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, spending time outside with his wife and dog, hiking, traveling and cheering on the Tar Heels.  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.

Meredith Fowler, Program Facilitator, is a native of North Carolina and has been a licensed and certified Recreational Therapist for several years, with a focus on people living with dementia and other diagnoses associated with aging. She loves to learn about each person’s history and develop meaningful connections with all of the participants.

Pamela Dingman, Program Facilitator, joined the Charles House Team 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.

Shawn Meacham, Program Director, first joined Charles House as a member of the Charles House Eldercare Home household teams. She transitioned to the Day Program team shortly after Charles House re-opened, following our yearlong pandemic closure. Shawn brings with her a passion for work with older adults, and years of experience in family caregiving.

Sue Lowery, Program Facilitator, moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to be close to family. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation from Indiana University and has worked with the aging population for most of her career. Her journey took her from teaching arthritis classes in swimming pools to working as an activity director in nursing homes in Cincinnati. She is glad to be able to share her love for the aging population at Charles House.