Our Team

Executive Director

Tanya Ziegler, Executive Director at The Pines Senior Living, started her career in the hotel industry as Housekeeping Supervisor and quickly made her way up the leadership ladder to become General Manager. The 2018 transition to the General Manager role at The Pines was easy since hospitality and service are the backbones of both industries. 

She hit the ground running when she joined the company and quickly jumped in and familiarized herself within every department. She takes pride in the fact that she can step into any role at the facility; “I am a hands-on manager, I do not believe in asking a staff member to do something that I wouldn’t or couldn’t do myself,” explained Ziegler. To assist the facility further, she received her Medication Technician certification and is currently working toward an Administrator’s license and Dementia Practitioner certification. Ziegler’s dedication to continuing education and hands-on management approach is invaluable to the company and, in 2021, she was named Executive Director.

Director of Wellness

Megan Chestnut joined the team at The Pines on July 1st. She has been an LPN for 10 years and a recent RN graduate of Lackawanna College and is currently enrolled in the BSN program at Clarion University. “The community and culture here are inviting and lovely. I love the team mentality of every staff member,” Megan shared, “ I am looking forward to providing our residents with the highest standard of care.
Megan lives with her significant other and their three children in the Green Ridge section of Scranton. Her children are all involved in sports. When she’s not at The Pines, Megan is on the sidelines or in the stand cheering on her kids.

Director of Food and Beverage

Richard Thompson was born and raised in The Abington’s. He left in his twenties to start his culinary career and worked in some of the finest restaurants throughout Florida and Arizona. Most notably – Rick was Sous Chef at Vincent’s at Camelback, a James Beard recipient for several years. Locally, you may recognize him from some of the area’s favorite places ~ both past and present. Thompson helped open Patsel’s and went on to open The State Street Grille, which he has since sold to his partner.

Rick’s clientele has come full-circle, and the people who frequented his establishments, he now caters to at The Pines. Thompson has been delighting the residents of The Pines Senior Living with 95% made from scratch cuisine for the past 3 1/2 years. “I enjoy the challenge of meeting the high expectations of our residents,” Thompson says, “I always do my best to find the balance between every person’s needs and tastes. Great hospitality and service is the foundation at The Pines.”

Activities Director

Meet Tamara Klapatch, the new Activities Director at The Pines Senior Living!
Tamara lives in Clarks Summit and has worked in activities for the past nine years, including dementia care. Prior to that, she worked in the medical field before taking time to raise her son Joseph.
In addition to adding new activities to The Pines, Tamara will also focus on incorporating more community involvement making items to give to local charities. “It is my personal goal to see that each and every residents’ interests are met and that their time spent at The Pines is an enjoyable experience. I look forward to getting to know all of you.”
In her spare time, Tamara is the Founder and Managing Director for Padre Domenico De Cese – Volto Santo and works directly with the Capuchins in Manopello, Italy.

Memory Care Advocate

Vince Baglivo has been enriching the lives of seniors for 30+ years. A Certified Dementia Practitioner, Baglivo is an integral part of coordinating the Evergreen Program at The Pines Senior Living. As the resident and family Advocate, he ensures all of our residents with cognitive impairment are empowered to live their life to the fullest here at The Pines. “I enjoy helping people in moments,” Baglivo explained, “the little things get overlooked sometimes, especially in memory care ~ and these moments teach us how we can be our best for each individual living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.”

Creating an internal family support group, implementing a comprehensive staff training program, and building on individual support planning remains the goal for 2022.

Marketing and Admissions Director

Cheryl joined the team in March 2023.  Cheryl has been a Registered Nurse working in Home Health for many  years.  Cheryl has cared for many residents at The Pines through her work in home health.  Cheryl is married with two twin boys and resides in the Pittston area.  Cheryl looks forwarded to many new relationships with potential residents and current residents at The Pines.