Our Team

Israel brings a unique mix of clinical and operational experience to Pinnacle, having worked in healthcare as both a practitioner and in various administration roles for over a decade. In addition to his role as CEO, Israel continues to practice as a Registered Nurse and volunteer Paramedic while managing multiple Skilled Nursing Facilities on the East Coast.

Israel lives in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains in the Hudson Valley in Monsey, NY with his wife, Miriam, and 6 children. An avid lover of music, Israel enjoys honing his skills as a musician at the piano and practicing his passion as a recording engineer in his free time.

LaRae started her career in healthcare 25 years ago at the age of 17 as a CNA at a Long Term Care facility. While working as a CNA, she attended college to obtain her nursing degree. She has been an RN for 16 years and has worked as a nurse in various departments and roles, including geriatrics, ICU and leadership roles throughout her career. LaRae started at Pinnacle in April 2022. Right away it was apparent that she has a strong passion for her trade and for helping others–residents and colleagues alike.

LaRae has always had a passion and drive to help others, and believes it is rewarding just knowing that you make a difference at the end of the day and you advocated for others who are unable to for themselves.

LaRae lives in southern Maine with her husband of 15 years as well as her 8 year old son who keeps her on her toes. She also has 3 stepsons, who are also in the southern Maine area. She enjoys spending time with her family. They enjoy spending time outdoors, going to the beach, and doing crafts together.

Healthcare has been Phyllis’s focus since beginning as a CNA in 1977. Phyllis received her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse from New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in 1979, and then became a Licensed Social Worker. Both skills are of great benefit in Phyllis’s duel role as Social Services Director and Admissions Coordinator at Pinnacle North Berwick.

Phyllis has worked at Pinnacle for over twenty years, and has built collaborative partnerships with area hospitals, discharge planners, and community partners for continuity of care throughout this time. Phyllis is the coordinator of the York/Cumberland Social Work Group, a collaborative group of peers who also actively participate with Maine Health Care Association.

Phyllis and her husband Ron reside in Sanford on a 60 acre “family farm.” They have three sons, three grandchildren, and two cats. In her free time Phyllis enjoys gardening, walking on the beach, and is an avid New England sports fan, but most of all family visits are her most favorite.

Cathy began working at Pinnacle Health and Rehabilitation at North Berwick in 2009. After high school she went on to college to pursue her degree in Business Management. Cathy started her career at the University of Maine System in Sanford, Maine as an Administrator Associate. She enjoyed her 20 years with the University of Maine System managing the finances, day to day operations and performed ongoing projects and tasks with her Administrator and other University departments across the state. Cathy wanted a new challenge and accepted the Business Office Manager position with Pinnacle at North Berwick, which she enjoys and finds fulfilling.

She and her husband live in Kennebunk with their very loved cat and dog.

Michelle received her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New England and has been practicing in Southern Maine since 1995 with experience in skilled nursing, home healthcare, and acute care settings.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys gardening, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, hiking, and reading.

Mary has been employed as our Director of Activities since October of 2023. She received her certification through Portland Adult Education. Mary has worked with the elderly for many years.

Mary and her team bring programs of the mind, body, and spirit to our residents. Mary plans outings to take a ride along the beautiful coast, go to local restaurants, or just get out and go shopping, and other outings when applicable.

Mary will plan activities such as arts & crafts, story time, baking, Bingo (the crowd favorite!), as well as monthly events such as “Resident Spotlight”, monthly birthday parties, Holiday celebrations, as well as a variety of live entertainment of musicians, magicians, animal appearances, and other entertainers.

In Mary’s spare time she likes to attend her nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events, Facetime her two daughters and son-in-laws, her grandpuppy Mabel and her first Granddaughter, who all reside in San Diego, California. Mary and her husband visit whenever they can.

Bruce started at Pinnacle North Berwick in February 2014 having transferred from our sister facility in Sanford. Prior to that, Bruce worked for a tannery for twenty years after serving in the Navy for seven years.
Bruce enjoys working on his property and golfing in his spare time. He lives in Sanford with his lovely wife Jen in Sanford.

Shelli started with Pinnacle North Berwick in January 2022 as a housekeeper. A few months into working here, Shelli was offered the Director of Housekeeping & Laundry position. She happily accepted right away!

Shelli has lived in Sanford Maine her entire life. She has three amazing children, and two of them currently are employees of Pinnacle North Berwick as well. Her oldest daughter is a CNA and Med-Tech and her middle daughter is a Cook and Aide in the kitchen but also helps in the laundry room as needed. When Shelli isn’t working, she loves spending time with family and enjoys the outdoors. Shelli looks forward to many more years at Pinnacle.

Jolene started at Pinnacle North Berwick in October of 2023. She has 25 years of food service experience. Twenty of those years were in School Nutrition.

In her free time Jolene likes to jump in the car and explore new places.