Women in Leadership

Meghna Davidson, COO
Leisure Care

Meghna Davidson discusses her 21-year career journey in senior living and her leadership philosophy. Meghna emphasizes that great leadership starts with serving and investing in employees, creating a flexible, family-first culture, and keeping a strong focus on people, because strong teams ultimately drive better resident experiences and business results. She also shares advice for women advancing in leadership: trust your instincts, advocate for your impact, and align yourself with organizations that recognize and support your value.

Mary Campbell Jenkins
Executive Vice President
The Arbor Company

Mary Campbell Jenkins discusses how strong organizational culture is built through intentional values, relationship-centered leadership, and consistent investment in people at every level, especially frontline and community leaders. She emphasizes that retention is driven less by compensation alone and more by meaningful connections, opportunities for growth, and a workplace where people feel supported, trusted, and free to learn from mistakes.

Julie Simpkins, Co-CEO
Gardant Management Solutions

Julie Simpkins, co-CEO of Gardant Management Solutions, reflects on formative leadership lessons, the importance of presence and vulnerable authenticity, and how coaching shaped her interdependent leadership style. The conversation also explores affordable assisted living, workforce development, advocacy and policy engagement, and Gardant’s co-CEO model.

Erin Caswell, COO
Revel Communities

Erin Caswell, Chief Operating Officer of Revel Communities, shares her nontraditional path from real estate and finance into senior living operations and shares leadership lessons about taking risks, learning from mistakes, and staying connected to communities. She also discusses current industry shifts (technology, healthspan, and resident expectations), tools for team alignment, and the realities of balancing executive leadership with motherhood.

Pam Engle, Chief People Officer
New Perspective

Pam Engle, Chief People Officer at New Perspective discusses career growth in senior living. Pam emphasizes building and sustaining relationships as the key driver of opportunity—saying “yes,” leaning into networks, and using adjacent experience to pursue roles even without every qualification. She also shares practical guidance on reframing gaps in interviews, negotiating with confidence, and being intentional about relationship-building in remote work.

Pilar Carvajal, Founder & CEO
Innovation Senior Living 

Pilar Carvajal, Founder & CEO at Innovation Senior Living discusses reimagining senior living for the underserved middle-income market through practical, community-based models that help older adults age in place. Carvajal shared leadership lessons on being resilient through entrepreneurial challenges, and reframing the field around longevity—aligning healthspan with lifespan. She also encouraged attendees to act on what matters to avoid future regrets.

Denise Boudreau 
President of Drive 

The start of a new year often comes with pressure to “do more.” This session offers a different path. Together, we’ll identify your core values and use them as the foundation for setting goals that feel aligned, achievable, and inspiring. You’ll walk away with tools to plan with clarity and lead with intention, so the year ahead supports your energy instead of draining it.

Heather Tussing, President
The Aspenwood Company

Heather Tussing, President of The Aspenwood Company, shares her approach to leadership, emphasizing purpose-driven and servant leadership. She discusses the importance of transparency, confidence, and open communication in building high-performing teams. Heather highlights how she fosters collaboration, values every individual, and drives organizational change through trust and empowerment, all while maintaining a positive and innovative culture.

Robin Rinke, Heart Centered Leadership | Prospect Centered Selling |WIL Advisory Council | Inspirational Speaker | Author

Robin Rinke discusses that you have intuition built into you and how to access it. She provides samples from her life and career on leaning into intuition. She also discusses that intuition has been proven with science and is now a buzz word for CEO’s,

Laura Fischer, President
Integral Senior Living

Laura Fischer, the President of Integral Senior Living (ISL) shares her journey in the senior living industry, which spans over 23 years, starting from an administrative director to her current role as President. She discusses her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of empowering others, maintaining high expectations paired with high support, and staying connected to the company’s purpose. Laura also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the senior living industry, including the importance of workplace culture, the role of technology in improving resident care and workforce support, and the need for continuous innovation.

Jill Kreider, President
Azura Living

Jill Kreider, President of Azura Living. Jill discusses her journey from starting her career in the ski industry as an accountant to finding her passion in healthcare. She shares her experiences in expanding and transforming Azura’s communities, including launching a 108-bed rehab center in Colorado and revitalizing memory care communities in Wisconsin Jill emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in her work, the rewarding nature of senior living, and the significance of surrounding oneself with a supportive and knowledgeable team.

Melissa Evraets RN, MSN, NE-BC, VP of Resident Care, Chief Nursing Officer, Vi

Melissa Evraets, VP of Resident Care, Chief Nursing Officer at Vi shares her journey from starting her career washing dishes to becoming a leader in nursing and healthcare. She discussed her leadership philosophy, which includes leading with curiosity, asking for feedback, and ensuring that care is both patient-focused and business-minded.  She emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the bedside, being curious about staff experiences, and the value of direct communication and support for team members. Melissa also discusses the significance of servant leadership, balancing innovation with stability, and the future of nursing leadership in senior living.

Crystal J. Miller, CEO
Frontida Care

Crystal Miller, CEO at Frontida Care highlights the importance of mentorship in her journey, crediting various individuals who offered guidance and support when she started out. She discusses being available to her team for coaching and development, focusing on those who are eager to grow, the significance of storytelling in maintaining core values, fosters a culture of trust and support, where employees are encouraged to share their thoughts and feedback on changes, and much more.

Mandy Hampton, CEO
The Ridge Senior Living

Mandy Hampton, CEO at The Ridge Senior Living discusses her journey in the senior living industry, her leadership philosophy, and insights on overcoming challenges. Additionally, she highlights the importance of building supportive networks to combat the loneliness that can accompany leadership roles.  

Kristin Ferge, President/CFO and Geri Krupp-Gordon, COO
Capri Communities

Kristen Fergie, President and CFO, and Geri Krupp-Gordon, COO of Capri Communities. Discuss their leadership journeys, pivotal moments, and evolving trends in the senior living industry. The conversation highlighted their collaborative and empathetic leadership styles, the industry’s shift towards larger living spaces and higher acuity residents, and the importance of balancing mission with financial sustainability.  

Robin R. Rinke, Chief Marketing Officer, NorthStar Senior Living

The word SURVIVE means to live, to exist, to remain, or to outlast.

The word THRIVE means to grow vigorously, to gain and to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances – To live fully.

Robin R. Rinke, VP of Sales & Marketing, NorthStar Senior Living

YOU have a gift! Yes, we are talking to YOU! You are inherently gifted, talented, and powerful. It’s time for you to embrace all the wonderful things meant for you, beginning with the recognition of the gift that lies within you. Let’s unveil that gift together and propel you toward your true purpose!

Sarabeth Hanson, President & CEO, Harbor Retirement Associates

Sarabeth Hanson discusses the importance of mentors, and learning from your company administrators & past experiences. No matter what your title or career path is, go the extra mile, make a difference, live your core values, and create exceptional experiences for others.

Robin R. Rinke, VP of Sales & Marketing, NorthStar Senior Living

Words possess the ability to work wonders! Consider how you communicate with yourself daily – is it through words of encouragement or criticism? We possess the magic to influence the power of our words, so let’s be conscious of how our speech impacts others. Just envision the potential if we understood that our self-dialogue could shape our destinies. In this discussion, Robin R. Rinke, VP of Sales and Marketing at Northstar Senior Living, guides us in discovering our inner strength and its potential to lead us to extraordinary destinations!

Alexis Martini, President & COO, Ciel Senior Living

Alexis Martini, President & COO of Ciel Senior Living discusses her 24-year career in senior living and how her unwavering commitment to healthcare is deeply rooted in her early experience as a resident aide and the influence of her grandparents all of which has shaped her relentless drive to champion the well-being of seniors. Alexis provides advice on recruiting talented people, the importance of random acts of kindness, making a difference and more.

Nicole Pretre, MS, CPG, President & Chief Executive Officer / Gerontologist at Cedar Community

Nicole Pretre, with 20 years of healthcare and senior living experience shares her unique career path, from broadcast journalism to pharmaceuticals, before eventually finding her passion in hospice and aging services. Currently serving as the president and CEO of Cedar Community, Nicole’s journey exemplifies perseverance and adaptability in the ever-changing healthcare industry.  In this webinar Nicole emphasizes the importance of unexpected opportunities and how her diverse background across different industries has helped in her current leadership role. She also highlights the significance of relationship development, communication, and strategic thinking as key skills that have been honed throughout her career.

Nikki Kresse, Chief People & Communications Office, Lifespace Communites

Nikki Kresse, Chief People & Communications Officer at Lifespace Communities shares her journey from retail and hospitality to senior living, emphasizing the importance of a customer-centric approach as well as her insights into building a successful culture. Nikki highlighted the significance of continuous learning, problem-solving, and being a proactive advocate for one’s career. She also provided practical tips on resumes, interviews, and career advancement.

Jessica Akaah, COO, Co-Owner, J&M Family Management, LLC

Jessica Akaah, COO, Co-Owner of J&M Family Management, LLC  shares her inspiring journey in senior living, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal passion with professional growth. She highlights the significance of being a hands-on leader, fostering a family culture within the organization, and valuing open communication. Jessica offers valuable insights on work-life integration, mentorship, and overcoming challenges, emphasizing the need for setting boundaries, advocating for oneself, and cultivating strong relationships within the team.

Amy Silva-Magalhaes, Chief Operating Officer, The Bristal Assisted Living

Amy Silva-Magalhaes, of Chief Operating Officer at the region’s leading provider in senior living, The Bristal Assisted Living, shares valuable insights and advice on leadership, personal growth, and achieving a work-life balance. Amy discusses the significance of mentors and feedback in personal and professional growth, stressing the need to ask questions, seek feedback, and stay open to learning. She also touches on the challenges of balancing career, personal life, and passions, encouraging women to advocate for themselves and pursue their career goals with confidence, and staying true to oneself.

Doris-Ellie Sullivan, President, Retirement Unlimited, Inc. 

Doris-Ellie Sullivan, President at Retirement Unlimited, Inc. has served in the senior living industry for almost 30 years following a career as a nurse in the U.S. Armed Forces. In the November 2023 session, Ms. Sullivan discusses how an organization’s systems and discipline define their culture, the importance of your staff representing the community they serve, providing a dignified care setting, and much more.  

Tina Schachter, VP of Talent and Training of Integral Senior Living and Lindsay Surovy, Manager, Talent Acquisition of LCS

Tina Schachter, VP of Talent and Training of Integral Senior Living and Lindsay Surovy, Manager, Talent Acquisition of LCS, give the most up-to-date advice when it comes to landing that perfect job! They weigh in on everything from how resumes are screened to how candidates can make connections that might help them land an actual interview. Although we are focusing specifically on resumes in this first class, we want you to know this will be the first in a series of many virtual classes to help you manage your career.

Traci-Taylor Roberts, President, Soladlis Senior Living

Traci Taylor-Roberts, discusses work life balance, learning from your experience, the good and the bad, surrounding yourself with like-minded people with different strengths, the importance of being approachable, and more.

Lore Brownson JD, BSN, CHC, Chief Clinical and Compliance Officer, New Perspective Senior Living 

Lore Brownson discusses how we all have imposter syndrome to some degree and in order advance you need to see that advancement is possible, you should express your desire to advance, and not be afraid to take on challenges. She also discusses the importance of networking, staying engaged, and the need to be willing to take on additional work that is outside your normal work duties.

Dana Mercaldi, Chief Marketing Officer, Mainstay Senior Living

Dana Mercaldi, Chief Marketing Officer at Mainstay Senior Living discusses the challenges faced in the rise to leadership and how it is important to know your worth. She also discusses the importance of supporting other women in the industry, knowing who to grow, and the challenges of recruitment and retention.

Leigh Ann Barney, President/CEO, Trilogy Health Services

Leigh Ann Barney, President/CEO of Trilogy Health Services discusses how she unintentionally took on a challenging role which led to big change in her career and provides tips on best on how to grow within the industry and into leadership roles. Defining success… does it have to be about the C-Suite?  She also discusses the importance of being your genuine self and balancing work life comes with age and perspective.

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Jayne Sallerson, COO, Charter Senior Living

Jayne Sallerson, COO of Charter Senior Living talks about the significance of a company’s culture, the importance of living and breathing your company’s mission & culture, and the impact employees make when they don’t fit your company’s culture.

Lisa Rogers, President/Chief Clinical Officer, Distinctive Living

Lisa Rogers, President/Chief Clinical Officer of Distinctive Living discusses the importance of building business relationships and taking bold leaps in your career. She also discusses the importance of personalized care to meet the needs of the residents and their families, recognizing and capturing the little successes in the moment, and more.

Danielle Morgan, President & Chief Operating Officer, Clearwater Senior Living

Danielle Morgan, President & Chief Operating Officer of Clearwater Senior Living led the February 2023 session, discussing the key qualities of a successful leader, balancing work and home life, and how to plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job.

Esmerelda Lee, Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President, Century Park Associates

Esmerelda Lee, Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President, Century Park Associates talks about how to be an effective leader and contributing to the growth of others in our January discussion. She also discusses the challenges in the industry in regard to diversity in the workplace, work life balance, mental health, and engaging with the younger population coming into the industry workforce.