Roberta Ragge

Executive Director
MS, ALA

Roberta brings over 25 years experience caring for senior citizens to her position. She has been with Tamarisk in her capacity of Executive Director since 2005. She has also managed INSIGHT’s Geriatric Adjustment Center, the Cranston Adult Day Center, the “To Life Center” and the Louis Feinstein Alzheimer’s Center.

Our residents have lived such full and remarkable lives. I feel blessed to be entrusted with their care and I continue to grow personally from all that they share with me. Each day I make a commitment to do everything in my power to help our residents, their families and our staff to feel confident and proud that they have chosen Tamarisk.”

Kelly Lockwood

Resident Care Director
RN, BSN

Kelly graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and is a member of Sigma Tau Theta, the international nursing honors society. Coming from an ICU background she came to Tamarisk because she wanted to be able to build personal relationships with the people she helps. For Kelly,

It is a privilege to care for those who are in their elder years. Working at Tamarisk has made me a better nurse by allowing me to make a difference in the lives of our residents as well as giving me a better understanding of Jewish culture.”

Dianne Giammarco

Marketing Director

Dianne brings to Tamarisk over 20 years of healthcare management experience. She has been with Tamarisk since we opened our doors in September, 2003. She says,

There is something special about watching a facility being built and then walking through the front doors for the very first time. You feel an instant bond with everyone. I am so proud to showcase our warm and wonderful community and to help seniors learn, live and enjoy the lovely and luxurious lifestyle that is Tamarisk.”

Russell Bettencourt

Executive Chef

Russell is a Johnson & Wales graduate in Culinary Arts who in his time has owned two restaurants. He chose this field because of the passion he has for food and the ability it gives him to make people happy. Russell counts teaching and team building among his skills. Russell says,

I came to Tamarisk because I relish the challenge of creating high quality, nutritious kosher meals on a daily basis for our residents.”

Lev Poplow

Resident Programming Director

Having worked in the business world for 12+ years and also spending 10 years as a self-employed artist and teacher Lev has a varied background. After a year-and-a-half teaching ceramics to our traditional residents, doing art therapy with our Renaissance residents and volunteering to lead Friday night services, Lev officially joined the Tamarisk staff in 2005. He says,

My job is to ensure that our residents emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs are met by creating a wide variety of opportunities for social engagement. I truly feel that it is an honor and a blessing to be able to make my living by serving the elders of my community.”

Betty Smith

Renaissance Program Director
Families affected by Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive illnesses, face many challenges. It is my pleasure to partner with these families to improve the quality of, and give the best possible care to, our residents. Each day is a gift and we celebrate it through meaningful activities, exercise, good nutrition and friendship. My life experience in counseling, leadership and business have converged to make this the most rewarding job I have ever had.

“My life experience in counseling, leadership and business have converged to make this the most rewarding job I have ever had.”

Jo-Ann Marzilli

Concierge Services Director

Jo-Ann has spent her career in a variety of customer service positions and has been with Tamarisk since 2006. She is known as a high energy multi-tasker who works very hard to make life as easy as possible for our residents. About her role Jo-Ann says,

For me, coming to work is like going home. This is my extended family. We live, laugh and all work together at being a family. I can truly say that this is not just a job; it is home and the residents and my co-workers are family.”

Beverly Levitt-Narciso

Community Outreach Director

“I have the joy of being part of Tamarisk from construction to completion; from welcoming the first resident until today. I have watched our residents embrace the wonderful traditions celebrated here.” Beverly feels fortunate to spend most of her professional time educating the community about Tamarisk, and the services we provide to our residents and their families. For Beverly,

“The most important things are helping our residents keep their spirits high as well as helping them to be open to new experiences and friendships, while also maintaining strong ties to family and lifelong friends.”

Ken Botelho

Plant Operations and Security Director

Ken has worked in Facilities Maintenance for over 34 years and has been with Tamarisk since 2005. He sees his role “as serving our residents by creating a safe, clean and comfortable environment in which they can live.” He feels,

personally rewarded by knowing Tamarisk’s residents and learning about their diverse and exciting backgrounds.”