Our Team:
A Specialized Dementia Care Staff
Our Amazing Staff
Dr. Johanna M Wigg, PhD, Social Gerontologist
Dr. Wigg provides professional counseling to families in transition. She meets with families and their loved ones regularly. She lives at The Vicarage and works hands on with each resident, giving her a thorough understanding of each resident’s needs. She does regular assessments on each resident to ensure that they continue to receive the personalized care they deserve and need.
Cheryl Golek, Aging Specialist
Cheryl has been involved in every aspect of the Vicarage since its doors opened. She has been responsible for creating personalized care plans, providing hands-on care, addressing dietetic needs, and more. She holds a certificate in Gerontology and has completed the Dementia Care Specialist qualification training from the Alzheimer's Federation of America. Cheryl is also a certified residential medication aide. Since the founding of the Vicarage, she has been living with the residents, which has allowed her to better understand each individual's physical and personal care needs.
“In her tone of voice, in its rhythm and cadence, I can hear the decades she’s spent caring for people with progressive neurological conditions; everything she says reverberates with clarity and generosity. It is just a pleasure to listen to her, especially when she talks about her previous residents and their lives, her work and the fulfillment it brings her.”
Moya Sarner When I Grow Up: Conversations with adults in search of Adulthood, Scribe Publications, 2022
Timothy Howell, MD, Physician
Dr. Howe provides in-person medical care at his office for residents of the Vicarage. He has many years of experience in Internal Medicine and provides expert care for our residents. He is on-call at all times to oversee the medical health of each resident.
Amy Williams, Manager
I have been employed by The Vicarage by the Sea for 7 years and have been Manager for 5 years. I oversee the overall operations of The Vicarage’s residents and staff, as well as working hands on with all the residents.
I grew up in South Harpswell, and then later moved to Bowdoinham, where I currently live with my 3 beautiful children, Joey (14), Addison(11), and Daniel (4). When I’m not working you’ll find me with my kids spending most days outside no matter what season, building snowmen to collecting shells and hermit crabs and everything in between.
I’ve been caregiving for the better part of 20 years and always had a passion for caring for those in need, in particular those living with dementia. Once I found The Vicarage and learned their principle of person-centered care, I knew I had found the right place to pursue my caregiving career.
Brandi Bernier, Administrative Assistant
I have been employed at the Vicarage for 5 ½ years. I am a CRMA and Administration Assistant. My duties include assisting residents with their daily care and giving routine or as needed medications as well as performing multiple responsibilities that assist in day-to-day operations.
I grew up here in Harpswell, then in 2010 bought a home on Bailey Island. I am happily married and have been with my husband Justin for 23 years. I am a mother of two handsome boys, Coleman, 19 and Payton, 18. I also have a 2 year-old yellow lab named Oakley and 3 cats.
I enjoy spending my time outdoors. Some of my hobbies include learning new crafts, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
I have always had a passion for caring for others and enjoy working at The Vicarage By The Sea, due to the diverse group of people that live here. I believe with my gentleness, kindness and at times silly nature, residents thrive under my care. To me they are all cared for as family.
Heather Gelwick, Activities Coordinator
Heather Gelwick is a life long resident of Cundy’s Harbor in Harpswell. She graduated from Skidmore College in New York state in 1983 with a degree in Geology. She worked in the field of geology at the USGS on Cape Cod, MA, then at FMBeck in Yarmouth ME. She then married and moved to Tulsa, OK then Houston, TX, had 3 children and moved back to Maine in 1998. Over the years she has spent time in retail and manufacturing.
She remembers all the way back to 4 years of age, creating art, primarily sculpture. Her work is shown under the name of Heather Desiree.
Myrna Koonce, Pallative Care Chaplain
Myrna Koonce works as the Palliative Care Chaplain at Maine Medical Center in Portland. She holds a BA from Cornell University, an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of the Fine Arts, and a Master’s in Theological Studies from Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Myrna is currently in formation for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church. As teacher-director of the Harpswell Community Nursery School from 2003-2015, she became acquainted formally with the Vicarage, and as youth group leader at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, she brought teens to the Vicarage to provide prayer services. She has been delighted to serve as chaplain at the Vicarage since 2017, particularly in finding that “spark” in each resident that connects them to their sources of greatest joy. She lives in Brunswick with her husband, has two grown children who both live in Europe, and loves to travel, sing, and spend time in nature.
Kara Douglas, Yoga Instructor
Kara Douglas owns and operates Fishmoon Yoga, a yoga studio in the former hayloft of her barn in Harpswell. She has been practicing yoga & meditation since 1998 and teaching since 2001. In her work at The Vicarage by the Sea, Kara’s focus is on working individually with each resident to maintain range of motion and encourage balance and connection. Vicarage yoga classes incorporate group and individual practices, hands-on assists, music and a variety of simple games to encourage coordination mind-body integration.