The new CEO at the House of the Good Shepherd retirement community in Hackettstown wants to create wonderful experiences for residents, and make the retirement community an important resource for the community at-large.

Susan Lanza, who was named the new CEO at The House in August, brings 33 years of experience of working with the senior population on multiple levels.

“I have always really enjoyed working with individuals who are in most need of care,” said Lanza, who resides in Tewksbury. “It’s something I’ve always felt strongly about.”   

Most recently Lanza was the Administrator at Bridgeway Care and Rehab Center in Bridgewater, an award-winning 5-Star facility. Before then she held titles of Director of Health Services and Executive Director at other retirement communities. 

“We are delighted to have Sue on board,” said David Sullivan, Chair of the Board of Trustees at The House. “She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and is passionate about maintaining our excellent senior care.  And she will lead an effort to make The House even better in the coming years.”

Lanza is particularly keen to the needs of folks with dementia, or who are experiencing the onset of the disease. She is a Certified Virtual Dementia Tour Trainer and is a dementia (and long-term) care consultant. 

Lanza has authored three books on healthcare topics including a series called Nurturing Nuggets; Nurturing Nuggets for Dementia Caregivers, and Nurturing Nuggets for Nurses, both offering support and thanks to these important roles.

While the Administrator at Llanfair House Nursing and Rehab Center in Wayne in 2006, she developed “The Front Porch”, a dementia special care unit that was one of the first State Certified Dementia Special Care Units. The unit included interactive art, a kitchen, garden, bus stop, and of course, a “front porch.”

“It was a great project and resonated with our residents,” said Lanza, who frequently speaks nationally and internationally about dementia and other healthcare topics. “It was very satisfying to see it make a difference in the lives of those we served.”

In time, Lanza is looking to implement a dementia program at The House. She also wants to look into offering adult daycare programs and in general, become a resource for the Greater Hackettstown area. 

“I look forward to becoming a partner in the community, and having us expand on our relationship,” said Lanza, noting that The House has a history of supporting other organizations in the area.   

Lanza holds a BA in psychology from Douglass College, New Brunswick, and an MHA in Health Care Administration from Ohio University, Athens, OH. She is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and is Activity Consultant Certified.

To learn more about The House and its array of living options for seniors, from nursing to independent, as well as physical rehab services, visit www.hotgs.org.