Catherine Harkins, M.Ed.

Catherine graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Delaware. During her undergraduate career, she joined the Navy Reserves and became a Hospital Corpsman. In that role she served as the Education Coordinator for her unit, ensuring enlisted staff complied with the Naval Medical Education Curriculum. In January 1990, her unit deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm. Upon returning, she spent the next 10 years in the banking industry. 

After her banking career, she had the pleasure of becoming a Domestic Goddess and enjoyed raising children and volunteering in her community. Upon reentering the workforce, she sought positions that allowed her to serve others. In her most recent position, Catherine was CFO of a non-profit organization that served injured veterans.

She enjoys owning and operating White Oak Villages. 

Catherine says, “I feel pleased to offer our residents a loving home that allows them to enjoy their life with high quality care.”

Terri Gayhardt, RN, CMDN,IP

Terri has been a Registered Nurse for 33 years. After spending 18 years in Labor and Delivery, she transitioned to Director of Clinical Services for a successful home health company.  She spent several years in the home health industry and decided to expand her love for Senior Care by accepting a position as The Director of Nursing for a large Assisted Living Facility. Terri received her advanced certification as a Case Manager/Delegating Nurse in 2005.

 Terri says, “I truly found my passion in that role. I was recruited into the Long-Term Care Industry after several years and wanted to take on that challenge.  I spent seven years in the role of DON in that industry.  My heart was always in the world of Assisted Living, so I made the decision to go back to ALF. I believe Assisted Living is the best option for people who are no longer able to care for themselves. Home care serves a purpose but can be very isolating. Long-term Care has many challenges and is typically not the least restrictive environment for those in need of assistance. Assisted Living provides assistance with ADL care, while encouraging a person to function at his/ her highest level to promote quality of life. I returned to my passion and will be forever fulfilled serving those who need nursing care in this industry.”

Charia Friend, NP, PCP

Charia is a certified registered nurse practitioner. She obtained her master’s in nursing from Johns Hopkins University. She has be a nurse practitioner for 19 years. Currently, she works along with Dr. Marcelino Albuerne. That primary care practice is in Catonsville, Maryland. Charia has also worked in several nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout her career.

Charia says, “I thank you for the opportunity to help care for your loved one at White Oak Villages.”

Dr. Megha Patel, DPM

Dr. Megha Patel, is a dedicated podiatrist with over 14 years of experience in providing specialized care in home and assisted living healthcare settings across Maryland. Known for her patient-centered approach, Dr. Patel focuses on improving mobility and quality of life for her patients. When she’s not caring for others, she enjoys exploring new destinations and      experimenting with recipes in the kitchen.

Puja Paliwal, Alternate Manager, CMT, CNA

Puja graduated with a BA from the University of Delhi in 1996. She began her career as a caregiver in 2017. She has obtained her CMT and CNA. In her spare time, Puja enjoys spending time with her son.

Dr. Chatterjee. PhD

Dr. Chatterjee earned his B.S. in Psychology and Mathematics at Bethany College in West Virginia. He then went on to earn M.S. and Ph.D degrees from Howard University in Washington, DC, where he was a Research and Teaching Fellow. Dr. Chatterjee became licensed as a Clinical Psychologist after completing his residency and postdoctoral training at the Patuxent Institution in Maryland. Since then, he has worked in several clinical settings, including outpatient, inpatient, and private practice with various patient populations.