Meet the Blossom Hill leadership team below. The leadership team manages Blossom Hill’s core services: residential and respite care and supported living.
Blossom Hill is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors.
Blossom Hill Leadership
Lisa Kristosik, RN, MSN, BSN
President & Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Kristosik became the Chief Executive Officer at Blossom Hill in April, 2020. She was previously the President of Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio where she worked for over 9 years. Prior to that, she was the Director for Home Health at Montefiore in Beachwood. Lisa earned her Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2011 and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2009. She has been a registered nurse since 1999 and her nursing practice has always focused on dignity and quality of care throughout the life cycle.
Lisa was featured as one of Crain’s Cleveland Business’ “Women of Note” in 2019 for her work related to the opiate crisis in Northeast Ohio and the launch of a pediatric home health program in affiliation with Metro Health.
Email: LisaK@Blossom-Hill.org
Jessica M. Toivonen
Executive Director/Director of Operations
Jessica joined Blossom Hill, Inc. in April 2022 as the Executive Director. She has 20 years of experience in the field where she started as a Direct Support Professional, QIDP and Behavior Specialist. She is very proud to work for an organization that provides such excellent services to individuals with disabilities. Jessica is an alumni of Hiram College.
Email: JessicaT@Blossom-Hill.org
Bridget Bernhard, RN
Director of Nursing
Bridget has been a nurse for 22 years. She has been involved both personally and professionally in the developmental disabilities field for over 21 years. She has taught med pass certification classes through DODD for over 12 years. She is a graduate of Meridia Huron School of Nursing.
“I am truly grateful to be able to work with such a caring and compassionate group.”
Email: BridgetB@Blossom-Hill.org.
Harry Cool, CPA, Inactive
Director of Finance / Controller
Harry Cool joined Blossom Hill in March, 2021. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Akron. He was the Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana for over 23 years. He is a past member of the governing board of the Bethany United Church of Christ and a volunteer at the Hospice of the Western Reserve.
“I couldn’t have found a better organization to work with. I am mission-oriented and because of that, I know that Blossom Hill is the perfect fit.”
Email: HarryC@Blossom-Hill.org
Lori Inks
Director of Development
Lori has worked at Blossom Hill since 2016 but her passion to serve the developmentally disabled population is rooted in her volunteerism with the DD population at a young age and eventually becoming her sister’s guardian.
She has a background in marketing, sales, and communication. She holds a Bachelors of Science from The Ohio State University, is a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses, and is an active participant on several boards and volunteer work.
“I am fortunate to be able to see and experience Blossom Hill work from the family perspective and employee which has illustrated our mission values of ‘where the love is the quality of care,’ with compassion, service, and love.”
Email: lorii@Blossom-Hill.org
Maria Fein
House Manager/QIDP, Center Ridge House
Maria joined Blossom Hill in July, 2022 as the Assistant House Manager/QIDP at Center Ridge House. She has 10 years of management experience and started in the DD field at a group home as a Residential Treatment Specialist. She has her Bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Psychology.
Email: MariaF@Blossom-Hill.org
Eldridge Ponder
House Manager/QIDP, Parma House
Eldridge joined Blossom Hill in September, 2022. He has over 25 years of experience as a supervisor, 19 as a QIDP. Eldridge has a Bachelor’s degree from Clarion University.
“I love working with individuals with developmental disabilities and Blossom Hill gives me that opportunity to continue doing something I love.”
Email: EldridgeP@Blossom-Hill.org.
Neala Peralta
House Manager, Abbey Houses
Laura Zarycki
QIDP, Abbey Houses
Laura has been with Blossom Hill since 1996. She has worked as a Direct Support Professional and QIDP. Laura is the recipient of the 2022 Krista Plowman Award for her dedication and excellent care for the individuals at the Abbey Houses. Laura has a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University.
Email: LZarycki@blossom-hill.org.
Brian Myers
Operations Manager
Brian Myers came to Blossom Hill in 2016 and manages grounds, building maintenance, state/local fire and safety compliance for all four homes. Brian entered the healthcare field as a dental equipment repair technician and, after attending Lorain Community College, transitioned into nursing and assisted living facilities maintenance.
“I made the right decision moving to Blossom Hill and as we continue to expand, I enjoy making a difference ensuring our residents have safe and healthy homes every day.”
Email: BrianM@Blossom-Hill.org
Emily Dubyoski
Marketing Manager
Emily started at Blossom Hill in September 2020. She has over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications for nonprofit organizations that provide education and healthcare services. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the College of Wooster.
Email: EmilyD@Blossom-Hill.org.