MEET OUR TEAM
Meet Our Leadership and Care Team
Each department. Every detail. One dedicated team.
Miriam Loren
Executive Vice President
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Miriam Loren
Executive Vice President
Miriam Loren earned her B.A. from Barnard College and her Master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She dedicated more than 20 years to the field of special education, developing a strong foundation in compassionate, individualized care, while raising her five sons.
After the passing of her husband, Ari Loren, in July, Miriam stepped into her current role leading Bronx Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in New York, a facility founded by her father-in-law in 1972. Building on her husband’s vision of treating each facility as a true family, she works closely with management and staff to provide attentive, personalized care to every resident.
In 2023, Ari expanded this mission with the acquisition of Elon Manor in Tampa, Florida. His belief in creating environments grounded in dignity, compassion, and a sense of family continues to guide the culture of both facilities. Today, Miriam carries that vision forward, remaining deeply committed to ensuring that every resident receives thoughtful, individualized care.
Steven Freifeld, LNHA
Chief Operating Officer
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Steven Freifeld, LNHA
Chief Operating Officer
Steven is chief operating officer at Elon and administrator and chief operating officer at Bronx park
Steven Freifeld was born in the Bronx, New York, and has dedicated nearly three decades to the long-term care profession. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Baruch College and a Master of Health Administration from Iona College. With a family background in long-term care, Steven developed a passion early on for serving older adults and improving the quality of care within skilled nursing communities.
Throughout his career, Steven has served as a consultant to more than 50 skilled nursing facilities and has held the role of Administrator of Record for four long-term care centers. His extensive operational expertise, strategic leadership, and commitment to excellence have made him a respected leader in the industry.
As Chief Operating Officer for both Bronx Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center and Elon Manor, Steven works closely with ownership and each facility's leadership team to foster a culture of compassion, accountability, and continuous improvement. He is committed to ensuring that every resident receives exceptional care in a warm, welcoming environment while supporting staff in delivering the highest standards of clinical and personal service.
Steven's vision is to help Elon Manor continue to grow as a trusted provider of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, where residents and families feel supported, respected, and truly at home.
Elizabeth DonFila’s
Administrator
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Elizabeth DonFila’s
Administrator
Elizabeth is a dedicated healthcare leader with more than 20 years of experience as a Nursing Home Administrator, committed to enhancing the lives of seniors through compassionate care, operational excellence, and a resident-centered approach. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for fostering high-quality care, supporting multidisciplinary teams, and creating welcoming environments where residents and their families feel valued and respected.
Outside of her professional role, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her spouse and their two children. As a family, she embraces the Florida lifestyle by soaking up the sunshine, beaches, and staying actively involved in our children’s sports and activities. We also enjoy attending our college football games, making homemade pasta together, and hosting gatherings with family and friends, creating lasting memories together.
Elizabeth’s dedication to both her profession and her family reflects her belief that meaningful relationships, compassion, and service are the foundation of a fulfilling life.
Kassandra Lima
Director of Admissions
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Kassandra Lima
Director of Admissions
With more than eight years of experience in skilled nursing, Kassandra Lima serves as Director of Admissions, where she oversees the admissions process for patients entering both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Known for her compassionate approach and exceptional attention to detail, she is committed to ensuring that every patient and family experiences a smooth, supportive, and well-coordinated transition into the facility. Through clear communication, personalized guidance, and a patient-centered philosophy, she helps create a welcoming first impression while building trust and confidence from the very first interaction.
Shane Gaukel
Director of Nursing
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Shane Gaukel
Director of Nursing
Shane Gaukel, RN, has over 25 years of experience in multi-state skilled nursing facility (SNF) operations, reimbursement, and rehabilitation services within the skilled nursing and post-acute care industry. Recently, Mr. Gaukel served as the Chief Operating Officer of a post-acute outpatient rehabilitation company, providing therapy services in assisted and independent living facilities across Florida and Texas.
Mr. Gaukel's extensive experience includes over 20 years working with several skilled nursing companies, where he held various leadership positions in operations, ancillary services, and acquisitions. He also served as the President and CEO of a rehabilitation company based in Iowa, offering rehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient centers throughout Iowa and Illinois. During his time in Iowa, Shane was appointed to the Governor's Board of Nursing Home Administrators by the Iowa Health Care Association, where he oversaw licensure.
Additionally, he held the position of Vice President of Post-Acute Services for a large long-term acute care (LTAC) and rehabilitation company, where he developed and implemented a division focused on managing hospital-based skilled nursing and inpatient rehabilitation units. Shane's innovative mindset and passion for providing exceptional care and services are central to his approach and dedication to the mission. He is also an active, licensed Registered Nurse in the state of Florida.
Shane and his wife, Ashley, reside in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with their four children, where he enjoys volunteering for their various sports and activities.
Claudette McWhite
Business Office Manager
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Claudette McWhite
Business Office Manager
As a Business Office Manager in a skilled nursing facility, I am committed to supporting the financial and administrative operations that help ensure quality care for residents and peace of mind for their families. I take pride in creating efficient processes, fostering clear communication, and providing exceptional service with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
Throughout my career, I have built strong relationships by leading with accountability, empathy, and a solutions-focused mindset. I believe that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact, whether assisting residents and families, collaborating with healthcare professionals, or improving operational efficiency.
Outside of my professional role, my family is my greatest inspiration. They keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of compassion, resilience, and meaningful connections—values that guide both my personal life and my work every day.
Wanda Colon
Social Services Director
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Wanda Colon
Social Services Director
Wanda is a dedicated Social Services Director with more than 22 years of experience in the healthcare field, specializing in advocating for seniors and supporting their families through every stage of the care journey. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Boston, she brings compassion, cultural understanding, and a strong commitment to serving others.
Throughout her career, Wanda has been passionate about enhancing the quality of life for residents by helping them navigate healthcare services, connecting them with valuable resources, and ensuring their emotional, social, and psychosocial needs are met with dignity and respect. She believes that building trusting relationships with residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members is essential to delivering exceptional, person-centered care.
Wanda is married and the proud mother of three children and grandmother of three grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, watching sports, and spending quality time with her family. Her personal values of compassion, integrity, and family are reflected in her professional approach, making her a trusted advocate for the seniors and families she serves.
The Best Introduction Is a Visit
Elon Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center