Senior Management

Joan Kwiatkowski, MSW

Chief Executive Officer

Joan was the first executive to the PACE program. Joan has worked as a health care administrator since the early 1980’s in hospital settings, community mental health clinics and currently serves as CEO of both PACE and CareLink. CareLink is a network of non profit long term care providers within Rhode Island. Joan has a degree in psychology and philosophy from Boston College, completed her Masters degree in Social Work at Boston University and completed a certificate in non profit administration at Stanford University School of Business.

Cheryl A. Dexter, RN, MS

Vice President of Quality & Compliance

Cheryl has been a Registered Nurse for 35 years, earning her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in 1974 and a Master's Degree in Health Services Administration in 1997.  Cheryl worked in acute care settings for 10 years as a staff nurse and a Nurse Leader until choosing to change her focus to community-based care.

Cheryl has 25 years experience in home care and hospice in positions ranging from staff nurse to manager to director in clinical and operational capacities.  She came to the PACE Organization of Rhode Island in August, 2008.

Lynda M. Gilbert, CPA

Vice President of Finance

Lynda provides oversight for the financial management and federal reporting requirements for three related organizations including PACE, CareLink, Inc., and Leading Age Rhode Island. She has 20-years experience in public accounting, auditing and financial reporting for nonprofit organizations and commercial entities. She received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Rhode Island College and was named on the 2006 Accounting Honor Roll by the College's Alumni Association.

Lynda is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants. She co-chairs the not-for-profit committee of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants and serves as treasurer for Providence CityArts for Youth.

Suzanne Ribero-Balassone, RN

Vice President of Clinical Services

Suzanne Ribero-Balassone received her education and training from the University of Rhode Island both in psychology and nursing, receiving a bachelor’s degree in both areas. She has worked as a Registered Nurse at Rhode Island Hospital and in many nursing facilities and assisted livings across the state. She served as the Director of Nurses for the last 10 years of her career and has also worked as an Assisted Living Administrator. It has always been her focus to work with elders and ensure the quality of their care.

Suzanne joined the PACE program shortly before its official opening in 2005. She has served as the Day Center Coordinator, Nurse, Case Manager and Clinical Director while working at PACE.

Mark Schwager, MD

Vice President of Medical Affairs

Mark has been the full time Medical Director at PACE since July 2007. His role at PACE includes direct patient care as well as administrative oversight of PACE’s medical program. Dr. Schwager completed his medical school training at the State University of New York at Buffalo followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Schwager is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Prior to his position at PACE, he had practiced medicine at the Providence Veterans Hospital and then as part of University Medical Group in East Greenwich. While at University Medical Group, Dr. Schwager was involved in the Roger Williams Medical Center’s residency training program and continues to precept medical residents, nurse practitioner, nurses and pharmacy students at PACE.