Classic Residence by Hyatt

John Higgins - Senior Executive Director

John Higgins is responsible for the comfort, well-being and satisfaction of each resident at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase.

As Senior Executive Director, John oversees every aspect of the community, including the quality of services, amenities, programs and care provided to residents. John exemplifies Classic Residence by Hyatt’s mission, philosophy and core values of integrity, compassion and excellence and ensures that each employee upholds these tenets.

John began his career with Classic Residence by Hyatt in 1998. In addition to his role as senior executive director of Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase, he has served as a consultant for some of our other communities.

Karen Bailey - Director of Accounting

Karen Bailey is responsible for the accuracy of operational accounting for Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase.

As Director of Accounting, Karen oversees all accounting functions and is responsive to resident requests and questions.

Karen's career with Classic Residence by Hyatt spans more than a decade and demonstrates her commitment to our core values of integrity, compassion and excellence.

Susan Bick - Lifestyle Director

Susan Bick creates and implements lifestyle-enriching programs that contribute to each resident’s whole-person wellness.

As Lifestyle Director, Susan oversees lifestyle programs designed for residents, such as social and community involvement, participatory and spectator events, creative and educational coursework, lecture series, travel clubs, book reviews, fitness classes and more.

Susan brought her passion for serving older adults to Classic Residence by Hyatt in 1990. An active member of the local community, Susan serves on a number of boards.

Shelley Carver - Director of Human Resources

As Director of Human Resources, Shelley Carver enhances both resident and employee satisfaction through expert oversight and management of the community’s human resources function. She recruits and develops top employees who have a passion for working with older adults.

Shelley's extensive human resources and hospitality background enhances the resident and employee experience at Classic Residence by Hyatt. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Angela Gibson Cheshier, MSW - Director of Resident Services

Angela Gibson Cheshier, MSW, promotes a healthy, enriching environment at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase.

As Director of Resident Services, Angela helps to ensure that each resident is receiving the appropriate level of services and care. She is pleased to address the questions of residents and their family members about care options and other matters.

Angela earned her master of social work degree with specialization in gerontology from Howard University.

Ruth Dukuly, RN, BSN, CM/DN - Director of Assisted Living

Ruth Dukuly, RN, is responsible for all aspects of the care and services provided to residents of assisted living at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase.

As Director of Assisted Living, Ruth ensures that care and services are delivered in accordance with Classic Residence by Hyatt’s mission, core values, resident care philosophy and standards of care and practice.

Ruth has 29 years of experience in both hospital and long-term care venues.

Richard Faison - Director of Engineering

Richard Faison is responsible for maintaining every aspect of the setting at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase.

As Director of Engineering, Richard manages maintenance operations in such a way that residents are proud to call the community home and to invite their family and friends to share their experience at Classic Residence by Hyatt.

With his background in hospitality at Hyatt Hotels, Richard is dedicated to maintaining this richly designed environment at the highest standards.

Mary Lawrence - Sales Director

Mary Lawrence is responsible for sales at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase, promoting the benefits of senior living in a meaningful way to older adults and their family and friends.

As Sales Director, Mary manages the sales team and represents Classic Residence by Hyatt to the larger community. She also serves as a resource to community organizations on the topics of senior living and assisted living.

Mary brings more than 20 years of experience in senior living sales to Classic Residence by Hyatt. She earned her master of science degree in counseling from the State University of New York at Albany.

Audrey McClain - Senior Director of Housekeeping and Laundry Services

Audrey McClain ensures that the highest possible degree of cleanliness and aesthetic value is achieved at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase.

As Senior Director of Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Audrey oversees the housekeeping function for each resident’s home as well as the community areas.

Audrey has directed the delivery of first-class personal housekeeping and laundry services for residents since 1993.

Tom Nicklow, CEC, CDM, CFPP - Executive Chef

As Executive Chef, Tom Nicklow oversees every aspect of the culinary program for Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase, including menu creation and food preparation. Tom’s menus feature healthy and taste-tempting selections based on resident preferences.

Tom enhanced his culinary talents in the restaurant and hospitality industry. He has received customized training provided by The Culinary Institute of America on nutrition, healthy cooking and baking techniques, flavor dynamics and food and wine pairing. A certified executive chef, certified dietary manager and certified food protection professional, Tom earned his advanced culinary arts degree from the Stratford University of Culinary Arts.

Ascela Pugh - Director of Dining Services

Ascela Pugh is responsible for every aspect of the dining experience at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Chevy Chase, from table reservations and settings to the personalized service each resident receives.

As Director of Dining Services, Ascela oversees the resident dining experience in the community’s dining venues, including private dining functions that residents host for their families and friends.

Ascela’s studies at The Culinary Institute of America contribute to the residents’ overall dining experience.