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.

Kelly Twitchell, CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Kelly Twitchell, CTRS, 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.

Kelly 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).

Kelly's journey in therapeutic recreation began during her high school years when she joined Sitrin as a part-time aide. Following her graduation, she held various roles in the community, serving both as a therapist and director. She provided therapeutic programs for patients in long-term skilled nursing, managed dementia care, and facilitated short-term psychiatric treatment. Now back at Sitrin, Kelly enjoys creating programs that enrich the lives of the NeuroCare residents, ensuring they feel at home.

Chelsea Darrow, MS, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist for LTC/Neuro

Chelsea Darrow, MS, OTR/L, provides occupational therapy services to residents of the NeuroCare Program. She 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. Darrow works closely with the nursing and dietary teams to implement adaptive tools and strategies for success in daily life. She also provides environmental adaptations to promote safety and overall wellbeing. 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.

Darrow is a Central New York native who graduated from Utica College in 2012, earning a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She enjoys serving as an adjunct lecturer in the Occupational Therapy program at Utica College.

Dr. Matthew J. Caraher, PT, DPT, NCS - Neurologic Physical Therapist

Dr. Matthew Caraher is a CNY native and is a neurologic physical therapist who joined the Sitrin team in January 2024. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College and went on to receive his doctorate in physical therapy from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.

Dr. Caraher became a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist in 2016 and has a passion for advocating the importance of physical therapy interventions for individuals with neurologic conditions. Prior to his time at Sitrin, Matthew was the Lead Neurologic Physical Therapist for the University of Miami Health System for 9 years. In 2017 he co-founded and assumed the role of Program Director for the University of Miami’s neurologic residency program for physical therapists, a year long intensive program with the goal of training new physical therapists in neurologic specialization. He also served as an adjunct faculty member in the neuroscience track of the University’s DPT curriculum.

Caraher has performed clinical and national research with individuals following stroke, traumatic brain injury, as well as diagnoses such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inclusion body myositis, and more. He has spoken about the importance of neurologic physical therapy and safe exercise for individuals with neurologic conditions at conferences at the state, national, and international levels. Dr. Caraher’s passion for working with individuals with neurologic conditions has continued to grow over his years of experience and he hopes to continue to educate the community on the importance of safe and healthy exercise for all.

Troy Thomas - Registered Dietitian

Troy Thomas earned his Bachelor's degree in Biology from Utica University in 2015 and later went on to earn a second Bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition also from Utica University. In addition, he is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Nutrition from the University of New England. Prior to his role at Sitrin, Troy has worked as a Registered Dietitian in Long-Term Care for two years, most recently managing a team of dietitians across several long-term care facilities in the CNY and Upstate NY regions. He looks forward to providing exemplary nutrition care to all of the residents in the NeuroCare unit and fostering lasting relationships with the residents, their families, and clinical team.