* THE CENTER IS CURRENTLY OPEN! *
Meet Our Team
Paul Ragusa Schweitzer, M.A., Ed., Executive Director
Paul is originally from “Jersey,” as you “York” people like to say! He brings a wealth of experience in health and human services administration, counseling, children’s and families’ behavioral health services, non-profit leadership, and higher education administration and teaching (psychology and communication arts) to his role as Westbury’s Center’s Executive Director (Director of Senior Services, as the Village of Westbury calls him). He holds dual master's in counseling and education and is fascinated by human behavior. Paul is also a passionate cook, decorator and home lifestylist – and enjoys preparing creative meals and entertaining whenever he can. He is the proud dad of three grown children, three cats and a dog, and has lived on the beach here on Long Island since 2016. Paul was blessed to have both his grandmothers well, well into his adulthood, and they were tremendous influences in his life. He attributes this, along with experience running an institute for learning in retirement in “Jersey,” to his love of working with area seniors and knowing their personal stories. Paul is excited to have his first opportunity to contribute, professionally, to improving lives in the Nassau County community.
Andrea Padinha, B.A., Assistant Director
Andrea fulfills so many roles here at the Center: historian, activities director, education coordinator, counselor, cheerleader, instructor, and a favorite adopted family member. She is the one team member everyone wants to sit down and chat with over tea and some Stella D’Oros! Her heart is huge, and her kindness and compassion make her a magnet, drawing everyone into her confidence. The 2020 facility renovations did indeed brighten up the place, but Andrea’s huge smile really lights it up! Aside from her wonderful personality, Andrea brings a host of education and experience to her role, including case management supervision for adolescents with special needs, on-call nursing management, teaching religious education and Girl Scout Leadership. In fact, she is the epitome of a Girl Scout, and bakes a mean cookie herself! Andrea is passionate about volunteer service and has led or been involved in many food, toy and clothing drives benefitting the local community. A proud Nassau County resident, Andrea firmly believes in investing all good things into her community to make the quality of life better for everyone.
Pat Lent, M.S., Homebound Coordinator and Recreation Leader
Pat, a former special education teacher (K-12), wears many hats (and festive costumes) here at Senior Citizens of Westbury. Whether she is running her Special Friends Group’s activities, doing outreach to homebound members, or supporting the rest of the team with all we do, Pat brings a huge heart, and a focus on fun and love, to everything, and everyone she touches. Pat is so compassionate and truly treats our members like family. Her approach to leadership is “teacher/PTA mom,” and her special blend of caring qualities makes each member’s experiences with Pat very personal and meaningful.
Margie Bochynski, A.S., Accounting, Bookkeeper
Margie brings years of experience to us, including bookkeeping and serving as an administrative assistant at the Long Beach Public Library and North Merrick Public Schools. Without Margie’s accurate skills, we would be bouncing checks and vendors would be stopping in to snatch your lunch, cards and exercise equipment right out of your hands! Everything you see and experience in this building is touched by Margie, as she, together with Paul, is the financial engine that keeps this train on track and moving! Margie is a very spiritual person and does much volunteer work at her local parish. She is the proud mom of two grown sons and wife to a wonderful husband of 30+ years. While Paul keeps Margie chained to her desk and the checkbooks, she does escape occasionally to come downstairs to help with activities, which she finds to be the most rewarding part of the job - the fruits of everyone’s labor in the goodness of The Center.
Jeanne Walsh, B.S., Meals Coordinator
Jeanne comes to The Center after a long and successful career as a NYC homicide detective. What’s the relevance? Have you seen some of the fights over our delicious food? And a throw down over extra snacks isn’t out of the ordinary... We need Jeanne here, believe us!! Jeanne is a proud mom of three fine young men and spent many years feeding them. Jeanne finds tremendous inspiration every day in the examples set by our Westbury seniors.