Our Team
J. Edward Burleigh, III NHA
President & Chief Executive Officer
With more than 25 years’ experience as a licensed nursing home administrator, and holding licensure in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Arizona, J. Edward Burleigh III, NHA has worked at all levels of senior housing and services, including Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, CCRC’s, Affordable Housing, LTACH’s and Hospital-based skilled nursing facilities with ventilator units.
As a senior living consultant, Ed has been responsible for all aspects of project developments, including pre-construction, marketing, and operations preparation, as well as performed numerous senior housing and nursing home operations reviews for existing communities experiencing operational and financial difficulties.
As CEO of a multi-facility organization, Ed was instrumental in improving the financial, operational, public image and quality of care for two healthcare facilities and led the development team for a start-up CCRC and Affordable Housing Community.
Ed has been married for 27 years and has four children.
Phone: 267-270-4980
Email: Ed.burleigh@tulipspecialcare.com
Dr. Larry W. Spector, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Spector, DO, is an Internal Medicine specialist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended and graduated from Phildaelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1994, having over 25 years of diverse experience, especially in Internal Medicine. Dr. Spector completed his residency with Christiana Care Health Services, Christiana, DE. He is affiliated with many hopsitals including Albert Einstein Medical Center, Jeans Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, and Temple University Hospital. Dr. Larry W. Spector also cooperates with other doctors and physicians in medical groups including Einstein Practice Plan Inc. and Temple Physicians Inc. Dr. Spector accepts Medicare-approved amount as paymentin full.
Melissa Fortunato
Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Melissa is responsible for the accounting, financial operations, tax functions and human resources for Tulip Special Care.
After graduating from Eastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, Melissa acquired accounting experience for various types of entities during her fifteen years at Valley forge Investment Corporation and focused in the hospitality management division, Valley Forge Hotel Management Company, as hotel controller for eight years until the sale of the hotel portfolio in 2015.
Prior to joining Tulip Special Care, she served as Controller for a start-up Philadelphia home healthcare management company, overseeing all accounting and financial operations for seven healthcare entities.
An active member and on the Board of Directors for FRIENDS (the only national organization dedicated solely to empowering young people who stutter)
Phone: 267-270-4981
Email: Melissa.fortunato@tulipspecialcare.com
Lori Wielgus, RN
Director of Nursing
Phone: 267-270-4986
Email: Lori.wielgus@tulipspecialcare.com
peggy castilho
Director of Admissions
Bringing more than 20 years of nursing expierence to the admissions department allows us to provide a smooth transition from the hospital to Tulip Special Care. Her experience ranges from Assisted Living to Sub-Acute Care. This experience assists in understanding and lining up the equipment and supplies needed for our admissions prior to their arrival.
She truly believes that it is important to treat each patient and family member with respect and compassion.
Phone: 267-270-4976
Email: Margaret.castilho@tulipspecialcare.com
Leslie Kiger-Barras
Billing Specialist/Medicaid Coordinator
As a Billing Specialist, Leslie is responsible for all billing and reimbursement for all financial aspects of the Business office. She also does Medicaid coordinating to ensure that all residents have available resources and funding for their long-term care needs.
Leslie started her career at a Durable Medical Equipment and Home Infusion Company in 1989 and has acquired skills for all fields of Medical Billing in her 30 years experience.
Leslie has been billing for skilled nursing facilities, her favorite field, for the last 10 years because she loves to be with the residents and their families. She enjoys advocating for residents and families to ensure they are provided with appropriate coverage.
Phone: 267-270-4975
Email: Leslie.kiger-barras@tulipspecialcare.com
Sandy riemenschneider, RN
Unit Manager
Sandy has been a Registered Nurse for 35 years.
Pat dakuginow
Director of Human Resources
Pat has been a Director of Human Resources in the healthcare field for 25 years. She has extensive experience in the hiring of employees and complying to the Department of Health. She works closely with employees during the hiring process and conducts all orientation information. Employee questions and concerns regarding to their benefits and the employee handbook are directed to and advised by Pat.
Pat enjoys getting to know each employee during the initial hiring and continuing her relationship with them throughout their career at Tulip Special Care.
Phone: 267-270-4978
Email: Pat.dakuginow@tulipspecialcare.com