Staffing Leaders

Our Local, Certified, and Long-term Staffing

Quality of life has been shown to be directly related to retention of staff and adequate staffing patterns.  At Little Brook, we are proud that our staffing pattern exceeds both Federal and State requirements.  Many of our direct care staff have been employed at Little Brook for up to 18 years.  Our employees all live locally and frequently know the families of our residents.

John Kasarda, LNHA
Administrator

John has been at Little Brook since 1990 when he started working in the Dietary Department.  Now he has moved into Administration.  He uses a hands-on model known as "management by walking around."  He oversees all aspects of resident care and facility life.  He has a positive attitude that underlies his leadership. Additionally, John was responsible for guiding the completion of the upgrades and renovation of Little Brook in 2008-2009.

Joni Sheppard, RN Director of Nursing Joni has been at Little Brook since 2001, first as a nurse unit manager and now as the Director of Nursing. She has over 20 years experience. She believes in caring for the whole person to meet physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. She believes in caring for each Resident as if they were our own family.	Kim Minerley, CDM Director of Activities Kim is an Activities professional who has worked with Residents for over four years. She believes in focusing on the Residents' abilities rather than disabilities and uses recreational activities and therapeutic programs to enhance quality of life and to have some fun. Here she is sponsoring the Vlasic Stork on National Pickle Day.
Breda Smith, CDM Dietary Manager Breda believes that food nourishes the soul as well as the body. Under the consulting of Registered Dietician, Melissa Walker, meals are served attractively with special attention to therapeutic requirements and individual preferences.  Homemade soups and desserts are frequent menu items. Breda is an advocate of fresh fruits and vegetables and fiber in the daily diet. She makes use of attractive presentations to stimulate appetites.

Dr. Sandira Segaram, MD, FAACP
Medical Director

Dr. Segaram is a fellow in the American College of Physicians.  He grew up in Sri Lanka and graduated from the University of Sri Lanka and was on staff at the medical facility there.  He completed a residency at United Medical Center of Newark, NJ.  He is board certified in Internal Medicine.  He has privileges in Hackettstown Regional Medical Center and has been the Medical Director at Little Brook since 1998.