Residence Director
Wendy Young

"There is no greater honor, than that of communion with the terminally ill". Cayuga County has been my home, for my entire life. I earned an Associates Degree and a certificate in mechanical drawing at then Auburn Community College.

I worked in the graphics field for 8 years. I am blessed with a wonderful husband and 4 sons (mine and his). Life took an unexpected turn in 1988 when my beloved grandmother became ill and was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She pleaded to be HOME.  We had no idea what that was to entail.  We barely knew which end of a thermometer to use. Hospice was established, that same year. My grandmother was one of their first patients.  She died peacefully, at home.

Life was never again to be the same. In 1992, I graduated from the BOCES LPN Program. From 1994 to 2003, I was employed as an LPN for Hospice of the Finger Lakes. The opportunity with Hospice led me to Matthew House. I have served as Residence Director since 2003. I have been given the privilege to oversee the day to day operations of this loving home called Matthew House, where the dying can live out the remainder of their days in comfort, showered with love and guided in dignity. To date Matthew House has been home to over 100 individuals with terminal illness.

Assistant Residence Director
Ann Balloni

I’m thrilled to be a part of the Matthew House family, caring for the residents and working with the staff and volunteers
. 

I live in Aurora with my husband, Jeff, 16 year old son, JD, 13 year old daughter, Lynda, 3 dogs and a cat.  I’ve been a member of the Aurora Volunteer Fire Dept. for six years and was recently elected ambulance Captain.  I’m a certified EMT and work part time as a lab instructor for the county EMT classes.

My father, Ted Graney, is from Auburn and my family moved here when I was 14.  Previously, I lived in Rochester, NY (where I was born) and Springfield, MA.  I attended Auburn High School and Cayuga Community College and received my BA in English from St. John Fisher College. 

I’m honored and delighted to be a part of such a wonderful organization and am fully committed to sharing in Matthew House’s mission.

Bookkeeper

Angie Martino-Gregory

Angie has had her dream come true with the Matthew House, after her nephew died at the Frances House in Syracuse she inquired about to have a home in Auburn just like the Frances House, but to no avail, until one day in April of 2001, she saw a story regarding Jan Newman and Judy Nichols who were in the process of opening such a home.  She immediately called and was appointed to the board, then took on the responsibilities of the “bookkeeper”.    Her term of office ended in 2005, but she has been our bookkeeper ever since. 

Although she is busy with her other jobs as bookkeeper at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County and the Town of Throop, she always finds time for her “dream job”.  Angie is also president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 239, in Skaneateles and a life time member of the Sennett Fire Department Auxiliary.

Donations Assistant

Ann Padula

I have been involved with Matthew House since the doors opened. Several years ago I recall Judy Nichols, the Pastoral Care Minister at Sacred Heart Church introducing the concept of opening a home to care for the terminally ill in Auburn or the surrounding area.  At this very first introduction I became interested.   When Matthew House was ready to open I attended an open house and yes I wanted to be a part of what was happening.    I became a House Care Volunteer with the admission of the first resident. As time went on, I was amazed at what I saw.  It was not only a time for me to give to the residents and their families, but I received so much in return from the dying and their families.  It has been an amazing experience. 

There came a time when I wasn’t available to spend my time at the House but still wanted to be involved.  I was asked if I would be willing to help with acknowledging the many, many, donations that Matthew House receives.  I accepted and the rest is history.   

I have been married to my husband Bob for 35 years and have a son, Mark, a daughter, Maribeth LeFevre (Tom) and a beautifully granddaughter, Amelia.  I have worked at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles for over 22 years. 

My family this summer experienced first-hand what Matthew House truly is.  Our Mom spent her final seventeen days as a resident of Matthew House in the loving care of Wendy and the wonderful volunteers.  Each and everyday volunteers treated Mom so special…..as if they were caring for their own loved one.  This love, gentle care, and compassion was also extended to our entire family and friends that visited.  Thank you for the privilege of experiencing Matthew House.