Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Laurie M. SPICUZZA

Summary

Strategic leader in memory support and resident engagement, recognized for developing comprehensive training programs that improve service delivery and resident satisfaction. Successfully implemented organizational standards that differentiate community offerings, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive living experience.

Overview

1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Director of Resident Experience & Memory Support Training

Elegance Living
10.2018 - Current
  • Train and oversee Resident Experience and Memory Support Directors working with Community Staff to perform thorough resident engagement and memory assessments on all new residents upon admission to the community.
  • Developed company-wide Engagement Guide for Engagement and Memory Support Directors, providing comprehensive curriculum for Elegance’s Signature Programs, Monthly Marquee Events, and weekly and daily programs.
  • Set the standards for Resident Experience and Memory Support resident programs to ensure that programming platforms are not only effective and current but differentiate Elegance Living from our competition within the industry.
  • Oversaw community resident engagement directors and memory support directors, coordinating resident engagement and memory care services across multiple states in Elegance Living’s communities.
  • Selected and trained Resident Engagement and Memory Support Directors to ensure effective team performance.
  • Design, plan, and implement standards, policies, and programs that positively impact the delivery of service to our residents.
  • Serve as Support Center resource for all Resident Experience and Memory Support related initiatives.
  • Create and deliver ongoing training to community staff related to standards, policies, and programs and once implemented are executed effectively and consistently.
  • Work closely with COO, Senior Leadership Team, Regional Vice Presidents, community Executive Directors, and Creative Marketing.
  • Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in senior living communities.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs for staff, improving service quality and resident satisfaction.
  • Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, driving process enhancements across departments.
  • Mentored leadership team, promoting professional development and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence within the organization.

Director of Operations and Memory Care & Senior Living Consultant

Right at Home, In Home Care & Assistance
03.2017 - 03.2018
  • Provided expert consultation and guidance to family members and clients on memory care options and senior living choices.
  • Delivered comprehensive advice and resources to families, focusing on maximizing quality of life and effective memory care solutions.
  • Developed and implemented dementia training programs for certified nursing staff and new employees.
  • Created and delivered comprehensive training initiatives aimed at improving caregiver skills and ensuring client satisfaction.
  • Directed and facilitated daily company functions, optimizing workflow and team collaboration.
  • Increased company visibility through targeted outreach and social media strategies, engaging potential clients.
  • Oversaw billing operations for clients and long-term care insurance to maintain timely payment processes.
  • Coordinated inside sales, billing, client inquiries, authorizations from long-term insurance companies, client intakes, and nurse coordination to streamline operations.

Director of Memory Care and Community Engagement

The Seasons Assisted Living
07.2016 - 04.2017
  • Ensured optimal well-being of memory care residents through diligent management and service oversight.
  • Coordinated with associates to deliver comprehensive services that maintained resident vitality and enhanced daily living experiences.
  • Coordinated interactions between residents, families, and nursing staff to ensure comprehensive care and support.
  • Organized and led family and care plan meetings to align care strategies with resident and family needs.
  • Directed execution of daily community programs to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment.
  • Oversaw budget management for memory care neighborhood and activity department.
  • Solely responsible for the Dementia training of new hires and continuing education for all associates
  • Led operational strategies to enhance resident care and service delivery.
  • Created and facilitated staff training sessions focused on improving overall team performance and operational efficiency.
  • Designed monthly programs calendar and community newsletter to inform and engage community members.

Memory Care Program Coordinator Cluster Leader/Cultural Ambassador

Benchmark Senior Living Greenwich Farms at Warwick
05.2011 - 07.2016
  • Developed and implemented tailored programs to promote cognitive engagement and social interaction among residents in assisted living memory care.
  • Created and managed monthly calendars of daily activities and tailored one-on-one interactions to align with resident preferences.
  • Led a regional team of memory care program coordinators to enhance program effectiveness.
  • Facilitated regional training programs for program coordinators.
  • Developed comprehensive training initiatives to promote best practices in resident support and care among staff, improving overall service delivery.
  • Facilitated in-service training for staff to promote professional development and operational efficiency.
  • Facilitated monthly support group meetings for Alzheimer's caregivers, fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Engaged in family meetings and service care plan sessions, focusing on comprehensive care strategies.
  • Evaluated and adjusted resident care plans, prioritizing individual needs and preferences for optimal outcomes.
  • Contributed to resident progress tracking meetings by providing updates and insights on individual resident performance.
  • Oversaw management of activity budget to ensure financial efficiency.
  • Orchestrated scheduling of vendors and volunteers to ensure seamless event execution.
  • Collaborated with marketing and sales teams to align strategies, enhancing outreach and community engagement.
  • Spearheaded design and implementation of cultural calendar for associate events.
  • Developed and implemented scheduling strategies for activities and events to strengthen community ties among residents.
  • Evaluated candidates through structured interviews to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
  • COMPASS Dementia Training Instructor

Activity Assistant

Hebert Health Center
09.2009 - 05.2011
  • Crafted resident care plans to enhance overall well-being and support health outcomes.
  • Supported director in executing daily tasks, including care plan coordination, quarterly reviews, admission documentation, and calendar management, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring seamless daily activities.
  • Reviewed and recorded resident progress on a quarterly basis, maintaining comprehensive documentation for interdisciplinary team use.
  • Acted as a liaison to enhance relationships between residents, families, and the director, ensuring effective support.
  • Coordinated monthly calendar scheduling and compiled newsletters, ensuring organized activities and effective daily planning.
  • Compiled admission notes for residents, facilitating effective care coordination and ensuring comprehensive documentation for the interdisciplinary team.

Skills

  • Dementia mentorship
  • Resident-Centric Service
  • Policy development
  • Policy execution
  • Team management
  • Team development
  • Organizational growth
  • Culture transformation
  • Collaborative leadership
  • Leadership training
  • Staff development
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • CPR Certified/First Aid Certified
  • Software proficiency
  • Internet applications knowledge
  • Administrative management

Certification

  • National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
  • National CARES Dementia Specialist (CDS)
  • National Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP)
  • National Association of Activity Professionals Board Certified (AP-BC)
  • National Certification Council of Activity Professionals (ADC)
  • National Dementia Sales Advisor – NIDE Certified (DSA-NE)
  • Alzheimer’s Association Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Course Certified Trainer
  • Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Facilitator Certified

Timeline

Senior Director of Resident Experience & Memory Support Training

Elegance Living
10.2018 - Current

Director of Operations and Memory Care & Senior Living Consultant

Right at Home, In Home Care & Assistance
03.2017 - 03.2018

Director of Memory Care and Community Engagement

The Seasons Assisted Living
07.2016 - 04.2017

Memory Care Program Coordinator Cluster Leader/Cultural Ambassador

Benchmark Senior Living Greenwich Farms at Warwick
05.2011 - 07.2016

Activity Assistant

Hebert Health Center
09.2009 - 05.2011
Laurie M. SPICUZZA