Karen Hallenbeck - Executive Director

Originally from Long Island, New York, Karen, Donald and their three children relocated to Florida in 1987 when her husband’s Pharmaceutical Company transferred him to the sunshine state.  

Karen began her career in Senior Living in 1997 as Executive Director for an Independent and Assisted Living Community where she was involved in many organizations in her hometown. 20 years in radio as a talk show host, Karen was able to use her media experience to provide valuable information to the many senior listeners and became well known as a “Community Mover and Shaker.”

Karen decided to take on her passion for working with Alzheimer’s residents and began a search for a company that would be willing to invest in a multi sensory room called “Snoezelin” and a “Top of the Line” Memory Care Program.  She found that special company in TJM Properties and was hired as Executive Director of Summerfield Retirement Residence in October of 2010.  Karen’s favorite quote is “It's your unlimited power to care and to love that can make the biggest difference in the quality of your life. “ Anthony Robbins

Pamela Green  -  Marketing/Admissions Director

Pam has over 22 years experience at Summerfield as the Marketing/Admissions Director.  Pam provides tours to clients and professionals.  She is instrumental in acquiring new referrals by visiting with the professionals in area and has been known to “dress-up” for the part.  Pam has facilitated the Alzheimer’s Caregivers support group at Summerfield for fourteen years and in 2008 received the Outstanding Volunteer of Manatee County Award from The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.   She has served on the Board for the Manatee County Caregiver Forum.  Pam is a Notary Public and provides services for Resident’s, Families and Employees.

Pam is married to husband Bob, they have a son & daughter.  Their son recently blessed them with their first grandchild, Jared.  

Melinda Lavender - Activities Director

Melinda Lavender attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, International Academy of Design and Technology, La Roche College, Corbett Conservatory University of Cincinnati and the University of Southern Florida. She is accomplished at painting, photography, dance, and all forms of theatre. Melinda was of teacher of the arts to students at elementary schools, colleges, and adult continuing education programs. She wants to see each person develop themselves to their highest potential and enjoys being part of that process. Melinda is currently the Director of Activities at Summerfield where she is using her education and skills to help improve the quality of life through activities and programming. She also manages the lifestyle of the Memory Care Unit "Palm Terrace".  The new Snoezelen Room is a progressive tool used to develop this community. Melinda feels that Summerfield is a wonderful place to enhance the lives of individuals who can no longer live alone.  Melinda’s favorite quote is “Let’s Dance!”

Michele Cureton - Business Office Manager

Michelle Cureton is the Business Office Manager for Summerfield Retirement.  She moved from Michigan to Florida in October 2010 with her two dogs and began her employment with Summerfield Retirement in December 2010.  Michelle and her husband John have 5 grown children who live in various parts of the country.  Michelle’s prior employment in Michigan included serving as City Clerk for 5 years, President of the Monroe County Clerks Association for 2 years, Vice President of the local Housing Commission for 7 years, an Emergency Medical Technician for the LP Fire Department for 13 years and an Emergency Room Telemetry Technician for 5 years.  Michelle enjoys her job at Summerfield and the many challenges and rewards that it brings along with it.

MaryAlice O’Connor - Resident Care Supervisor

MaryAlice O’Connor has been in the Healthcare Field for over 35 years. MaryAlice began her career after her father realized his daughter would not enjoy the family business of Radio and Television Repair.  She applied for a position at Summerfield Retirement Residence in 1988 and has grown to love and appreciate the staff, residents and resident family members.

MaryAlice was promoted to Residence Care Supervisor in November 2010 and has grown her department through caring, kindness, organization, and persistence.   She is well loved by all.  Her favorite saying is “Summerfield made me what I am today and I love it!”

Abimael Crispin Lopez - Maintenance Supervisor

Originally from Puerto Rico, Abimael moved to Florida with his wife Dorcas and their three children in 2005 and began his career in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.  Abimael was assigned Summerfield Retirement Residence and spent many days working on the air conditioning system at the facility.  When a position opened in 2009 for a Maintenance Supervisor, Abimael gladly accepted.  Abimaels’s favorite quote is “Do it right the first time;
so we don’t have to do it again!”.