Sitrin

Compassion and innovation is in our DNA and patient care is our highest priority. Our highly trained staff of skilled health care professionals, and above average staff-to-resident ratio, ensures individuals living with Huntington’s Disease and ALS receive comprehensive care from those who understand their unique needs and have the skills to provide such dedicated services.

Ashley Livingston, BS - NeuroCare Program Director

 

Ashley Livingston, BS, oversees the daily operations of the Sitrin NeuroCare program, including admission of all potential residents.

Since graduating from SUNY Oswego with her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development in 2016, Livingston has held a number of different roles within the human services field. At Sitrin, she is the Neuro Program Director on Sitrin’s NeuroCare unit.

She first began her career working as a Vocational Habilitation Specialist for Upstate Cerebral Palsy in Barneveld, NY. From there, she went on to work for three years as a Social Worker in the Case Management Department at Faxton-St Luke’s Hospital in Utica, NY. During this time, she became a NYS DOH certified screener for long-term care and subacute placement.

After leaving the hospital, and prior to obtaining her current position with Sitrin, she worked as the Director of Adult Day Health Care at Presbyterian Home in New Hartford, NY.

Throughout her career thus far, she has gained experience in acute care, long-term care, community based programs and elder care within the Utica area. She looks forward to fostering relationships with the team, the residents, and the families of Sitrin’s NeuroCare unit, as well as longevity and growth for her career within the program.

Sara Atkyns - NeuroCare Charge Nurse

Sara has worked in healthcare for the entirety of her post-high school professional career. She began working as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at Valley Health Nursing Home in 2008. Following her time at Valley Health, she accepted a position as a Certified Nurse’s Aide in the long-term care houses at Sitrin in 2010. Sara was among the first of the direct care employees to work on Sitrin’s NeuroCare Unit when it opened its doors in 2016. 

Sara began as a CNA before obtaining her Licensed Practical Nurse certification in 2017. Since obtaining her LPN, she has provided care to Sitrin’s Neuro Unit residents with a level of compassion and dedication that led to her promotion to full-time Charge Nurse, overseeing the residents’ daily care and all day-shift direct care staff. Sara continues to provide daily hands-on nursing care, while also completing her administrative duties as charge nurse and acting tirelessly as a support system for all Neuro Families.

Rebecca Evans - NeuroCare Nurse Manager

 

Rebecca became interested in the field of healthcare and nursing after high school when she was deciding on what career she wanted to pursue. She remembered the nurses she grew up with in her grandparents’ home that took care of her grandmother with multiple sclerosis.

In 2016, Rebecca decided to give nursing a try and became a CNA at Presbyterian Home. This is where she realized nursing would become a part of her forever. She continued to work there until the end of 2020 while finishing her Associate’s Degree in Nursing at SUNY Morrisville. After graduating in May 2021, she immediately began working at St. Luke’s hospital as a Graduate Nurse on a Med-Surg/Telemetry floor. In August of that year, she passed her boards and became a licensed RN.

After gaining 2 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, she decided to join the team at Sitrin as a Charge Nurse on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit in July 2023. Rebecca became Unit Manager of the NeuroCare Unit in August 2024 after spending her first month back from maternity leave on the unit. She absolutely loves providing care to the residents on the specialized unit. 

Dani Barcomb-Busansky, CTRS, MHA - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Dani Barcomb-Busansky, CTRS, MHA develops adaptive recreation programs for Sitrin’s NeuroCare residents. Within these programs, she works on fine and gross motor skills, cognition, and social well-being. She assesses each resident upon admission and bases the programs around personal leisure interests.

Dani earned her Bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation from Utica University. She is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). She earned her Master's in Health Care Administration from Utica University as well.

Dani was introduced to Recreation Therapy in college, and has embraced the field ever since. Bringing recreation to the NeuroCare residents has been the joy in Dani's work since she began her career with Sitrin in 2017. Before Sitrin, Dani worked with people with developmental disabilities in local organizations at UCP and The Arc. 

Kelly Martinelli, MS, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist for LTC/Neuro

Kelly Martinelli, MS, OTR/L, has played a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals seeking supportive care at Sitrin since 2016. She currently provides skilled occupational therapy services to residents across Sitrin’s campus including those residing within the NeuroCare Program. 

Martinelli evaluates all individuals upon admission to determine each person’s unique needs. Additionally, she works to ensure each individual functions at their highest level and has the necessary tools and support to succeed. Martinelli works closely with the interdisciplinary team to implement adaptive tools and strategies for success in daily life. In addition, she provides environmental adaptations to promote safety and overall wellbeing of both staff and residents. She has a passion for client-centered care and believes in honoring the autonomy of each individual and understanding their unique goals, wishes, and personal preferences.

Martinelli is a Central New York native who graduated from Ithaca College with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2016. She currently serves as Co-Chair to Sitrin’s Safe Patient Handling Committee. With a passion for education, she enjoys serving as an Adjunct Lecturer for the Occupational Therapy Program at Utica University.

Dr. James Wallace, PT, NCS, CGCP - Director of Rehabilitation Services

Dr. James V. Wallace, PT, NCS, CGCP, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Western State University of Colorado and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Upstate Medical University in 2007. He has been employed at Sitrin since 2009 and is currently the Director of Clinical Rehabilitation Services. He is board certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy and a Certified Geriatric Care Professional. Wallace is also a specialist in Vestibular and Concussion Management. Additionally, he served as the United States Paralympic Nordic Team Sports Medicine representative from 2011 to 2015. Wallace is a dedicated, evidenced-based doctor of physical therapy eager to meet the rehabilitation and fitness needs for all individuals across the lifespan. He believes the key to wellness involves striving to maintain a balance in physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, and social domains of daily living.