Our Leadership
Bob Van Dyk
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Bob Van Dyk has served as President and CEO of Van Dyk Health Care since 1994. His award-winning company owns and operates two skilled nursing and post-acute care facilities, an assisted living community with a specialty memory impairment program, a rehab company, a home care company and a soon-to-be-launched memory day care company.
Under Mr. Van Dyk’s leadership, Van Dyk Health Care has earned vast recognition for providing quality care at the highest levels. The company’s growing list of prestigious awards includes America’s “Best Nursing Homes” by U.S. News & World Report, National Quality Award by American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, and Excellence in Action by the National Research Corporation.
Read More on Bob Van Dyk ...
Van Dyk Health Care has implemented several innovative programs in specialty care. The Reflections program offers extensive care to assisted living residents with dementia, as well as personalized support for their families. HeartWays is a unique cardiac clinical pathway program for patients with Congestive Heart Failure, directed by a certified cardiologist and administered by an advanced nurse practitioner. JustBreathe is another innovative clinical program, managed by a respiratory therapist and nurses, that provides respiratory support for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Van Dyk Health Care often admits highly complex patients, who would otherwise remain in the hospital, to benefit from these successful post-acute programs.
Prior to his tenure at Van Dyk Health Care, Mr. Van Dyk spent 15 years in various leadership roles in health care – managing an acute care hospital, two nursing homes, an assisted living facility, low income senior apartments, a medical day care program, a psychiatric hospital, two partial day hospitalization programs, and an outpatient mental health and counseling center.
As the past Chairman of the American Health Care Association and the past Chairman of the National Center for Assisted Living, Mr. Van Dyk currently chairs AHCA’s Public Education and Communications Committee.
Mr. Van Dyk was named the recipient of the 2017 Jan Thayer Pioneer Award by the National Center for Assisted Living for his leadership and contributions to the senior care profession nationwide.
Among his many state and federal appointments, Mr. Van Dyk served on the White House Conference on Aging in Washington DC, as well as New Jersey’s Policy Committee for Assisted Living regulations.
Mr. Van Dyk serves on the Board of Directors of Columbia Bank, The Valley Hospital Foundation, and St. Helena Hospital Foundation, as well as the Advisory Board of Brown University’s Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation. He is also the past Chairman of the Houghton College President’s Advisory Board.
A tireless advocate for the elderly, Mr. Van Dyk founded Van Dyk Family Wines to honor the old vines of society and raise money for Alzheimer’s and memory care nonprofits. His inaugural wines – the 2010 Dignity (Cabernet Sauvignon) and the 2011 Respect (Chardonnay) – were named in support of his family’s motto of “Celebrating Our Elderly with Dignity and Respect.” He recently added the 2015 Le Bel Age (Pinot Noir), which means “The Beautiful Age.”
Mr. Van Dyk holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University, as well as a Master’s Degree from George Washington University in Health Care Administration. He received a Doctor of Letters from Houghton College for his leadership in senior health and housing.
About Us
Michael Wissot
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Michael Wissot has worked with Van Dyk Health Care since 2010 in various roles. As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees the strategic management of the company’s revenue-generating entities, taking an active role in marketing, communications, strategic planning and business development. Wissot works closely on the framework and activation of Van Dyk’s Continuum of Care – the company’s exclusive network of care services. He advocates passionately for Mr. Van Dyk’s longstanding commitment to staff engagement, supporting the company’s reputation as one of New Jersey’s most esteemed employers.
Among other executive roles, Wissot served as CEO of Dentistry.com, a dental referral company that he sold to 1-800-DENTIST® in 2006. He co-authored The 10 People Who Suck – A Positive Prescription for Improving Communication in the Workplace. Wissot received a Bachelor of Arts degree from James Madison University, a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Arizona, and a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird.
Donna Melchionda
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
As Chief Financial Officer, Donna Melchionda directs the financial health and well-being of Van Dyk Health Care, including managing and monitoring the steady growth of our facilities. Melchionda came to Van Dyk Health Care in 2006, bringing with her a hands-on approach and strong work ethic that resonates among her team. Her team manages financial controls and reporting, budget development and analysis, payroll processing, billing and collections, accounts payable, cash flow adequacy and audits, along with banking and investment partner relationships.
With over 30 years of experience in accounting and over 22 years managing the financial operations and assets of long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, Melchionda’s ‘get it done,’ methodical approach is key to the success of Van Dyk Health Care’s cross-facility financial systems management and development. She graduated from Montclair State with a bachelors in business administration and accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Nancy Soto
VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES
Nancy joined Van Dyk Health Care in 1996 as Director of Human Resources, expanding her role to Project Development and Strategic Planning. In her current role, she is responsible for managing the culture, systems and training used for leadership development and employee engagement. Nancy also oversees the company’s marketing strategy, managing a fully integrated marketing department across Van Dyk’s continuum of care.
An avid fan of Disney management principles, Nancy has attended Disney Institute Courses in Customer Solutions, Customer Service & People Management. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and a Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing at Binghamton University. Nancy is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She is licensed by the NJ Department of Health as a Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) and NJ Department of Banking & Insurance as a Life & Health Producer.
Kristin Jackson, CALA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VAN DYK PARK PLACE
Kristin Jackson serves as Executive Director of Van Dyk Park Place, overseeing all areas of assisted living and memory care on Van Dyk’s main campus in Hawthorne. In her 15 years of experience in senior care, Kristin has served as an executive director in assisted living, as well as a director of operations in home care. Her leadership credentials include a strong reputation in family communication, staff development, a supportive culture, high retention of staff, high satisfaction levels among residents, grassroots community ties, and a well-connected network of physicians, nurses and hospital staff. Kristin continually seeks to develop new programs and activities for Assisted Daily Living, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia practices. She represents Van Dyk with its exclusive membership on the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dementia Care Provider Roundtable. Kristin graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration, and she is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator.
Christine Sanchez
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HOME WITH VAN DYK
VICE PRESIDENT, HOME CARE SOLUTIONS
Christine Sanchez brings dynamic leadership to the Van Dyk family. As executive director of At Home With Van Dyk, Christine oversees all areas of customer service, business development, marketing, staffing, strategic partnerships and regulatory compliance on behalf of the agency. She previously served nine years at Freedom Home Healthcare, culminating with her role as Regional Director of Home Care Services. Christine believes strongly in building talented leaders within an organization — a core value of the Van Dyk family for decades. Her sincere desire to make a positive impact on families and colleagues is felt at all times. Christine has dedicated her entire career to the home care profession, starting with her position at the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication from Rutgers University.