Barbara Thomas Such
Brockton
Summary
Experienced senior living professional with activities programming in long term care, memory care, assisted living, and independent living settings, with a background in special events and fundraising. Committed to achieving excellent outreach and programming to fill each day with meaning and a sense of community and joy.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Activities Director
Grove Manor Estates
09.2023 - 10.2025
- Plan and executed a wide range of engaging activities for residents, including social events, outings, and recreational programs
- Organize special themed events such as holiday parties, cultural celebrations, and guest speaker presentations to enhance resident engagement
- Maintain accurate records of attendance and feedback for each activity to assess effectiveness and make necessary adjustments for future planning
- Coordinate with external vendors and community organizations to bring in entertainment options such as live music performances or art workshops
- Manage the budget for the activities department effectively, optimizing resources while still providing high-quality experiences for residents
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations related to health & safety during activity planning process
- Develop strong relationships with families/caregivers through open communication channels regarding activity updates and resident participation
Director of Activities
Fenno House Assisted Living
09.2018 - 09.2023
- Directed the overall management of an assisted living activities program.
- Creatively developed and implemented engaging events and activities for residents. Scheduled a variety of entertainment programs designed to enhance residents’ daily experiences, physical fitness, and spiritual needs.
- Encouraged participation through individual outreach and fun promotions. Collaborated with the facility administration and outside resources to provide interesting and successful programming.
- Promoted the facility through positive interactions with members of the community, residents’ family members, and potential new residents.
- Strove to provide moments of happiness and a sense of community for each resident throughout the day.
Activities Coordinator for Special/Memory Care Unit
Connemara Senior Living
12.2014 - 09.2018
- Implemented an innovative memory care activity program that was engaging and meaningful for each resident.
- Responsible for designing and leading one-on-one and group activities.
- Demonstrated knowledge about residents in regard to background, participation needs, physical abilities, interests, cognitive capacity and attention span capability.
- Communicated changes in the resident’s condition or behavior pattern to appropriate medical staff.
- Developed a weekly program for the general population of Connemara Senior Living and memory care residents providing residents with timely topics, specially designed printed materials, and hands-on activities.
- Evaluated and revised programs to ensure they met the needs of all residents and maintained communications with each resident’s family members.
Activities Assistant
St. Joseph Manor
03.2014 - 07.2015
- Assisted in the planning, implementation and evaluation of social, intellectual and recreational programs for long-term care residents in accordance with the residents’ assessment and care plans.
- Encouraged resident participation and provided necessary support to help each person enjoy their involvement in the activity.
- Provided feedback to Activities Director concerning residents’ needs and program outcomes.
- Completed required activity documentation and provided excellent service to residents, family members, and others who interacted with the program.
Ophthalmic Assistant
Dedham Ophthalmic Consultants
02.2010 - 10.2010
- Assisted in a five-physician practice. Coordinated front desk activities including management of busy phone system and patient flow.
- Completed patient follow-up per physician direction.
Administrative Assistant
Simmons College
08.2007 - 08.2008
- Initiated contact with medical providers to determine potential internship opportunities for physical therapy doctoral students and managed the logistics for over 100 student clinical placements per year
Director of Alumni Relations
Wentworth Institute of Technology
04.2000 - 05.2007
- Directed alumni relations department in creating special events and educational programs to support the college fundraising efforts and provided leadership to the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
- Developed and nurtured relationships with graduates that resulted in significant financial donations to the college.
- Coordinated large-scale reunion celebrations, fundraising events and professional development programs throughout the country.
- Oversaw department activities, managed annual budget, supervised alumni relations staff members and volunteers to implement quality outreach and programming.
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Wheelock College
01.1992 - 04.2000
- Oversaw signature alumni events for the college. Planned and implemented graduate outreach, a centennial celebration, and continuing education programs.
- Coordinated fourteen class reunions annually.
- Managed the administrative work flow of the Alumni Office.
Education
Certificate - Gerontology
Bridgewater State University
01.2015
Professional Fundraising (Certificate) - undefined
Boston University
Boston, MA01.2006
Communications - undefined
Suffolk University
Boston, MA01.1979
Skills
- Gerontology training & 11 years experience working with seniors
- Activities and program planning skills
- Experience in long-term care, memory care, assisted living, and independent senior living settings
- Experience working with individuals who have dementia and training in Alzheimer’s Disease
- Strong sense of compassion & interest in working with the elderly
- Management, organizational & communication skills
Certification
Driver's License
Additional Information
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Activities Director
Grove Manor Estates
09.2023 - 10.2025
Director of Activities
Fenno House Assisted Living
09.2018 - 09.2023
Activities Coordinator for Special/Memory Care Unit
Connemara Senior Living
12.2014 - 09.2018
Activities Assistant
St. Joseph Manor
03.2014 - 07.2015
Ophthalmic Assistant
Dedham Ophthalmic Consultants
02.2010 - 10.2010
Administrative Assistant
Simmons College
08.2007 - 08.2008
Director of Alumni Relations
Wentworth Institute of Technology
04.2000 - 05.2007
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Wheelock College
01.1992 - 04.2000
Certificate - Gerontology
Bridgewater State University
Professional Fundraising (Certificate) - undefined
Boston University
Communications - undefined
Suffolk University