenails, many of whom never had the pleasure of having this done previously.  She found it to be a tradeoff as she used the time to learn so much from them and to develop her appreciation for the contributions and life stories of the elderly.  

Meg started at Comfort Keepers as the Lead Staffing Coordinator in Robbinsville and then became a Client Care Manager for both the Toms River and Robbinsville territories, eventually applying that experience and learning to take on the job of Director of Operations.  Meg truly feels that helping the elderly and others needing home care is her life’s passion and she has found her own home in doing so. 

Kristin Calderone, CDP

Territory Manager - Monroe Township

Kristin Calderone is the Territory Manager of our Monroe Township location. She attended Monmouth University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Psychology. Before college, she worked in various ministry opportunities including: a youth ministry in Lakewood, NJ, an international non-profit organization based in Israel, as well as travelling to South and Central America to help renovate homes and provide clean water to local families.

Prior to working with Comfort Keepers, Kristin worked in customer service at a small credit union. She has used those organizational and management skills to provide excellent support for her Monroe clients.

Kristin is empowered by the conviction that every individual-- regardless of age, demographic, or background—has a specific and intricate purpose. Every life is necessary and everyone has something unique and beautiful to contribute to society. In her work with us, she revels in meeting new prospective clients, hearing their stories, and growing the CK family.

Kristin is a Certified Dementia Practioner (CDP) endorsed by the National Council of Certified Practioners. 

Sophie Battaglino

Territory Manager – Warren, Bridgewater, and Morristown

Sophie Battaglino is the Territory Manager for our Bridgewater, Morristown, and Warren locations. Growing up, Sophie helped care for her Nan, who had ALS, and her Meemaw, who lived to be 100. She would keep them company, play games, and watch their favorite tv shows/movies with them. Through lending a hand to her family, she developed a soft spot for helping others. 

Since high school, Sophie has worked customer service jobs in a variety of environments. Sophie went on to attend Seton Hall University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Honors Psychology. Post graduation, she worked at a recovery center for Substance Use Disorders and mental health diagnoses. There she fulfilled several roles, including client care management. 

She is dedicated to helping others obtain care that enables them to live their best lives, and enjoys the meaningful connections she has created along the way. 

Payel Paul

Territory Manager - Toms River

Payel Paul is the Territory Manager of our Toms River office. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Dowling College in New York. Following her graduation, she began her career as a case manager assistant and took on various roles within the company.

Payel loves spending quality time with her family and has recently developed a newfound passion for gardening.

She is extremely enthusiastic about her role here at Comfort Keepers and is eager to make a positive impact by changing lives!

Amber Sommers

Territory Manager – Robbinsville

Amber Sommers is the Territory Manager in our Robbinsville location. She has local roots, being born and raised close by in Hamilton NJ and now settled in a home with her fiancé, 2 daughters and 4 dogs in Yardville NJ.   

Amber graduated from Hamilton High West and earned her BA from Penn State Abington in Multi-Media.  Her work life started at the age of 16, with school, employment, and raising her family combining over time to help her master the art of multi-tasking. 

From being a Teacher to serving as Emergency Dispatch for the state of NJ, Marketing and Customer Service for a national insurance carrier, #1 Sales woman and a Finance Manager at nearby car dealerships, Amber has excelled in and learned from many different fields that all came together in the position of Territory Manager at Comfort Keepers.  

The roles may have been different, but her objectives and application of skills always had a common theme: Helping better the lives of others.  ALWAYS carrying a smile and extending a helping hand wherever she goes has been Amber’s persona.  

“Little things add up…what we think is a small gesture may be huge for someone else. You never know what is going on in someone’s life. So keep it moving.” 

Jill Ercolano

Scheduling Coordinator - Robbinsville, Bridgewater, Morristown, and Warren

Jill Ercolano is one of our Scheduling Coordinators for Warren, Bridgewater, Morristown and Robbinsville! Prior to working at Comfort Keepers, Jill worked in retail as a Personal Shopper, Assistant Buyer, Bookkeeper and Manager. Her ability to work in a fast paced environment makes her an excellent addition to our Robbinsville team. 

In Jill’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her children and dogs. She also has practiced Yoga for 16 years. 

Alex Metrik

Scheduling Coordinator - Robbinsville, Bridgewater, Morristown, and Warren

Alex is one of our Scheduling Coordinators for Warren, Bridgewater, Morristown, and Robbinsville!

Before joining the team, Alex managed the online department at Bird Paradise.

There she became proficient in providing customers with exceptional service, both in quality of product and overall customer service experiences. 

Alex resides in Palmyra with her cat Franklin and Bill. During her spare time she enjoys being with family and friends.  She is also currently in school to become a registered nurse, so she surely has a passion for the field of health care!

Brianna Arends

Scheduling Coordinator - Monroe Twp.

Prior to joining Comfort Keepers, Bri worked in law enforcement  for 5 years. She is excited to embark on a new career path in home health care. 

She holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice and a Masters degree in Management.  She is excited about connecting with the clients and caregivers.  

Outside of work, Bri enjoys going on adventures seeing new places and spending time with family and friends. 

Jennifer Murray

Scheduling Coordinator - Toms River

Jennifer is new to Comfort Keepers but not new to healthcare. She has been in the field for over a decade in medical and dental practice settings handling office administration, records management and patient relations.  A priority for her through the years has been creating special bonds with patients, so she feels especially at home in her new role as a Scheduling Coordinator maintaining positive communications with clients and caregivers.  

Jennifer prides herself on being patient and kind and radiating a sense of welcoming (she finds that even while out shopping, someone always seems to find a way to approach her to chat).  A Jersey girl at heart, Jennifer most recently moved back to NJ from living in Connecticut and is happy to be back with family. In her free time she focuses on spending time with her 5 year old son and husband. She is passionate about writing and photography, and is also currently learning how to paint watercolor. 

Marie Johnson

Human Resources Manager

Marie Johnson is the Human Resources Manager for all six territories of the franchise. Before Comfort Keepers, Marie worked as the Human Resources Director at a Nursing Home and Rehab Center in the Bronx where she was responsible for all areas of HR. 

She graduated from Manhattan College majoring in Business Administration. With over 25 years of Business/HR experience, she is well versed in management, communication, customer service, recruiting and more. 

Marie is very passionate about treating all people with respect, kindness and understanding. She strives to always have a positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life.

She has been married for 26 years and is a loving Mother of 3 and Grandmother of 3. Her grandchildren are her pride and joy. 

Sydney Green

Recruiter - Robbinsville, Toms River, Monroe Twp, Warren, & Bridgewater

Sydney is the Recruiter for our six offices. She is a recent graduate from Rider University where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management.  

In the past, Sydney has worked in HR as an intern before graduating. Sydney worked as a wrestling manager for Riders D1 wrestling team for four years during her time at Rider.  In her spare time, Sydney enjoys watching Philly sports teams play, as well as spending time with family, and friends.

Lauren Tabor

Human Resource Generalist

Lauren is our Human Resources Generalist and a recent graduate of the College of New Jersey where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and a minor in Psychology.

In the past, Lauren has worked with children and in various customer service roles.  The most recent position was at the front desk of a spa/salon where she enjoyed interacting with the clients, Lauren strives to be compassionate and caring to all.  In her spare time, Lauren enjoys swimming, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

Dawn Pidcock

Billing/Payroll Coordinator

Dawn Pidcock joined the Comfort Keepers family in 2012 and serves as our Billing/Payroll Coordinator for all six of our territories in New Jersey. 

Dawn graduated from Cittone Institute in Princeton and started her career off as a court reporter. She also worked for two medical groups previously.

When Dawn isn’t behind her computer working, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending time in the outdoors with her family hiking, watching her children ski, and being an advocate for children with disabilities.

Danielle Davis

Account Payable Specialist

Danielle Davis is our Account Payable Specialist. Danielle graduated from Mercer County Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science and became licensed as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. Before working at Comfort Keepers, Danielle worked for over 18 years in the Oncology and Hematology field as a Medical Biller and MLT.

When Danielle is not at Comfort Keepers she is helping her husband run their landscaping business. She enjoys spending time running, reading, beach trips, traveling, walking her dogs and spending time with family. Danielle and her husband reside in Hamilton Square with their two children, cat and two Labrador retrievers.

Tina Henry

Administrative Assistant

Tina Henry is our Administrative Assistant. When Tina is not in our Robbinsville office, she currently works as a Wildland Firefighter helping Smokey the Bear keep our forests safe. Prior to working at Comfort Keepers, she worked as an Office Assistant for a Pest Management company.  She is excited to embark on her new journey with this field of work. In her spare time, Tina loves to spend time with her loving husband John of 4 years and her family. She plays guitar, sings country music and loves to embroider. It's one of her favorite things to do. She has a golden retriever named Andy and thirteen chickens with silly names such as Lasagna, Coleslaw, Pancakes, Nugget and so on. She is so excited to be a part of our team!