MISHAWAKA, Ind. – August 10, 2026 – In a strategic move designed to further elevate its commitment to comprehensive senior care, Saint Joseph PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) today announced the appointment of Danielle Younts-Jaramillo as its new Executive Director. This significant leadership transition is poised to infuse the organization with fresh perspectives and a deep-seated expertise in healthcare quality assurance, compliance, and operational excellence. Younts-Jaramillo will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Saint Joseph PACE, with a clear mandate to champion initiatives that enhance quality of care, ensure rigorous compliance, optimize operational performance, and, most importantly, enrich the participant experience.
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A Proven Leader in Quality and Compliance Takes the Helm
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The selection of Danielle Younts-Jaramillo is a testament to her extensive and impressive career trajectory within the healthcare sector. With over seven years of dedicated experience, she has established herself as a formidable leader with a profound understanding of the intricate demands of quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations within healthcare settings. Her most recent role as Director of Quality and Compliance at LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines provided her with invaluable hands-on experience in driving quality improvement initiatives, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and streamlining operational processes. This background is directly transferable to the mission of Saint Joseph PACE, which is dedicated to providing a holistic and integrated approach to care for older adults.
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Younts-Jaramillo’s tenure at LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines was marked by a consistent focus on ensuring that participants received the highest standard of care while adhering to all governing regulations. She was instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that not only met but often exceeded compliance requirements, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Her ability to translate policy into practical, participant-centered care has been a hallmark of her professional endeavors.
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Vision for the Future: Elevating Participant Care and Operational Efficiency
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As the new Executive Director, Younts-Jaramillo has articulated a clear and compelling vision for the future of Saint Joseph PACE. Her immediate priorities will be focused on several key pillars that are critical to the organization’s ongoing success and its ability to meet the evolving needs of the senior population it serves.
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- Strengthening Quality and Compliance Practices: Younts-Jaramillo is committed to a proactive and robust approach to quality assurance and compliance. This involves not only meeting current regulatory standards but also anticipating future changes and embedding best practices into the daily operations. Her focus will be on ensuring that every aspect of care delivery is subject to rigorous review and continuous improvement, guaranteeing the safety, well-being, and satisfaction of all participants.
- Supporting Operational Performance: The efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes are paramount to delivering timely and high-quality services. Younts-Jaramillo plans to leverage her expertise to identify areas for optimization, streamline workflows, and implement innovative solutions that enhance the overall operational performance of Saint Joseph PACE. This will translate into a more responsive and effective service delivery model for participants and their families.
- Fostering Continuous Improvement: The healthcare landscape, particularly for seniors, is dynamic and ever-changing. Younts-Jaramillo champions a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. She aims to cultivate an environment where feedback is actively sought, data is used to inform decisions, and all team members are empowered to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of services.
- Enhancing the Participant Experience: At the core of Saint Joseph PACE’s mission is the well-being and dignity of its participants. Younts-Jaramillo’s leadership will be deeply focused on ensuring that every individual who engages with Saint Joseph PACE feels valued, respected, and receives personalized care that addresses their unique needs and preferences. This includes fostering strong relationships with participants and their families, ensuring clear communication, and actively seeking to understand and meet their expectations.
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A Strong Endorsement from Trinity Health PACE Leadership
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The appointment of Younts-Jaramillo has been met with enthusiastic support from the broader Trinity Health PACE leadership. Hogan Cable, Regional Vice President of Trinity Health PACE, expressed his confidence in her ability to lead Saint Joseph PACE to new heights.
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"Danielle is a proven leader whose dedication to quality care and continuous improvement makes her an outstanding choice to lead Saint Joseph PACE," stated Cable. "Her experience, collaborative leadership style and passion for the PACE model will help us continue providing exceptional care while strengthening our services for the communities we serve."
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Cable’s remarks underscore the strategic importance of Younts-Jaramillo’s appointment and highlight the alignment of her professional values with the core tenets of Trinity Health PACE. Her collaborative approach is seen as a key asset in fostering a cohesive and effective team, while her passion for the PACE model signifies a deep understanding and commitment to its unique benefits.
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Academic Foundation and Diverse Educational Background
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Younts-Jaramillo’s leadership capabilities are underpinned by a robust and diverse academic foundation. She holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the complex administrative and strategic challenges within the healthcare industry. Complementing this, her Master’s degree in Youth, Family and Community Sciences from North Carolina State University offers a unique perspective on the social determinants of health and the importance of family and community support systems in an individual’s well-being. Furthermore, her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Psychology from Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C., equips her with a nuanced understanding of human behavior, social dynamics, and the psychological aspects of aging. This multi-faceted educational background allows her to approach senior care with a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical health, mental well-being, social engagement, and environmental factors.
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The Saint Joseph PACE Model: A Comprehensive Approach to Senior Living
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Saint Joseph PACE operates under a vital and innovative model of care designed to support older adults who are medically eligible for nursing home-level care but express a strong desire to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. The PACE program offers a comprehensive, coordinated system of medical, rehabilitative, and social services, all managed under one roof. This integrated approach ensures that participants receive a continuum of care tailored to their individual needs, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and promoting a higher quality of life.
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Key services typically provided through the PACE model include:
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- Medical Care: Regular physician visits, specialty consultations, and chronic disease management.
- Rehabilitation Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to maintain and improve functional abilities.
- Personal Care: Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Social Services: Counseling, support groups, and recreational activities to foster social engagement and emotional well-being.
- Medication Management: Ensuring participants receive their medications as prescribed and understand their treatment plans.
- Transportation: Providing safe and reliable transportation to and from the PACE center and for medical appointments.
- Nutritional Support: Meals and dietary counseling to ensure optimal health.
- Hospital and Long-Term Care Coordination: Seamless transitions and management when inpatient or long-term care is required.
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This comprehensive model allows seniors to maintain their independence and connection to their communities while receiving the support they need to thrive.
A Network of Excellence: Trinity Health PACE’s Reach and Impact
Saint Joseph PACE is an integral part of the larger Trinity Health PACE network, a national organization dedicated to delivering high-quality, person-centered care to seniors. Trinity Health PACE operates an extensive network of centers across 12 states, serving over 3,300 participants through 28 centers, including five managed locations. This broad reach and established infrastructure provide a strong foundation for Saint Joseph PACE, enabling it to benefit from shared best practices, extensive resources, and a collective commitment to excellence in senior care. The synergy within the Trinity Health PACE network ensures that Saint Joseph PACE remains at the forefront of innovation and quality in the field.
The appointment of Danielle Younts-Jaramillo signifies a commitment to continued growth and an unwavering dedication to the mission of Saint Joseph PACE. Her leadership is expected to usher in a new era of enhanced care, operational efficiency, and a more profound participant experience, solidifying Saint Joseph PACE’s position as a leader in comprehensive senior care.
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