Celebrating Life, Family, and Liberty!

A record number of Cliffs residents ventured outdoors to dine, some with family, outside in the sunshine at the Cliffs outdoor dining patio in the interior garden area.

The day was a testimony to the renewal of life as we knew it in our pre-pandemic era!

Cliffs dining staff, along with dining manager, Lee Whitaker, grilled up a special menu that was enjoyed by all.

Prior to their barbecue, Major Bill Horn lead a moving Memorial Service to honor the men and women who defended our country, often at great peril and sacrifice.  Major Horn shared moving stories of his dangerous missions as a special ops helicopter pilot taking soldiers behind enemy lines to save many. 

So many Cliffs residents cheered all those who made their holiday so special and happy.

We hope this is the start of a very enjoyable summer for residents and for the community.

2023 Cliffs Spring Concert

Cliffs Residents Raise Funds for Wounded Warrior Project!

Three cheers for our Cliffs Residents who voted in favor of taking on their first charity project since the pandemic began. They chose Wounded Warrior Project and organized ways for residents to raise funds besides making charitable contributions in the charity box.

For about 6 weeks, residents donated their winnings from Bings, Badminton, Laps around the Cliffs, and shuffleboard games to help raise $300. The cash prizes were supplemented by donations dropped in the Charity Box left at the front reception desk. To their credit, the resident’s final tally was a total of $307.00! A check has been mailed in their Name,

Wounded Warrior Project is a direct service organization. 100% of donation supports wounded warriors. About 72% — nearly $250 million in the fiscal year 2022 – was spent directly on programs and services for wounded warriors, families, and caregivers. The balance paid to support the delivery of this life-changing support.

More than 220,000 warriors, family members, and caregivers were registered with Wounded Warrior Project as of September 30, 2022. The need is great and growing. Every month in 2022, more than 1,780 warriors and family members registered with Wounded Warrior Project to receive our free programs and services.

Annmarie Rogers

When it became clear that my 98-year-old mother, Rosalia, would soon no longer be safe in an independent environment, even with assistance from daily aides, I began looking in earnest for a place to care for Mom. My first visit to the Cliffs convinced me that this was the place. But because so many people agreed, there was no spot for Mom. I asked Charlotte to put her name on the “waiting list”, and I kept looking. Indeed, Mom spent time in another facility who gave respite care while I was on a trip. However, I prayed that a spot would open up at The Cliffs, and often dropped in to see if anything had. I pretty much hounded Charlotte!

Finally, prayers were answered, and Mom became a resident. With old age and clinical depression working against her, the staff at the Cliffs kept her busy and engaged to her fullest ability. Even though mom had been reluctant to enter a nursing home, she soon felt comfortable, and my frequent visits helped to ease her anxiety. We both came to know and love the staff at the Cliffs, who took wonderful and gentle care of her.

In addition to having some Easter and Christmas dinners with Mom, we celebrated her 100th birthday with a big family party in the church basement, and on her 101st birthday, with a smaller celebration in the family dining room.

I can never thank the wonderful staff at the Cliffs enough for doing the job that I was unable to do . . . and they did it with love and enthusiasm.

To say that the Cliffs in West Orange is a wonderful place would be an understatement…. It is extraordinary, and I am very comfortable saying that there is none like it and none better.

Annmarie Rogers, Rosalia Barbato’s Daughter

Leni de Guzman, Licensed Administrator

Leni’s career path leading to The Cliffs began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Certified Assisted Living Administrator. Leni began working at The Baptist Home in Newark in 2003, serving as the Bookkeeper for 2 years. When the Cliffs opened in 2005, Leni joined The Cliff’s family as the Business Office Manager and was soon promoted to Administrator January 1,2009.

Leni’s strong devotion to The Cliffs along with her oversight and fine leadership of staff have guided The Cliffs in achieving excellence in all aspects of caring for the elderly. During her tenure, The Cliffs has received numerous industry awards, including Advanced Standing Status and The Caring Star, Award.

“I believe in living by The Cliff’s Mission Statement, by providing the highest level of care to our residents and their families and by giving genuine dignity and respect to the elderly throughout the aging process.” Leni lives in West Orange, is an active member of the American College of Health Care Administrator’s NJ Chapter.

Charlotte Crosswell, Assistant Administrator

The sense of “family” at The Cliffs is largely fueled by Charlotte’s relentless determination to ensure that each resident feels part of the Cliff’s Community. As an integral member of our management team, she sees the nurturing of staff and residents as a fundamental priority.

Charlotte educational background includes a B.A.in English Literature with Philosophy Honors along with graduate studies in Creative Writing. In 2004, she brought her marketing and advertising expertise to The Cliffs to help lay the groundwork of introducing The Cliffs at Eagle Rock to faith based communities and social providers prior to opening its doors.
Since then, Charlotte has been instrumental in building a thriving community of residents who enjoy calling The Cliffs their home.

In 2009, Charlotte earned the CALA license and was promoted to Assistant Administrator. In 2011, she completed her training as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and in 2012 became an active member of American College of Health Care Administration’s New Jersey Chapter. “We like to think of ourselves here as a family of friends, and we are all committed to going the extra mile for both!”

John de Guzman, BSN RN, Director of Nursing

John De Guzman began his journey at The Cliffs at Eagle Rock in 2009 at the age of 19, starting as a companion to a beloved couple. His passion for elder care was evident at an early age, which led him to pursue further certifications and licensure. He earned credentials as a Certified Home Health Aide, Certified Medication Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse, and ultimately, Registered Nurse in 2017.

For nine dedicated years, John served as a compassionate and reliable member of the nursing team at The Cliffs. However, when a suitable RN position was unavailable, he ventured beyond the community to continue growing professionally. Over the next six years, John worked as a Home Health Case Manager/Preceptor, Clinical Coordinator for Home Health/Hospice at VNA St. Barnabas, and later relocated to Texas in 2022, where he served as a Hospice Case Manager, then eventually
became a Director of Nursing – Hospice in 2024.

Recognizing his unwavering dedication and deep-rooted connection to the community, The Cliffs’ management reached out to John in March 2025. John made the heartfelt decision to return.

Now back at The Cliffs, his “first love” in the nursing profession, John brings not only a wealth of experience but also a renewed sense of purpose. He is proud to serve in the community that gave him his start and is committed to upholding and advancing the Mission Statement of The Baptist Home Society of New Jersey.

Lee Whitaker, Director of Food Services

Lee has been a professional in the food industry since 1995, starting as a cook and soon being promoted to Sous Chef because of his flair for preparing international cuisine. As Lee’s career advanced, and he received his Culinary Arts and Dietary Management Certificate along with State Certification.

Lee joined The Cliffs and was promoted to Director of Food Services in 2006. His passion for food service excellence and his talented culinary team have made a difference at The Cliffs with his many creative additions to the residents dining experiences; including International Food Week, family Bar-be-Ques in the Cliff’s Courtyard, Bistro Night, and Saturday Brunch with the Resident’s family,

It is evident that Lee’s energetic spirit for food has made a difference in the lives of the residents at The Cliffs. Lee’s motto is “Compassion and Team Work is the recipe for all success.”

Orlando “Orly” Egoc, Jr. B.S.N, R.N., Director of Nursing

As Director of Nursing, Orlando’s compassion and professionalism is a tremendous asset to The Cliff’s community. Orlando completed his Bachelor of Science in the Philippines, graduating in the Top 10 of his class. He joined The Cliff’s Nursing Staff in 2009 with additional credentials in Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA).

Orlando’s extensive experience in nursing and sub-acute care has equipped him to manage his team of nurses and caregivers for a highly efficient, superior level of nursing care for the Cliff’s residents. Orlando demonstrates daily his dedication and passions for the elderly as a highly conversant and skillful health care advocate. “ I always strive to increase the empowerment of Cliff’s caregivers through in-service education and promotion of staff camaraderie, all done in a loving workplace atmosphere, Here at The Cliffs, we are a community; we all share in the importance of calling The Cliffs HOME.”

Mark Rivera, Director of Maintenance and Environmental Services

Mark has been Director of Environmental Services at The Cliffs since 2007, overseeing all aspect of the physical plant. Prior to joining The Cliffs, he served a 20 year tenure as Director of Maintenance for high rise Senior Apartments in Atlantic City, NJ.

Mark energetically manages all aspects of The Cliff’s maintenance, always keeping The Cliffs “up to code to the highest standards.” Mark and his staff diligently look after the 6.5 acres of grounds while keeping the custodial care for the building’s 2 story interior in excellent condition. Mark is a whirlwind of energy and drive; yet keeps a warmhearted smile and kind word for a new resident as he carefully moves her into her freshly painted room.

Mark’s decades of preparedness and technical expertise have kept The Cliff’s residents and staff safe and secure through named hurricanes, epic snow storms, downed trees, and major power outages. “I am always thinking of ways to improve The Cliffs and keep the residents secure and happy in their home.”

In his spare time, Mark puts his expertise to work on his own rental properties and enjoys restoring furniture, while frequenting antique shows and flea markets.

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