Generations Senior Living Communities are poised to embrace the future, with new team members and a fresh outlook

By Patricia Nugent

Generations Senior Living communities are thrilled to announce the addition of several seasoned veterans to its leadership team—a trio of ladies who bring experience and enthusiasm to their new job roles.

Maureen Rizzo, LISW-S, LNHA, is the new executive director, and Kristen Kessler LNHA, CDP, the new community relations director at Generations Senior Living in Strongsville. Amanda Champa, CDP, will be transitioning to the full-time community relations director at the Berea location working in partnership with executive director Jodi Collins.

“Maureen has the passion, talent and experience to help us redefine senior living and ensure our residents enjoy an active lifestyle and excellent quality of life,” says Phil Coury, vice president for Generations Healthcare Management. “We know she will exceed all expectations and provide services with dignity and respect. Kristen and Amanda bring a joyful and knowledgeable resource to our profession. They both have steadfast convictions, contagious spirits and can-do attitudes that provide family members with peace of mind.”

Get to Know Maureen, Kristen and Amanda
Maureen began her career as a social worker and soon found her calling in geriatrics, advocating and supporting healthy aging within all realms of health care. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience, in hospitals, private practice, hospice and nursing communities.

She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron in 1998, and her master’s degree in social work with honors from Cleveland State University in 2007.

Maureen lives with her family in Strongsville and is active in many community and school programs. She enjoys traveling with her family, being in her garden and hanging out with her two chihuahuas, Roxy and Kate.

Kristen brings more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience in senior living. Her expertise ranges from home care and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing communities.

“I am passionate about caring for seniors and helping families navigate the healthcare system,” she says.

Kristen enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Amanda puts her heart into providing residents and their families with the guidance and information they need to help support them as they move to their new home.

“It is an honor to see a new resident become a cherished loved one to staff and other residents,” says Amanda.

Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and their boys, especially as a volunteer for various sports activities.

What Makes a Home Sweet Home?
Since last week was National Assisted Living Week, Maureen says the initiative made her think about assisted living communities’ multi-faceted role in the community.

“I hope people can get over the misconception that moving into a senior care community means it’s ‘the end,’” she says. “We provide an opportunity that’s more about gaining and thriving than losing. People can say goodbye to all the responsibilities of maintaining their homes and get the most out of life. The level of care is personal. We’re all like family.”

The 94 spacious apartments in the Berea location and 76 in the Strongsville location boast kitchens with full-sized appliances, making it easy for residents to create their own meals. When they feel like a scrumptious homemade meal cooked by someone else, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room.

There is a host of daily and weekly activities, including continuing education, such as art classes, as well as day trips to places like the casino and Amish Country.

Generations Senior Living communities are located at 18960 Falling Water Road in Strongsville, and 4 Berea Commons, in downtown Berea. Respite care is also available. For more information or to visit the communities and enjoy lunch, at Strongsville, call Kristen at 440-238-3600, in Berea, call Amanda at 440-243-9050. Visit GenerationsHCM.com or check out their Facebook page for more information.