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

Gordon Meyer, CEO

Gordon Meyer has been a driving force behind The Baptist Home Society for over 45 years, first as the Board’s attorney in Newark and later as the advisor and legal council in the transition to the Assisted Living arena. Gordon was primarily responsible for developing The Cliffs at Eagle Rock.

Gordon received his B.A. from Wheaton College and his law degree from Cornell Law School. He has specialized in the care of the elderly both in his law practice and his charity involvements, serving on the Board of Directors of the Holland Home in North Haledon NJ for over 40 years and presently a member of the Board of Directors of The Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, NJ.

Gordon was asked to assume the role of CEO of The Cliffs in 2005 by the Board of the Baptist Home Society He characterizes his work at The Cliffs to be profoundly satisfying and the culmination of his desire to make a difference in the lives of the elderly. The Cliffs is proud of 125 years of caring for the elderly. We hope you choose to live in a residence where the commitment in your quality of life is embodied in the Mission Statement of our non-profit corporation rather than in the business plan of a for-profit corporation.

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!”

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.

Virginia Hayes Mills

Our Mother originally was a resident of The Presbyterian Home in Newton, KS in the Alzheimers wing. When her husband died, my sister and I were confronted with the dilemma of leaving her in familiar surroundings in Kansas or bringing her to New Jersey and The Cliffs. With prayer, I knew it was the right time to move her closer to us. It was not a simple decision nor was the trip on an airplane with a 91 year old, but once Mom was safely in her new room at The Cliffs, I was at peace with our decision. The Cliffs had arranged for everything and her room was fully furnished when we arrived. When I looked out the window of her new room, I saw a spacious Interior courtyard, walking paths, green lawns, flowers, and beautiful blooming red bud trees. I knew Mom was home.
Mother received excellent care from the Cliff’s staff over the next 4 years. I noticed Mom’s mental acuity actually improved because of the many special daily activities in the Haven. Mom and I always attended the Annual Christmas Concert in the Chapel and when I would come before lunch, we would sing old songs from the 40’s with all the Haven residents. When possible, I would push her wheel chair around the beautiful walking paths surrounding the Cliffs.
On Mother’s Day 2015, I wheeled Mom around the Cliffs and decided to take her to the Upper Gazebo. Below is a picture taken that day in May; I treasure this beautiful moment, her last Mother’s Day.

When mother began to fail, St. Barnabas Hospice was called to assist in her final days at the Cliffs. Hospice along with the Cliff’s staff took such wonderful care of Mom and helped my sister and me to fully understand the dying process. Daily, Cliff’s staff would come to Mom’s room to comfort and pray with us. The compassion and sincerity exhibited during those last days was almost beyond words.
I so appreciate the 4 years Mom spent at The Cliffs. Thank you, thank you too all who knew and cared for our Mother, known affectionately at the Cliffs as Gee Gee.

The Cherkezian Family

“All the family agrees, there is no other place more perfect for Mom. The staff is a gift to the Cliffs and brings such a calm and kindess to the entire energy of this ‘home’ energy.”

Five years ago, when it was clear that my mother needed to move from Chicago to live closer to us here in New Jersey, my wife and I searched relentlessly for the perfect assisted living home. We must have personally gone to more than a dozen facilities, and checked out many others online. We consulted state websites to see whose inspection records were the best. In the end, it was an easy choice. The Cliffs was far and away the best place. Five years later, we are more convinced of that than ever, especially after Mom had to move into the Haven. We saw just how much the staff invested in the care of everyone, from making sure medications were taken to providing great activities and entertainment. Mom loved all of you. Monica, thank you. Madame President (you know who you are!), thank you. I thank all you terrific people who spent days and nights checking on, talking with and helping my mother. Leni, you worked wonders to make sure she could stay at The Cliffs. Orlando and the nursing office, you kept such a good eye on her medical conditions. Mark and the building staff, what a clean, fine-tuned machine you make at The Cliffs. To the kitchen crew, those are mighty tasty meals you whip up. I hope the administration posts this letter so that the entire staff can read it. You should all take a bow. You gave my mother’s family great peace-of-mind because she was in such good hands.

Private Rooms & Attentive Care

The 16 dedicated suites in The Haven enjoy the ambiance of our 6-acre site in a quiet residential neighborhood. In this spacious and cheerful home, residents have a full range of amenities and services including:

  • Comfortable, spacious living environment
  • Award-winning architectural design
  • Large private suites with non-cooking kitchenettes and full, safety-equipped private bathrooms; each suite has large windows for plentiful natural light
  • Every suite can be personalized with residents’ treasured belongings
  • Individualized care and attention
  • RNs and LPNs on staff
  • Close medical supervision by a multi-disciplinary team
  • Beautiful Wander Garden for exercise
  • Specialized activities with a full-time director
  • 3-course meals served in a club-style dining room
  • Menus prepared to the needs of each resident
  • “Hand-in Hand” relationships between professional staff and family members
  • Family support programs
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