PACE Organization of Rhode Island

We were pleased to host the PHI-II class of Leadership Rhode Island at our East Providence location yesterday. This social hour allowed classmates to connect and learn more about and learn more about the services PACE-RI provides to local elders and families. Chief of External Affairs Tom Boucher is a member of this PHI-II class, which he confirms is the “best class ever!”

Recently, members of our leadership team flew out to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 NPA Spring Policy Forum.? ? CEO Joan Kwiatkowski, CFO Corissa Bernier, and Chief of External Affairs Tom Boucher took the opportunity to learn about national PACE priorities and speak with legislative staff at Capitol Hill. ? We were especially pleased to connect with health-focused legislative assistants in both Senator Jack Reed (Jill Boland) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s (Allison (Ally) Crha) offices who strongly support the PACE program. ?

At PACE-RI, we believe that everyone has a place at the table. Our "You Belong" campaign represents our commitment to fostering a culture where every team member feels seen, heard and valued. Here are some photos of staff across our centers showcasing their new "You Belong" T-shirts!

PACE-RI is pleased to announce that Paari Gopalakrishnan, MD, MBA, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kent Hospital, has joined its board of directors. In this role, Dr. Gopalakrishnan will help guide PACE in its mission to support older adults living safely and healthily within their communities. Dr. Gopalakrishnan brings a wealth of experience in hospital leadership, quality improvement, and patient-centered care. Since joining Kent Hospital, he has championed collaborative, multidisciplinary care models that have significantly improved patient outcomes. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, including oversight of the Kent Field Hospital, exemplified his ability to navigate healthcare crises while maintaining high standards of care. He is also passionate and deeply committed to advancing geriatric care in Rhode Island at Kent Hospital, which has a Silver-Level 2 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the only hospital in the state with this designation.?In addition, he has been instrumental in supporting specialized programs such as the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit at Kent Hospital. His dedication to enhancing care for older adults aligns with the mission of PACE, making him a valuable addition to the board of directors. “Dr. Gopalakrishnan’s expertise in hospital operations and health care leadership make him a great addition to our Board,” said PACE-RI CEO Joan Kwiatkowski. “We look forward to his valuable insights as PACE begins a new decade of growth and innovation in serving Rhode Island elders.” “I am honored to join the PACE-RI’s Board of Directors and to support its mission of delivering comprehensive, community-based care for older adults,” said Dr. Gopalakrishnan. “Ensuring that older adults have access to the care and support they need is critical, and I look forward to contributing to this important work.” PACE-RI is a nonprofit health plan that provides older adults with team-based health care and additional support services that help them remain living safely in the community, rather than entering long-term care. The organization coordinates a wide range of services, including medical care, adult day programs, and social support, to ensure that participants can maintain their independence and quality of life.

Congratulations to Nurse Practioner Julie Ann L'Europa, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, who was named a Health Care Hero by Providence Business News! As primary care provider at PACE-RI, Julie has built close connections with each of the older adults in her care and works to meet their unique needs. She is a valued member of our interdisciplinary team who is known for her compassion, dedication and skill. Julie has had a rich journey with PACE-RI—she has been a nursing student, RN and board member. She brings the same commitment and warmth to her current role as a provider. We know the impact that Julie has on our PACE participants and community, and we're proud to know that PBN has recognized her impact as well.

We were pleased to present a PACE Champion award to the Winoker family recently. As part of our year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, we are recognizing PACE-RI Champions: people and institutions that have been instrumental to our success over the years. James and Marilyn Winoker (pictured our grand opening in 2005) were the owners of our original site on Chapman Street in Providence. They were strong supporters of PACE-RI who helped to design and build out our space to meet our unique needs and even donated to renovation costs. Their generosity inspired our annual Winoker Award, which honors a staff member who is a shining example to others. As president of Belvoir Properties, LLC, David Winoker (pictured with Belvoir Director of Operations Nicole Rosa and CFO Denise Arpin Martineau) continues the family business. He accepted the PACE Champion award on behalf of his father and in memory of his mother. “On behalf of my entire family, we are very grateful to have been part of this great business relationship that we were able to build and grow for many years,” he said.

We’re happy to share that Meredith Eckel has been named a PACE Champion! As part of our year-long 20th Anniversary celebrations, we are recognizing PACE-RI Champions: people and institutions that have been instrumental to our success over the years. Meredith is the former board president of the Westerly Adult Day Center and was an important part of guiding its merger with PACE-RI in 2013. She stayed on as a board member after the transition and was known for her big smile and willingness to support our participants and staff. A former nurse and leader in various health care organizations across Westerly, Meredith is passionate about supporting her local community. Bringing PACE in to town is just another example of this commitment. “It was an easy decision. As a nurse, I see the PACE model as a sensible, thoughtful, efficient way to take care of elders who don’t have the means to take care of themselves.”

PACE-RI welcomed guests from the The Rhode Island Public Health Institute recently to tour our East Providence center and share information about the good work being done by our respective organizations. Picture are PACE-RI CEO Joan Kwiatkowski and RIPHI Executive Director Amy Nunn near the entry to our day center.

We're #hiring! PACE-RI is looking for a full-time Nurse Practitioner to join our clinical provider team. If you are a Nurse Practitioner that wants to practice medicine in a model of care that inspired your initial interest in helping others, PACE-RI wants to have a conversation with you. Apply on our website today or contact Adrianna Meyer, HR Manager, at ameyer@pace-ri.org for more information. www.pace-ri.org/careers/

We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Johnson & Wales University! From February through April, PACE-RI will be hosting nursing students from their new accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for clinical rotations. Another group of nursing students from the ABSN program is providing education on respite care for caregivers of people with dementia. This group is providing three education sessions for our staff, made possible through a respite care grant from the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging.