Maplewood and Inspīr Senior Living Toast to Culinary Excellence with Three National Awards and the Return of Culinary Visionary Jason Wallin as Corporate Director of Culinary Services

NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a celebration of artistry, innovation, and the transformative power of dining, Maplewood Senior Living and its luxury urban brand, Inspīr, proudly announce that three of their executive chefs have earned national recognition in the 2025 DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards presented by WTWH Healthcare, a WTWH Media, LLC company. 

Adding to this moment of distinction, Maplewood welcomes back seasoned culinary leader Jason Wallin as Corporate Director of Culinary Services, signaling an exciting new chapter in their commitment to crafting exceptional, wellness-driven dining experiences of the highest caliber.

"These national honors speak to the extraordinary talent, creativity, and dedication of our culinary teams," said Shane Herlet, Co–CEO of Maplewood Senior Living and Inspīr. "By pairing the artistry of our award-winning chefs with Jason's visionary leadership, we are building on a legacy of excellence and setting the stage for the next era of innovation in senior living dining, one that prioritizes connection, wellness, and joy in every experience we create."

National Recognition for Culinary Innovation

DISHED Elevating the Experience Awards showcase innovators raising the bar on programming and service with the goal of boosting the senior living dining experience:

• Richard McCreadie, Executive Chef for Inspīr Embassy Row, DC, blends heritage and innovation, crafting menus shaped by residents' stories and preferences. His partnerships with local purveyors and focus on seasonal, heart- and brain-healthy ingredients make every dish a dialogue between taste and intention.
• Steven Weintraub, Executive Chef at Inspīr Carnegie Hill, NYC, is celebrated for his creativity, sophistication, and commitment to wellness. His work with memory care residents in the Oceana program uses food as a multisensory experience that supports cognitive health and fosters connection.

DISHED Culinary Canvas Award recognizes leaders driving excellence in how dining programs are showcased:

• Picasso Petion, Executive Chef at Maplewood at Strawberry Hill, Norwalk, CT, balances artistry with comfort, designing menus that honor residents' personal histories while emphasizing freshness, seasonality, and thoughtful sourcing.

A Vision for the Future

Returning to Maplewood, Jason Wallin brings over 20 years of culinary leadership, including his previous tenure supporting the launch of Maplewood's Brewster, MA, community and serving as Senior Culinary Director for its Cape Cod communities.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jason back," said Eileen Duggan, SVP of Operations at Maplewood Senior Living. "His passion for culinary innovation, deep understanding of the senior living space, and unwavering commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional experiences to every resident, every day."

With three national award winners and the return of a respected culinary leader, Maplewood and Inspīr are setting the stage for even greater innovation—proving that in senior living, dining can be as vibrant, meaningful, and memorable as any five-star experience.

For more information on Maplewood and Inspīr Senior Living, visit: https://www.maplewoodseniorliving.com/

To learn more about the DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards, visit: https://seniorhousingnews.com/2025-dished-innovation-awards/

About Maplewood Senior Living: Maplewood Senior Living is known for its upscale senior living residences, offering a broad range of premier services, amenities and care to its residents. Based in Westport, CT, Maplewood Senior Living operates 16 senior living communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. There is an Upper East Side location in Manhattan, NY, within the company's newest brand, Inspīr. This new, senior living offering, Inspīr Carnegie Hill, was launched to provide a luxurious option for seniors looking to join a residential community in major metropolitan areas. A second Inspīr location recently opened in Washington D.C.'s vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Inspīr Embassy Row. For more information, please call 203-557-4777 or visit http://www.maplewoodseniorliving.com.

About Inspīr Modern Senior Living: Inspīr Modern Senior Living redefines urban senior living for discerning older adults, blending luxury accommodations, exceptional hospitality, innovative technology, whole-person wellness, and world-class care. The brand's flagship residence, Inspīr Carnegie Hill, is located at 1802 Second Avenue on New York City's Upper East Side. A second location, Inspīr Embassy Row, recently opened in Washington, D.C.'s vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood. Inspīr offers state-of-the-art assisted living, memory care, and enhanced care, with thoughtfully designed private apartments tailored to the needs of today's aging population. Each community is designed to foster meaningful connection, personal fulfillment, and vibrant living at every stage. Inspīr is developed by Maplewood Senior Living, in partnership with Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE: OHI). For more information, visit inspirseniorliving.com or call 646-978-9040.

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SOURCE Maplewood Senior Living