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.