Cynthia
Conant-Arp, BA, MM Executive Director Cynthia Conant-Arp has more than 27 years administrative experience
in non-profit adult day services; particularly in the design, implementation,
promotion and evaluation of therapeutic, dementia-specific programs.
She led the successful start up efforts of two Rhode Island day centers
for persons with memory loss.
Additionally, Ms. Conant-Arp is committed to advancing the long-term
care industry through public policy and community service activities.
Currently, Ms. Conant-Arp serves as the vice president of the Rhode
Island Association of Facilities and Services for the Aging. She
is also a member of the Long Term Care Financing Cabinet of the American
Association of Homes and Services for the Aged, and the Rhode Island
Long Term Care Coordinating Council.
She received a master’s degree in management with a specialty
in services for elders and the disabled from the Heller School of
Management and Social Policy at Brandeis University, and a bachelor’s
degree from Washington University. Ms. Conant-Arp is certified in
Alzheimer’s care and as an activities coordinator, and has
consulted and taught Alzheimer’s care in numerous care
settings. She frequently presents at regional, national and international
conferences. Ms. Conant-Arp lives in Warwick, Rhode Island with
her husband, Robert.
Luisa Hernandez, BA Programs Coordinator Luisa Hernandez joined the Hope Center
in 2001. She has more than 14 years experience in Alzheimer’s care. She received
a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work from
Rhode Island College. Ms. Hernandez holds a certificate in
Interdisciplinary Practice in Geriatrics from the Rhode Island
Geriatric Education Center at the University of Rhode Island,
and is certified in Alzheimer’s care.
Ms. Hernandez is a resident of Providence, Rhode Island. She
enjoys the beach, likes to travel and mentors young adults
at the Met School in Providence.
Ellen Grizzetti, BS Case Manager Ms. Ellen Grizzetti has served as
a case manager at the Hope Center for 14 years. She assisted
with the Center’s building
design, opening the facility, hiring of the original staff
and welcoming our first participants and their families. Prior
to joining the Hope Center, Ms. Grizzetti served as the Director
of Cranston Adult Day Care. She received a bachelor’s
degree in human science and services with a primary area of
interest in gerontology from the University of Rhode Island
and holds an Alzheimer’s certification.
Ms. Grizzetti lives in Cranston, Rhode Island. She likes to
travel and enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband
and two sons.
Phone: (401) 946-9220, extension 18
Dorothy Poveromo, BA Case Manager Ms. Dorothy Poveromo is a case manager
at the Hope Center with 30 years social service experience
in both Rhode Island
and Massachusetts. In 1995, she joined the Hope Center and
soon after established the Hope Family Network. She remains
an integral part of the family support group coordinating its
monthly meetings and scheduling guest speakers. Prior to the
Hope Center, she worked with the senior population at Cranston
Senior Services. Ms. Poveromo graduated from the University
of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s in psychology and a
minor in sociology. Her professional achievements include certificates
in Alzheimer’s and Interdisciplinary Practice in Geriatrics.
Ms. Poveromo resides in Barrington, Rhode Island. She enjoys
traveling, camping with her family in their R.V., and spending
time with friends.
Phone: (401) 946-9220, extension 18
Cheryl Cornell, RN Nurse Manager Ms. Cheryl Cornell has worked at the
Hope Center since its doors opened in 1995. She began her
nursing career at Day Kimball
Hospital in Connecticut after receiving her associate’s
degree in science and nursing from the Community College of
Rhode Island. Ms. Cornell’s professional achievements
include certificates in Alzheimer’s/dementia care, CPR,
and first aid. She is also AED certified.
Ms. Cornell lives in Dayville, Connecticut. She likes going
to the movies, dining out, taking day trip, visiting her daughter
in Boston, and spending time with friends.
aaaa
Cynthia Conant-Arp has more than 27 years administrative experience
in non-profit adult day services; particularly in the design, implementation,
promotion and evaluation of therapeutic, dementia-specific programs.
She led the successful start up efforts of two Rhode Island day centers
for persons with memory loss. 
Luisa Hernandez joined the Hope Center
in 2001. She has more than 14 years experience in Alzheimer’s care. She received
a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work from
Rhode Island College. Ms. Hernandez holds a certificate in
Interdisciplinary Practice in Geriatrics from the Rhode Island
Geriatric Education Center at the University of Rhode Island,
and is certified in Alzheimer’s care.
Ms. Ellen Grizzetti has served as
a case manager at the Hope Center for 14 years. She assisted
with the Center’s building
design, opening the facility, hiring of the original staff
and welcoming our first participants and their families. Prior
to joining the Hope Center, Ms. Grizzetti served as the Director
of Cranston Adult Day Care. She received a bachelor’s
degree in human science and services with a primary area of
interest in gerontology from the University of Rhode Island
and holds an Alzheimer’s certification. 
Ms. Dorothy Poveromo is a case manager
at the Hope Center with 30 years social service experience
in both Rhode Island
and Massachusetts. In 1995, she joined the Hope Center and
soon after established the Hope Family Network. She remains
an integral part of the family support group coordinating its
monthly meetings and scheduling guest speakers. Prior to the
Hope Center, she worked with the senior population at Cranston
Senior Services. Ms. Poveromo graduated from the University
of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s in psychology and a
minor in sociology. Her professional achievements include certificates
in Alzheimer’s and Interdisciplinary Practice in Geriatrics. 
Ms. Cheryl Cornell has worked at the
Hope Center since its doors opened in 1995. She began her
nursing career at Day Kimball
Hospital in Connecticut after receiving her associate’s
degree in science and nursing from the Community College of
Rhode Island. Ms. Cornell’s professional achievements
include certificates in Alzheimer’s/dementia care, CPR,
and first aid. She is also AED certified.