Dean Fox is the Executive Director of Charles House. Dean came to Charles House in 2010 as an undergraduate intern from UNC-Chapel Hill. His time at Charles House as a student was his first exposure to work with older adults, and fostered his development of a deep commitment and passion for this work. In the years since, Dean obtained his Master of Social Work, along with an Interdisciplinary Certificate on Aging at UNC-Chapel Hill, and spent several years in nursing home quality improvement research, while maintaining a part-time role at Charles House. After a few years, Dean came back to Charles House full-time and has since filled many roles. Dean is honored and humbled to have become the Executive Director in the Spring of 2024. Outside of work, Dean enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, cheering on the Tar Heels, and spending time outdoors with his wife and dog — and lately with his son Charlie, who they welcomed to the family in August 2024.  Dean’s email address is dean@charleshouse.org.

Susan Siegel, Communications Director, has been leading health education and communication programs for over 25 years. She is responsible for the Charles House website and newsletter, and helps with media and events. She also plays flute at Charles House with the Satin Dolls. You can reach her at: communications@charleshouse.org

Marla Johnson, Neighborhood Eldercare Home Director, joined the Charles House team in 2017 as an Eldercare Home Household Coordinator. She became the Eldercare Home Director in 2022. Marla has worked in healthcare since 2001 and in healthcare administration since 2007. Marla is passionate about her work at Charles House, and brings a commitment to high quality, personal service, whether with residents, resident families, or household team members.

Suzanne Blankfard, Administrative Director, is originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland. She and her North Carolinian husband met in college in Scotland, eventually returning to Hillsborough, NC and raising two sons here. Suzanne has been an administrative director and human resources manager for many years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. At home one of her great passions is baking – from which we all get to reap the benefits in the office.  Suzanne brings an infectious enthusiasm to Charles House and thoroughly enjoys interacting with our participants every day.

Eric Zagone, Program Team Coordinator, joined the Charles House team after spending a year renovating his home in Pittsboro. He has several years’ experience working as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with various populations, including individuals with dementia and those with psychiatric conditions.

Lexie Hall, Program Director, began her time at Charles House as an APPLES Service-Learning intern during her junior year at UNC. She became a member of the Charles House Eldercare Home household teams, and became Assistant Household Coordinator of the Charles House-Winmore Eldercare Home during her senior year at UNC. Following graduation, she began working with the Day Program team in Fall of 2022. She is eager to build a career that nurtures vitality and purpose in the lives of those navigating the challenges associated with dementia and related diagnoses.

Hayley Erb, Program Director, came to Charles House in 2023. Hayley is originally from Burlington, Vermont but considers North Carolina home after being here for more than 10 years. Hayley attended UNC-Greensboro, where she studied recreational therapy and  gerontology. She later became a certified and licensed recreational therapist. Hayley has found her passion working with older adults, and loves being a part of the Charles House community!

Pamela Dingman, Program Director, joined the Charles House Team in 2023 after spending 10 years working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Pamela’s therapy skills include working with the pediatric population in the public school system along with adults in a behavioral health hospital setting. She is passionate about working in an environment that helps people with their physical, mental, and emotional needs so they can live life to the fullest.

Emily Hill, Program Director, joined the Charles House program team in 2024. She was born and raised in New England, and came to North Carolina in 2006 to attend Elon University. After graduating from Elon, Emily joined the Peace Corps as a Maternal & Child Health volunteer, serving in rural Nicaragua before returning to the US to pursue a nursing career. She spent the next decade working as a nanny, as a caregiver in memory care settings, and as a Certified Nurse Aide at UNC Children’s Hospital in hematology/oncology. Working at the bedside during the COVID-19 pandemic helped her decide against continuing in healthcare, and she switched her focus to life enrichment, working as the Life Enrichment Director for Memory Care residents at an assisted living community, obtaining her NC Activities Professional Certification and becoming a Certified Dementia Practitioner along the way. Emily lives in Apex with her husband and their two dogs, and can usually be found in the kitchen, cooking or baking (often to the delight of her Charles House team, with whom she shares her concoctions). Emily dedicates her work in eldercare to her late grandma.

Melissa Holmberg, Program Facilitator came to Charles House in 2024. Melissa is originally from Queens, NY. She has lived in North Carolina for thirty years with her husband and raised two children in Chapel Hill. Melissa has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has worked with older adults in memory care facilities, skilled nursing facilities and day treatment centers for the past 35 years. She is passionate about improving the quality of life for older adults through compassion and respect and is able to fulfill this commitment with the Charles House community.

Eleanor Clark, Program Facilitator, grew up in Chapel Hill and returned home in 2024 after graduating from Franklin University Switzerland. She has experience in direct care roles supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and is especially interested in person-centered care across the lifespan. Eleanor is passionate about building meaningful connections and finds deep joy in learning from the wisdom, humor, and life experience of the elderly.