Excellence Through Innovation and Integrity
Our Leadership
Quality is never accidental. Through careful stewardship of resources, adherence to rigorous standards, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we deliver care that consistently meets — and often exceeds — expectations. At Vernon Homes, this commitment is shared by every member of our community, from maintenance staff who ensure our facilities are safe and welcoming, to our President, whose leadership guides strategic vision and innovation.
Our affiliation with the Green House Project further reflects our dedication to pioneering best-in-class elder care by embracing innovative, resident‑centered models that challenge traditional, institutional norms. Every team member plays a role in upholding these values, ensuring that our residents experience the highest standard of care every day.
Larry Knowles
President of ACRC - Director of Development and Publicity
Larry provides executive oversight of the Campus Directors at the organization’s two retirement communities in Vernon, Vermont, and Kittery, Maine. He supports campus leadership to ensure operational excellence, mission alignment, and consistently high standards of resident care. Serving as a primary liaison to the Board of Directors, he fosters communication, collaboration, and strategic alignment while keeping the Board informed of performance, initiatives, and long-term planning.
He also leads fundraising and development efforts, cultivating relationships with donors and community partners to support programs, facilities, and future growth. At the same time, he provides organizational direction while preserving the historic Christian heritage of the organization, ensuring faith-based values guide its culture, vision, and service philosophy while meeting the evolving needs of residents.
Bradford Ellis
Vernon Homes - Executive Director
Brad first became involved with Vernon Homes in 1996, completing an administrator-in-training program under the leadership of Larry Knowles. In 1998, he accepted the position of assistant administrator. Following leadership transitions that coincided with the establishment of Advent Christian Retirement Communities, he assumed the role of executive director in 2002.
Serving elders is a true passion for him. He values being surrounded by seniors each day, recognizing the wisdom, experience, and wit they bring. He also greatly appreciates working alongside individuals who faithfully fulfill the Vernon Homes mission, knowing their dedication ensures that residents receive exceptional care.
"No one is really sure why, but without fail, one nursing home resident consistently calls me “Richard.” I am happy to respond to this name, because whether I’m Brad, Richard, Tom, Dick or Harry, my purpose in being here does not change as I seek to bring the best direction and leadership to Vernon Homes."
Sabrina Krafchuk
Vernon Homes - Assistant Administrator
Sabrina Krafchuk joined Vernon Homes in April 2022, bringing with her a strong background in memory care leadership. Her previous experience overseeing behavioral interventions, resident care, dining, and activities prepared her well for her role as assistant administrator. Drawn to Vernon Homes’ mission and the opportunity to grow under Bradford Ellis’ leadership, Sabrina was eager to advance her career in long-term care administration. In her current role, she provides ongoing support to the administrator while advocating for both residents and staff.
Sabrina’s passion for elder care comes naturally, rooted in her belief that meaningful relationships are essential to compassionate leadership. She emphasizes knowing residents as individuals, a lesson reinforced by her experience de-escalating a tense situation in memory care by understanding a resident’s unmet need rather than reacting to fear. Outside of work, Sabrina enjoys quiet winter months and spends the rest of the year with family and friends, camping and boating on the lake.
Lisa Kemp
Vernon Homes - Director of Nursing
Lisa joined Vernon Homes in 2023 as Vernon Green’s Director of Nursing. In this role, she oversees the care provided by the nursing staff and is responsible for planning, directing, and supporting all nursing operations. Her professional background is diverse and includes serving as interim Director of Nursing at several long-term care facilities and hospitals throughout New Hampshire, bringing valuable leadership experience to the role.
She is deeply committed to promoting the mission and values of Vernon Green and its nursing department. Her responsibilities span a wide range of functions, including policy development, staff scheduling, education, budgeting, meetings, and supervision—all with the shared goal of ensuring the highest quality of resident care. Reflecting on her passion for the field, Lisa shares, “Long-term care is where my heart is. I take personally my responsibility to create relationships with staff and residents, form bonds, and provide care with empathy and love. Discovering each resident’s unique story and wisdom is a joy, and providing care at this stage of life is incredibly gratifying.”
Carrie Desmaris
Vernon Homes - Director of Social Services
Carrie Desmarais joined Vernon Green in 1996 as a Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA) and later advanced to LNA Manager. She went on to serve as Transportation Manager, driving residents to appointments and, as she humorously recalls, occasionally “sneaking off to the local Dunkin’ Donuts or Burger King for a treat.” Carrie later became Assistant to the Social Services Director before succeeding her supervisor as Director of Social Services. In this role, she develops and implements policies that support residents’ individuality, independence, dignity, and rights, with the goal of promoting the highest possible quality of life. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human services.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Carrie’s work is building lasting relationships with residents and their families. She still remembers individuals she cared for more than 25 years ago and maintains connections with some of their loved ones. One especially memorable moment involved a humorous exchange with a resident who mistook her name for a figure from his grandfather’s colorful stories—an interaction that reflects Carrie’s belief that while the body may age, the heart and mind remain young.