OUR STAFF
President
Albert Riddle, MD, CMD, HMDC
Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices
Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices, a community based palliative care practice that is affiliated with Hudson Valley Hospice is under Dr. Riddle’s leadership, where he is responsible for the oversight and management of the practice.
Dr. Riddle is a long term care physician and educator, and is the founder and president of the Riddle Medical Group, which provides medical direction, primary care services and quality assurance consulting to long term care facilities. He was awarded the designation of Certified Medical Director by the American Medical Directors Association and serves on their National Clinical Practices Guidelines Committee. Dr. Riddle also serves as the Medical Director in a number of local skilled nursing facilities.
Director of Palliative Care
Denise Hammel, RN, BSN
Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices
Denise is a dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience in senior care and clinical management. Prior to her role at Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices, she served as the Director of Health and Wellness at Artis Senior Living in Yorktown Heights, NY, where she oversaw the care of 72 residents, ensuring compliance with health regulations and facilitating resident care plans and staff training.
Denise also formerly worked as a Clinical Nurse Liaison at Waterview Hills Rehabilitation and Health Care Centers, where she assessed potential patient referrals and improved patient care continuity. Her career also includes a significant tenure as an RN Nurse Manager at Hearthstone Alzheimer’s Care, where she managed residents with varying needs and supervised home health aides.
Denise holds a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Chamberlain University and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Excelsior College. She began her nursing career with a Practical Nurse certification from Tech Center at Yorktown and has earned certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Patient Review Instrument (PRI). Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to enhancing patient care and supporting healthcare teams.
Medical Doctor
John G. Bentley, MD
Hudson Valley Hospice and Medical Health Choices
Dr. Bentley has been board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and holds a subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise in physical medicine, rehabilitation and interventional pain management. He earned his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Indiana University School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. He further honed his skills through an Interventional Spine/Pain Fellowship at Orthopedic Specialists of the Carolinas.
Dr. Bentley has held prominent positions at esteemed institutions, including Duke University Department of Orthopedics and Piedmont Spine Specialist, where he served as co-owner. His professional affiliations include the North American Spine Society and the American Academy of Pain Medicine.
Nurse Practitioner
Heather O’Keeffe, MS-FNP
Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices
Heather is a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute and subacute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Currently, she is employed at Axis Medical and Sun River Health in Poughkeepsie.
After receiving her Associate of Science in Nursing Degree from Columbia-Greene Community College, she went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Walden University, as well as a Masters of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Pace University.
She is a member of the NY NPA, ANCC, and AANP, and currently resides in Rhinebeck, NY.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Randee McArdle, LCSW
Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices
Randee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices palliative care program. In her role, Randee conducts psychosocial and needs assessments with all patients, examining how their illness has impacted their physical, social, and emotional life. Randee attempts to be a bridge for patients to community resources, social supports and homecare needs as well as assist patient and families with advanced care planning. Additionally, as a Clinical Social Worker, Randee can offer short-term psychotherapy services as well as refer patients for longer-term therapeutic support. Randee works alongside the Palliative Care MD and Nurse Practitioners.
Randee has a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. She has worked in the field of social work and mental health since 2003.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Thomas Sedgwick, LCSW-R
Hudson Valley Medical Health Choices
Thomas has over 30 years of social work experience with large metropolitan medical centers, mental health programs, ambulatory care and long term/sub-acute facilities. He possesses a wide array of clinical experience in the fields of bioethics, psychiatry, primary care, dialysis, organ transplantation and psychedelic research, and is currently employed at the New York University School of Medicine as a per diem clinical social worker/therapist.
Thomas holds a BS in Education from Indiana University, and an MS in Social Work from Columbia University. He has also served as a field work instructor and adjunct professor at a number of higher education institutions, including New York University, Hunter College, and Columbia University. Additionally, he is the past National President of the Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare, where he still serves as a Board Member, and was also a past Vice-President and Treasurer of the National Association of Social Workers – New York City Chapter.
In his free time, Thomas plays an active role in his community, as he serves as a volunteer for the Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps, helping to support vaccination sites and health fairs, and participating with the Dutchess County Animal Response Team. Currently, he resides in Poughkeepsie, NY.