Staff
Our staff is trained in the skills of care, and experienced in the art of caring. Everyone is unique and special, which is why everyone at Harding approaches the day with respect, compassion and professionalism.
JUDITH HARDING-STAELENS - ADMINISTRATOR
Judy is a fourth-generation Harding, currently serving as the Facility Administrator. Having been raised in a family that is devoted to the healthcare industry, she has always taken an active role within the facility and started out volunteering at a very young age, before being hired as the front desk receptionist at the age of 15. Since then Judy has worked with all departments and experienced the importance each role has on the quality of life for every resident. Judy claims to have gotten sage career advice from Grandma Harding. She said the best route to take in education was to get a nursing degree first then advance into a degree in administration. Despite her fear of blood, Judy did exactly that. She fell in love with the nursing role and still keeps her RN license active. Judy is married to William Staelens, who is Harding’s Environmental Services Manager, and has served as the Director of Nurses. Judy and Bill have two daughters, Brooke and Mercedes Staelens, both of whom have volunteered and hold various support positions in the facility.
ROBERT HARDING - COMPTROLLER
Robert Harding is a third-generation family member and has been involved from the beginning in the early 1950’s when he mowed lawns, changed lightbulbs, carried trays and visited with residents at the original facility on Stafford Avenue. Since construction of the existing facility in 1973, he has been an active owner and staff member. He is currently Comptroller and can answer financial questions or research the answer for you if one is not immediately available. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Bob holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College in health care administration and a Master’s degree in professional studies from The New School for Social Research in New York City. Personal interests have included motorcycling, general aviation, aviation mechanics and working in the community. Bob’s wife Sandy is also a licensed nursing home administrator, and has worked at the nursing home since 1965. Bob and Sandy are the proud parents of three children, Patricia Harding-Ford, James Harding and Judith Harding-Staelens, and visiting with grandchildren and keeping up with activities is an ongoing delight. Whild Bob is known as a technology buff, he never thought he would be communicating regularly on social networking sites such as Facebook!
CRYSTAL FERGUSON - DIRECTOR OF NURSING
As Director of Nursing, Crystal’s mission is to make Harding’s the elite nursing facility in the Utica-Rome region and create an environment where families can feel secure in placing their loved ones in Harding’s care. An Arizona native, Crystal has more than a decade of experience as a licensed practical nurse, including long-term care, public health, family practice and geriatrics. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University of New York Institute of Technology and is working toward a Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s degree. Crystal’s goal is to ensure that all parts of the health care team work together to provide optimal care and to include family members in care decisions.
KATE LANDERS - ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
Kate graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the State University of New York at Brockport in Therapeutic Recreation and holds a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Management. As Director of Activities Kate coordinates and oversees all residential activities that take place at Harding.
COLLEEN SULLIVAN-MARRIS - SOCIAL WORKER
Colleen graduated from the State University of New York Institute of Technology and has been at Harding Nursing Home for more than 20 years as the Admission Coordinator and Social Worker. A lifetime resident of the Waterville community, Colleen thoroughly enjoys contact with the residents at the facility and strives to ensure that their time at Harding’s is happy and meaningful.
ALLISON TREDWELL - REHAB DIRECTOR
A registered Occupational Therapist, Allison has years of experience in the field of geriatrics. She earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Arts from Worcester State College. She enjoys helping the residents to maintain optimum functionality and improve their overall well-being.
CANDY DOYLE - DIETARY MANAGER
Certified Dietary Manager with over four decades of experience, Candy started as Dietary Aide for Harding’s while in high school. She is responsible for managing the dietary department and assuring that each resident receives nutritious meals that are in line with their dietary requirements and personal preferences. Candy is a past president of the New York State Dietary Managers Association and enjoys getting to know all of the residents and listening to the stories of their lives.