Leadership

Kevin P. DeAcosta, President and CEO, joined The Highlands of Wyomissing® in September 2000 and was promoted to the position of CFO in January 2004, served as Interim President and CFO from January 2012 through March 2013, and was appointed President and CEO effective March 2013. Kevin received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Alvernia University in Reading, PA.  Prior to coming to The Highlands, he spent ten years in the banking and public accounting industries. At The Highlands, Kevin plans, directs and manages all operations. He develops and maintains effective business and professional relations with members of the Board of Directors, residents, clients, industry organizations, hospitals and churches. Additionally, he works in cooperation with the Governing Board in developing the strategic vision for the organization.

Lorena Lazarchick, Vice President of Customer Experience, joined The Highlands at Wyomissing® in November 1987. Lorena provides leadership, oversight, management, development, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations for the following departments/areas:  Residential Living Programming, Security, Fitness Center, Pastoral Care, and Social Services.  She also serves as the liaison between the Board of Directors and Administration.

Kristen Santangelo, Vice President of Health Services, joined The Highlands in 2017 as our Nursing Home Administrator. Ms. Santangelo holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA.  Ms. Santangelo become a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in 2005 and spent the eleven years prior to joining The Highlands as the Vice President of Operations with a national short-term, post-acute and long-term care provider.  Ms. Santangelo’s responsibilities include planning, organizing and administering the daily operations of Aspire Skilled Nursing; overseeing the administration of all therapy services; and operational oversight of the Aspire for Well-BeingTM health services, including Personal Care, Memory Support, Home Care, Hospice and Specialty Staffing Services. . Ms. Santangelo also serves as The Highlands’ Compliance Officer.

Anita Martin comes to The Highlands at Wyomissing® with more than 40 years of experience in senior living.  During her career she has held various leadership capacities within personal care and residential living, most recently serving as an Executive Director of a senior living community. Anita has been a Personal Care Home Administrator since 1998 and a Certified Aging Service Professional since 2015.  She is an active member in her community, serving in leadership capacities with local Rotary and Chamber of Commerce organizations. Anita lives in Mt. Joy, Lancaster County, and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 5 grandchildren.

In his role as Vice President of Development and Marketing, Cameron Martin heads the Marketing team and all marketing initiatives and supports all aspects of The Highlands’ fundraising programs, including planned giving, grateful resident program, donor events and capital projects. Cameron is an experienced development professional with more than 15 years leading fundraising efforts in Berks County and beyond. He enjoys engaging with donors to champion fundraising projects that positively impact the community and provide meaningful ways to share their compassion and generosity by creating a legacy of philanthropy.

Cameron earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from Millersville University and a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies from Lancaster Bible College. He is an active member of the Berks Regional Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves on the Millersville University Alumni Association Board. In 2018, Cameron was part of the inaugural group to receive the Reading Eagle’s 40 under 40 Award, which spotlighted the next level of leaders in Berks County, and in 2020, he received Berks Encore’s Rising Leader award.

Cameron is proud of his hardworking wife, Randi. Together, he and Randi are parents to two vivacious little girls!

Jared Martz, Director of Community Life and Engagement, joined The Highlands at Wyomissing® in September 2016. During his career, he has served in various roles within Residential Living. Jared’s responsibilities include the leadership, management and development of the day-to-day operations for Residential Living Programming and Social Services. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Alvernia University and serves the local community through various organizations. He enjoys going on adventures with his wife and young daughter.

Rick Melcher returns to The Highlands at Wyomissing® with more than 36 years of experience in accounting and financial management, including more than 30 years of leadership roles in healthcare, higher education and senior living. Previously CFO for The Highlands, Rick most recently served as Controller for Mennonite Home Communities and Associate Vice President and Controller for Albright College.

Throughout his career, Rick has prided himself on providing strong oversight over accounting and financial management functions; contributing to the analysis and development of strategic initiatives; and having a strong commitment to furthering the mission and values of an organization.

Rick earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Albright College. He resides in Wyomissing with his wife, Annie, and one of their three children.