About Regal Heights
“C.A.R.E.”
Caring Attention delivered with Respect and Excellence: This has been our mission since we opened our doors in 2000, and we proudly carry it out every day. Regal Heights is a multi-faceted health care center that includes inpatient long-term care as well as short-term physical rehabilitation. The center also boasts a medical model adult day care program for seniors in the community needing medical care in an outpatient setting.
The Regal Team
Our interdisciplinary team consists of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, rehabilitation therapists, licensed social workers, registered dietitians, therapeutic recreation leaders, psychologists and various health care specialists.
- Administrator: Margaret Gianotti, LCSW, LNHA
- Medical Director: Dr. Peyman Younesi, MD
- Director of Nursing Services: Norrele Silvero, RN
- Assistant Director of Nursing: Rowena Gaspar, RN
- Director of Social Services: Estela Divino, LCSW
- Director of Rehabilitation Services: Stephenie Gobris, OTR/L MS
- Director of Admissions and Community Outreach: Rivky Forkosh, MHA
- Director of Therapeutic Recreation: Betsy Lazarus, LCAT
- Chief Clinical Dietitian: Dr. Katherine Antzoulatos-Mouzakitis, DPM, RD
- Director of Environmental Services: Eileen Castelli
- Director of Culinary Services: Edwin Garcia
Leadership and Programs
We have developed innovative and creative approaches to address specific health challenges, making Regal Heights a leader in long-term care. These programs include:
- The Perfect Joint Program
- Breath For Life
- Wound Care
- Pain Management
- Bariatric Care
- Hospice
- Specialized Dementia
Community
Events and activities at Regal Heights reflect our community partnership. From our intergenerational programs with local schools, to our blood drives and community health fairs, we remain dedicated to the population we so proudly serve.
Through our role as a teaching facility, and with our affiliations and partnership with a variety of health providers, we continue to invest in the future of health care.
Our Staff
Our staff reflects the diversity that is New York City. We speak multiple languages, and special attention is paid to maintaining and enhancing our residents’ culture-specific needs. We tailor specific plans of care that consider food preferences and social needs.
Margaret Gianotti, LCSW, LNHA, Administrator, is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and also holds a Master’s degree in Social Work. With over 20 years experience and past leadership positions as Director of Social Services, Administrator, and clinical consulting, Ms. Gianotti provides guidance in navigating the changing landscape of long-term care, with focus on providing the highest quality of care, and maintaining excellent quality measures and resident satisfaction. She is a member of The American College of Health Care Administrators.
Norrele Silvero, BSN, BA, RN, Director of Nursing Services, is a graduate of Saint Vincent’s College of Nursing, and has 20 years experience in health care. Ms. Silvero is a member of the National Association of Directors of Nursing. She is IV-certified and BCLS/AED certified. Her areas of expertise include Quality Care, Continuing Education, Infection Control, and Risk Management.
Rowena Gaspar, BSN, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing, has worked in the long-term care setting for over 15 years. Ms. Gaspar’s experience includes positions as a Rehabilitation Coordinator and Corporate Wound Care and Infection Control Nurse. She is IV-certified, and BCLS/ AED certified. Her areas of expertise are Infection Control and Wound Care.
Estela Divino, LCSW, Director of Social Services, holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience in long-term care. Ms. Divino has been a featured speaker at conferences pertaining to geriatrics, and the special needs of residents in a nursing home/rehabilitation setting. She is a certified field instructor and is the Field Education Coordinator for graduate-level social work interns. She is the recipient of The Rose Kryzak Senior Leadership Award from United Adult Ministries for outstanding leadership, commitment and advocacy for the senior population, and the Field Educator of the Year award from Adelphi University for excellence and outstanding contribution to Field Education. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Guinea Bissau/Cape Verde) and is active on the Health and Social Services and Youth Service Planning Committees of the NYC Queens Community Board 3.
Rivky Forkosh, MHA, Director of Admissions and Community Outreach, has over 20 years experience in skilled nursing and sub-acute care settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration, with concentration in the field of Gerontology, and has extensive knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding admissions, Medicare and Medicaid.
Betsy Lazarus, LCAT, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and is an art therapist with 20 years experience working in health care. Her research and artwork have been published by the American Art Therapy Association. She has served as Secretary and President of the New York Art Therapy Association.
Dr. Katherine Antzoulatos-Mouzakitis, DPM, RD, Chief Clinical Dietitian, has over 20 years experience in health care. Dr. Antzoulatos-Mouzakitis has a strong medical background as a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, as well as being a registered dietitian with a specialty in clinical nutrition. She is personally involved in Menu Planning, Patient Education and Counseling, and the development of therapeutic diets, including those that address the needs of dialysis and bariatric patients.
Eileen Castelli, Director of Environmental Services, has 20 years experience in the long-term care setting. Her areas of expertise include all aspects of Environmental Services, Purchasing/Central Supply, Security, and Maintenance.