The activities department is a vitally important part of Rose Garden that helps people live a life that is full of fun and meaningful activities. The therapeutic and person-directed approach to caring for our elders we provide is a sight to behold. Learn more about the amazing staff that make Rose Garden Nursing & Rehabilitation a great facility!
Dana~Lynn Dunne
Director of Recreation
A.D.C.
Dana-Lynn Dunne has been with the Rose Garden family for seven and a half years, and currently holds the position of Director of Recreation in our Activities Department. Dana-Lynn obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Studies from Monmouth University. During her studies, she learned about a variety of health subjects and career options, and obtained a greater passion during her internship at the Long Branch Senior Center.
Following graduation, Dana-Lynn began as an Activities Assistant at Rose Garden Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She cherished her moments with all the residents and having a hands-on experience with each patient. Taking her passion for arts and crafts and cooking, she brought excitement into each program that she led.
Eager to further her career and knowledge, Dana-Lynn completed the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP) I and II. After completion of MEPAP I and II, Dana-Lynn passed the national exam to obtain her Activity Director Certification (ADC). With her experience and knowledge, Dana-Lynn became the Assistant Activity Director at Rose Garden. Dana-Lynn Dunne continues to increase her knowledge through membership in the Monmouth and Ocean County Activity Professionals (MOCAP), New Jersey Activity Professionals Association (NJAPA), and the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP).
In her leisure time Dana-Lynn enjoys doing art projects, cooking, home décor, and spending time outside. Dana-Lynn and her husband, John, were recently blessed with their baby girl, Hailey Marie. She is loving her new role as a Mama!
Kevin J. Bassinder
Director of Special Events/Marketing
ADC/EDU/MC/ALF, CRmT, CHHA, CDP
Kevin Bassinder is currently the Director of Special Events/Marketing at Rose Garden Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Kevin has served on the NJAPA board for 19 years. Web Site Chairman since August 2004 and Membership Chairman since September 2018, Vice President since 2020 & added Treasurer since October 2021. Kevin’s strong work ethic, skills and experience serving on the NJAPA board has enhanced the growth and development of the association through hard work, dedication and creative development. Mr. Bassinder holds a seat on the board of his local County level of the Activity Organizations as President for “MOCAP”, the Monmouth and Ocean Counties Professionals since June 2005.
Mr. Bassinder began his career in the Assisted Living field in 1990 at Marriott’s Leisure Park. He has also worked for the Brandywine Company as a Caregiver, and after six months was asked to be their Activities Director. Working for the Brandywine Company, Kevin learned his true calling: Helping seniors get the most out of life as they age in place. Later, Mr. Bassinder moved on as an Activities Director, Administrative Assistant, and Marketing Assistant for Nottingham House of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. He assisted with opening the community at The Wexford at Wall Township now known as Wellington Estates and also assisted planning and implementing the Activities. Kevin was then named as the Activities Assistant and later the Director of Activities.
Kevin’s enthusiasm, not being afraid of change began his tenure July of 2003 at Bear Creek Assisted Living, West Windsor, NJ. Mr. Bassinder redesigned their Activities Department and eight months later became Bear Creek’s Corporate Regional Activities Director. He covered one community in NJ, DE, PA, and two in GA. Kevin later was overseeing and recreating their Dementia Care Unit, Rose Lane.
Mr. Bassinder talents drew him to explore further. Kevin explored the adventures with Community Investment Strategies, Inc., Bordentown, NJ. Kevin joined their team as Corporate Regional Activities Director redesigning and overseeing their one assisted living in Bordentown and their five Independent Livings though out NJ.
Kevin holds his certification as Home Maker Home Health Aide. He has already completed the 56-hour Assisted Living Administrator Certification class, and has educational and career goals in administration in the healthcare field. Kevin holds his National Certification for Activity Professionals through N.C.C.A.P. specializing in education, memory care and assisted living facilities. Kevin is a Certified Remotivational Therapist. Certified Chair Chi Instructor, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Mental Health First Aide For Older Adults and ServSafe National Restaurant Association Certified.
Angie Esposito
Activities & Certified Nursing Assistant
Angie began her career November 13, 1998, at Ocean Convalescent Center a 60-bed long term care facility in Lakewood owned my Mr. Andrew Shawn. Ms. Esposito started in the Dietary department prepping daily meals for lunch and dinner and running tray line prepping meal trays. Angie later was asked to assist with the Director of Nursing as an assistant in charge of staffing, and schedules, keeping track of employee health records and other office duties and later took on Central Supplies. Angie took on additional responsibilities working as an Activities Assistant in the Activities Department along with assisting the Director of Nursing.
Angie helped with the transitioned from Ocean Convalescent when closing their doors and assisting with opening the new Rose Garden Nursing and Rehabilitation Center here in Toms River. Angie loaded her car up with all the Central Supplies items to transport over and restock the shelves, helped assisting residents on buses to transport the resident’s to their new home.
Once Rose Garden opened its doors, Angie worked solely in the Activities Department working on the second floor. Later introducing Prim Rose with a sensory program, assisted on trips. Angie became a CNA January 23, 2017, assisting the nursing department in the mornings and as needed.
The qualities Angie brings to the Activities Department is her love for cooking, caring and person-centered care. Angie conducts Exercise Classes, Art Class, Religious Services, Bingo, Trivia, Oculus, Garden Clubs and Cooking Classes.
Angie has been working with Ocean Convalescent Center and Rose Garden for Mr. Shawn for 24 years.
Sue Culetto
Activities Assistant
Sue graduating high school in 1985 and had dreams of owning her own nursery school one day. Her dreams were short lived, and she had a hard time finding work in that field. Sue started a job in retail working for Bradlees Department store in Toms River. Sue became a manager at the Hardware sand Auto Department. Sue loved that job.
In 1987 Sue got married to Edward Culetto and together they had 2 children. Holley in 1989 and Lauren in 1993. During those years she was a stay-at-home mom and baby sat another child. So she had an income. Sue later went back to Bradlees working in the evenings. After Bradlees went out of business, she worked parttime at Walmart. Her marriage ended after 13 years. Sue soon met the love her life Steve. Being a single mom, Sue needed to find a job with more meaning. In 2004, Sue got her 1st job in a lockdown unit doing activities with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients working there for 3 years. Her supervisor there had left to come work at Rose Garden and she promised to help Sue to work there one day. Her supervisor kept her promise and told Sue she needed to come in and meet Mr. Shawn. Sue met with Mr. Shawn and the rest is history. Sue started July 19, 2007 and has been with Rose Garden for 15 years and will continue as long as they will have her. Sue is proud Grandma to Scarlett 2 ½ and Gennaro 1 month.
Rachel B.
Activities Assistant
Rachel worked at Leisure Park in their Dietary Department for their long-term care side until they closed. Rachel saw an opportunity at Rose Garden for their Activities Department. Rachel joined the Rose Garden team May 17, 2021 in the mist of Covid.
Rachel loves to interact and spend time with the residents here. Since Rachel like working in this field, She decided she wanted to further her career and go back to school. Rachel is currently in rolled in an online course for (MEPAP I) Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals. This is a 2 year course and will help me with understanding what is needed to know about the Activity Profession.
Rachel started singing when she was 4 years old and was involved in Choirs through elementary school and high school. Rachel has brought her singing talents to Rose Garden and entertains the residents twice a week.
In Rachel’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her family going to the beach and boardwalk along with looking out her backyard window and observing nature.