Regulatory Consultant, LeadingAge NJ & DE

Theresa Edelstein, MPH, LNHA is the Regulatory Consultant at LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware where she has served for almost 10 years. In this role she focuses on policy, regulation and education in the post-acute and long term care fields. From 1997 until May 2025, Ms. Edelstein served in various leadership roles at the New Jersey Hospital Association. During the last eight years at NJHA, she was Senior Vice President, Partnerships Transforming Health. Prior to joining NJHA, Ms. Edelstein was a nursing home administrator in New Jersey and in New York City in the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Ms. Edelstein is also a part-time faculty member at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University and a trained facilitator for the National Center to Reframe Aging in Washington, DC. In this role she educates audiences concerning the impact of ageism and strategies to shift societal thinking about aging. In addition, she is a gubernatorial appointee on the New Jersey Medical Assistance Advisory Council and serves on the Older Adults Committee at the NJ Department of Health. She began her career in long term care at the Jewish Home and Hospital in NYC after completing her Masters in Public Health at Columbia University. Ms. Edelstein has her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University.

Administrator, Jewish Home at Rockleigh

Aryeh Markowitz is currently the Administrator of the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, a Skilled Nursing and Long-term Care setting in Bergen County, NJ. Prior to that, he served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Home Assisted Living. He received his LNHA in 2010, and has served in Skilled Nursing, Long-Term Care and Assisted Living as Administrator of Record since 2012, both in the For-Profit and Not-For-Profit sectors. Aryeh is also a Licensed Social Worker, and received his Master’s in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Aryeh worked as a Social Worker for many years in long-term care as well, and also has his SIFI certification, and has acted as preceptor for many Social Work students. Aryeh is also a 2023 Leading Age Leadership Academy fellow.

Director of Nursing, Jewish Home at Rockleigh

Eric Riguerra, RN, brings over 25 years of nursing leadership experience in aging services, with a deep focus on person-centered care and clinical quality. As Director of Nursing Services at Jewish Home at Rockleigh since 2009, Eric oversees strategic operations, quality improvement initiatives, and staff development for a leading nonprofit elder care organization. He is a certified Green House CORE Trainer, advancing innovative care models that promote autonomy and dignity for older adults. Eric’s expertise spans regulatory compliance, clinical program development, and operational integration of new technologies. He has led initiatives to improve pain management, reduce falls, and enhance quality indicators through evidence-based practices. His leadership in implementing AI-powered pain assessment tools reflects his commitment to leveraging innovation for better resident outcomes. Eric holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Bergen Community College and is an active member of LeadingAge, the New Jersey Association of Directors of Nursing, and the New Jersey Alliance for Culture Change. He is also a graduate of the LeadingAge Leadership Academy, a program designed to develop visionary leaders in aging services. In recognition of his contributions, Eric received the NJADONA Director of the Year Award in 2013.

Director of Nursing, Cheshire Home

Madelyn Cerrato, RN, has dedicated 47 years to the nursing profession, bringing compassion, clinical expertise, and steadfast leadership to every role she has undertaken. She spent the early part of her career in an acute-care hospital setting before joining Cheshire Home, a SCNF, where she has proudly served for the past 29 years.
Madelyn began at Cheshire Home as a part-time staff nurse, and her dedication quickly became evident. Over the years, her responsibilities grew as she took on roles including Nurse Educator, Charge Nurse, Supervisor, and Clinical Coordinator. For the past 12 years, she has served as Director of Nursing, guiding the clinical team with integrity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Deeply dedicated to both her staff and the residents of Cheshire Home, Madelyn takes great pride in their growth, resilience, and achievements. Cheshire Home serves young individuals facing traumatic, life-altering challenges—patients whose complex needs require a compassionate, highly specialized approach. Madelyn’s leadership reflects the uniqueness of this environment, supporting a level of care that is both exceptional and relatable.

Executive Director/Administrator, Christian Health – Heritage Manor