Brightview Woodbury Lake has been a staple of assisted living in Woodbury, New Jersey, for over 20 years. Our experienced, compassionate team provides engaging assisted living and memory care in this community, including gourmet meals, daily vibrant events and activities, and beautifully maintained grounds. Meet some of the long-tenured team essential to Brightview Woodbury Lake’s reputation and success as an award-winning senior living community.
Daisy Moore, Resident Assistant
Daisy has been working in the community since 1994 when it was under the ownership of a different senior living company. She started working every other weekend, then every weekend, until Daisy was working full-time. Her strong connection with residents keeps her passionate after all this time; Daisy often calls to check in on residents if she’s off for a few days.
Daisy loves celebrating with her residents and their families. She fondly remembers two 100th birthday parties for her residents, Ms. Mabel and Ms. Sam, and enjoyed seeing their families. The community celebrated Daisy’s service to Brightview Woodbury Lake with a “Daisy Day” a few years ago. “Everyone kept talking about it, but I didn’t realize they were talking about me,” Daisy laughed. “My family was there, and it was a shock.”
At 73-years-young, Daisy remains as committed to her residents and her work as ever. “I’m happy with what I’m doing. I want to keep going as long as I can. As long as I can drive and do my rounds, I’m happy,” she said.
For Daisy, caring for her residents is like caring for her mother or father. She likes bringing joy to the residents’ days, and she often goes a step above to help her residents. Recently, Daisy trimmed and watered a flower for her resident, Ms. Barbara, without being asked. Ms. Barbara was so happy and told everyone in the dining room about Daisy. Those simple reactions make Daisy’s day.
“I am blessed to be here and support my residents, my team, and my peers,” Daisy said. “Things may not go right all the time; you count your blessings and go on with your life.”
Mike Brown, Maintenance Director
Like Daisy, Mike also began working in the community when it was under the ownership of a different senior living company. He’s been with Brightview since 2009 and has worked in the building for almost 29 years. While he’s served as Maintenance Director during his tenure with Brightview, Mike jokes that unofficially he’s served as a Concierge, Dishwasher, Housekeeper, Business Office Director, counselor, magician, first aid responder, and more.
Brightview Woodbury Lake holds a lot of memories for Mike and his family. “One of my favorite memories of working in this community is chasing my then four-year-old daughter through the empty building after the construction workers had gone,” he said. Both of his daughters spent time volunteering and working in the community.
Mike also really enjoys the big holiday and sales events. “I really enjoy the teamwork, hustle and bustle, and camaraderie of setting up and executing the events,” he said.
For Mike, growth in his career hasn’t necessarily been about gaining skills or certification – it’s been about learning from everyone who’s spent time at Brightview Woodbury Lake. “Having the opportunity to meet, learn about, laugh with, and cry with the hundreds and hundreds of residents and their families through my career has certainly helped me grow wiser to the world, more empathetic, and more open-minded,” he said. “I think working with seniors, in particular, has helped me become a more patient person.”
As a dedicated part of the Brightview Woodbury Lake director team, Mike takes Brightview’s culture and approach to team building very seriously. He always looks to hire genuine people with good hearts who care about making a difference.
Carrie Critch, Wellspring Village Resident Assistant
Carrie has been gracing the halls of Brightview Woodbury Lake with a smile for 17 years. Working with residents in the community’s memory care neighborhood, Wellspring Village™, she has two main goals each day – to keep them happy and safe.
Carrie has a special love for working with residents living with dementia. She considers residents to be like her family and emphasizes the importance of respecting them. “You have to take your time with them,” Carrie said. “We have to put ourselves in their place and understand it’s not the person that’s pushing back – it’s the dementia.”
Often commended for her compassion, Carrie is energized to keep making her residents happy. Her residents love singing and dancing, and she is always ready to get up and be silly with them. “I’ll be dancing with one resident and then pair them up with someone else,” Carrie said. “Then they start talking and are dancing and connecting. When I see two residents smiling with each other, I go home happy knowing I accomplished something.”
Carrie’s residents also enjoy holiday celebrations, like special happy hours for St. Patrick’s Day and opening small gifts around the tree on Christmas.
As for any new associate joining the community, Carrie always welcomes them with open arms. “I let them know it’s a good place to work and a good company to work for,” she said.
Thank you to Daisy, Mike, Carrie, and the rest of the team at Brightview Woodbury Lake for your dedication and service.
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Brightview Senior Living builds, owns, and operates award-winning vibrant senior living communities in eight states along the East Coast: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. We offer senior Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Care, and Wellspring Village™, a specialized neighborhood for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Schedule a personal visit to experience our communities firsthand.
