Meet the
Donna Nilson
Welcome Center Director
Donna joined Messiah Lifeways® in 2011 and currently oversees the Messiah Village and Fernecrest Welcome Centers. In this role, she leads the team in providing exceptional customer service to individuals exploring their retirement living options. Donna is dedicated to helping prospective residents find the ideal maintenance-free cottage or apartment at both locations.
She and her husband, Bruce, have been married for more than 40 years and are the proud parents of three grown children. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren – as well as their two grand dogs and two grand kitties – whether in person or over FaceTime. In her free time, Donna enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling.
“I love helping people discover their new life at our community. It’s my pleasure to assist people with their journey from discovery to move in.”
Jennifer Caldwell
Fernecrest Welcome Center Lead
Jennifer began working at Messiah Lifeways as a Residential Living Counselor for the Welcome Center in 2024. She counsels those interested in moving to Messiah Village or Fernecrest. She has more than 12 years of experience working in the senior living industry. Jennifer is married to her husband, Brad, and has one son and three stepchildren. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, going to the beach, and cuddling up with her labradoodle, Rufus.
“It has been my honor to serve residents for so many years. I have a true passion for helping others, and I take great pride in being able to serve residents who are starting this new journey in their lives.”
Heather Ritter
Residential Living Counselor
Heather joined Messiah Lifeways in early 2018. She meets with and counsels those interested in Residential Living at Messiah Village or Fernecrest. Heather is married to Dave, her husband of more than 30 years. They have three young adult sons. Heather loves kayaking, writing, gardening and working in the yard, and walking and playing with Rosie, their mini goldendoodle. Spending time with family and friends is one of her greatest joys.
“When people make the decision to join our community, I have the privilege of assisting them from the time they go on our waitlist to the time they choose their new home on campus and move in. It is such a blessing and an honor to get to know such lovely people and work with them closely during this huge transition in their lives.”
Maddison Cromity
Residential Living Counselor
Maddison joined the Messiah Lifeways community in 2021 and now serves as a Residential Living Counselor for those interested in moving to Messiah Village or Fernecrest. Maddison and her husband, Steve, have a baby girl, and they hope to continue growing their family. In her free time, Maddison enjoys antiquing, taking care of her goats and chickens, spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, and being outdoors.
“I am so excited to be a part of people’s journey as they find their new home. Messiah Lifeways is more than a retirement community; it’s a family. My desire is for residents to fall in love with their new family, just as I did.”
Brandy Cysyk
Fernecrest Selections Coordinator
Brandy joined Messiah Lifeways in 2026 to assist with the Fernecrest project. As the Fernecrest Selections Coordinator, Brandy meets with new residents and guides them through the process of selecting features for their new home. Brandy has served older adults for more than 30 years and is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Messiah Lifeways team and residents.
Brandy and her husband are very proud of their three young adult children and two dogs. In their free time, they enjoy hiking, gardening, and spending time on the water kayaking and sailing.
“I’m excited to assist people on their journey to Fernecrest. It brings me great joy to guide them through the selections process, personalizing their new homes.”
bcysyk@messiahlifeways.org
Brenda Fye
Residential Living Welcome Center Coordinator
Brenda began working at Messiah Lifeways as the Welcome Center Coordinator in 2025. She has extensive experience in client and customer relations and most recently worked as a personal staff assistant with Nittany Brokerage in State College. She has been married to her husband, Jack, for more than 30 years and has two married daughters. She is excited to be moving to Cumberland County and starting a new chapter in life. In her free time, Brenda enjoys working on her Cricut machine, reading, going on walks, and spending time with her family and her two cats.
“I love helping people and I’m very excited to be able to assist new residents in the next chapter of their lives.”