For residents, staff, and family at The House of the Good Shepherd Retirement Community in Hackettstown, Patricia Smith and Nancy Zwier are more than just familiar faces, they are mainstays of the institution.

The House’s staff is dedicated to care and its residents, and it shows. Smith, from the Housekeeping Department, has served for an astounding 40 years in the retirement community and Zwier, from the nursing department, has been with the community 30 years.

To celebrate employees who show long-term commitment to The House and its residents, The House annually honors its “milestone employees” at a special ceremony. Zwier and Smith were among those recently honored at the event this year. 

“We are so proud to have such a dedicated team,” said Deborah Beards, CEO at The House. “Our staff cares about our residents and our residents look forward to seeing them each day, too. The House truly feels like a community. Special kudos to Patricia and Nancy for their ‘staying power’ here! It’s because of folks like them who make this such a special place to work.”

In addition to Smith and Zwier, two staff members have shown a dedication to service by reaching an outstanding 20 years with The House of the Good Shepherd. Anne Kiely, who works in nursing, and Jo Ellen Cavanaugh, administration, have shown time and time again that patient care is their priority.

Recognized for 15 years of service to The House were Frida Buzzio, Dining Services, and Maria Vicencio-Valencia, Housekeeping.

Several employees were also cited for 10 years of service: Rev. Jeanette Hile, Administration; Caslyn Edmondson, Nursing; Haydee Cordoba Pineda, Housekeeping; Elizabeth Moser, Dining Services; Yvonne Codjoe, Nursing; Marisa Pellek, Nursing; and Mohmoud Yaghnam, Housekeeping.

Saundra LiPetri and Tina Meisten, Nursing, and Sarah Rhinesmith, of Dining Services, were all cited for five years of service.

For those looking for employment in Nursing and other job opportunities at The House, please call 908-684-5900. For more about The House and its varied living arrangements and other services, visit www.hotgs.org.

The House is located at 798 Willow Grove Street and offers an array of living options for seniors, from independent and assisted living to skilled nursing care. They also offer short-term post-hospital stays and physical therapy services.

Photo, Front L-R, Patricia Smith, Jo Ellen Cavanaugh, Mohmoud Yaghnam, Sarah Rhinesmith, and House of Good Shepherd CEO Deborah Beards; 2nd row, L-R, Nancy Zwier, Haydee Cordoba Pineda, Elizabeth Moser; Top row, L-R, Marisa Pellek, Maria Vicencio-Valencia, Frida Buzzio. Missing from photo; Anne Kiely, Rev. Jeanette Hile, Caslyn Edmondson, Yvonne Codjoe, Saundra LiPetri and Tina Meisten.