Jon Balin

Administrator

Jon received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Brooklyn College and went on to receive his MBA from Long Island University. He is an adjunct business professor at Touro University. “The team at Bishop Center,” he says, “loves nothing more than helping our residents, seeing their progression, and giving them the tools to get back in the community.”

Tim Snyder

Director of Maintenance

Valerie Brugmann

Director of Nutritional Services

Valerie is a Registered Dietitian from Western New York. Valerie completed her undergraduate work at the University of Delaware and her dietetic internship at Syracuse University. She is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration. In her free time, Valerie enjoys spending time with her dog and collecting house plants.

Amanda Chisamore

Director of Rehabilitation

Amanda Chisamore joined Bishop in 2021 as Director of Rehab. Amanda graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA in 2012. She now has over a decade of experience as a physical therapist with the last 8 years being in sub-acute rehab and long-term care settings. Amanda was awarded the 2022 Rising Star Award by Sigma Health Rehab and Centers Health Care on October 5, 2022, at their annual conference. Amanda is always looking for ways to educate herself, as well as her staff. Her personal philosophy of treating everyone as you would your own loved ones extends to every member of her team and is reflected in the patient-centered care provided at Bishop Rehabilitation.

Jerkara Burwell

Director of Recreation

Jerkara Burwell, a Syracuse, NY native and Corcoran High School alumna, began her studies in biology at Delaware State University before completing an associate degree at Herkimer County Community College while caring for her grandmother. Over more than a decade in senior-care settings, she has served as a Home Health Aide/CNA, Medical Secretary, Phlebotomist, Activity Aide, and Director of Recreational Therapy, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the residents she serves. A former cheerleader, mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Sister Empowering Sister, and occasional motivational poet-speaker, Jerkara channels the same energy into crafting, party planning, and traveling with her two young sons.

Aimee French BSN, RN

Assistant Director of Nursing

Aimee is a registered nurse with over eight years of experience in both acute and chronic populations.  She recently earned her BSN and is now pursuing both her FNP and DNP degrees, driven by a passion for lifelong learning and advancing evidence-based nursing practice.  Known for her dedication to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations, Aimee brings compassion, clinical expertise, and a strong commitment to patient safety in every setting.  Outside of her professional endeavors, Aimee spent two years living in Japan.  This experience sparked her passion for travel and discovering new cultures, enriching her personal and professional perspectives.