As we begin a new year, it's a natural time to pause and reflect on moments that shaped the year behind us and the values that will guide us forward. At The Bristal communities, our driving values -- gratitude, community, and compassion, to name a few -- are reflected every day in the people who bring our mission to life.
In December, we gathered at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, NY for our annual corporate celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the individuals whose dedication and care define our communities and exemplify our culture. This year's celebration was especially meaningful as we marked The Bristal's 25th anniversary, a milestone made possible by the passion, professionalism, and heart of our team members.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we are proud to share highlights from the evening and recognize the exceptional individuals who received our 2025 awards, people who continue to set the standard for senior living and shape what's possible for our future.
The Navigator Award
This award recognizes a leader who excels in our core pillars, honoring someone who fosters a vibrant community where both residents and team members feel valued, empowered, and supported.
Honoree: Laurie Lofgren, General Manager, The Bristal at York Avenue
As Shawn Philip, Vice President of Government Affairs, noted during the presentation, this award is about the unique blend of vision and dedication required to lead effectively.
"[Laurie] has shown the ability to adapt and navigate unique challenges, all while consistently succeeding in providing high-quality care to the residents and families in our care. Her leadership delivers measurable success while inspiring others to strive for excellence."
The Captain Award
The Captain Award celebrates an exception leader who embodies the essence of mentorship. It is presented to an individual who serves as a constant source of guidance and strength, uplifting those around them while driving success for their community.
Honoree: Rocco Bertini, Executive Director, The Bristal at Bethpage
Eileen Ranier, Chief Financial Officer, presented the award, highlighting Rocco's poise and integrity.
"Through steadfast dedication, incredible expertise and heartfelt support, he consistently uplifts those around them while driving success. His ability to lead by example, tackle challenges with poise, and inspire others is a testament to their remarkable leadership."
The Horizon Award
Sometimes an individual makes a profound impact over a relatively short period of time. The Horizon Award honors this immediate influence, recognizing a leader whose focus, drive, and ambition have quickly set them apart.
Honoree: Colette Peteet, Executive Director, The Bristal at Waldwick
Jenn Tauber, Vice President of Risk Management, described Colette's rapid rise to excellence:
"By quickly reaching new milestones and inspiring those around her, [Colette] showcases the power of hard work and ambition. The Horizon award highlights the exceptional achievements possible through dedication, care, and determination."
The We See You Here Award
This honor is given to an individual who makes a meaningful impact through dedication, innovation, and positive influence. It recognizes the power of connection -- knowing every resident and family member by name and showing genuine care for their well-being.
Honoree: Joe Rauer, General Manager, Encore Luxury Living, sister community to The Bristal at Jericho
Maureen Scalese, Vice President of Resident Services, emphasized the culture of inclusion that Joe has built:
"[Joe] builds strong connections by knowing every team member, resident, and family member by name and showing genuine care for their well-being. Their commitment to going above and beyond creates a culture of inclusion, respect, and unity that leaves a lasting impression."
The Keep Shining Award - Community
The Keep Shining Award honors a team member who consistently goes above and beyond in our communities. It recognizes passion, energy, and a selflessness that puts people first, bringing positivity and strength to everyone they encounter.
Honoree: Karen Caroppoli, Senior Executive Director, The Bristal at Mount Sinai
Jillian Lorenzo, Vice President of Marketing, presented the award with these words:
"A true leader, [Karen] inspires others through her commitment and selflessness, always putting people first. Their contributions bring positivity and strength to our community, and we are deeply grateful for the care and pride they bring to every moment."
The Keep Shining Award - Home Office
Our communities rely on the support of our home office team, those who work hard behind the scenes to ensure the organization runs smoothly. This award recognizes a home office team member who represents our core values through a strong work ethic and positive impact.
Honoree: Jackie Slattery, Accounts Payable Specialist
James Rapczyk, Director of Professional Development, highlighted Jackie's integral role:
"Jackie brings dedication and positivity to every task, no matter the size, and her contributions often go beyond the scope of her role. She's an integral part of our team, fostering connection and support in ways that are deeply appreciated if not always seen."
The Mountain Mover Award
This recognition celebrates exceptional achievement in Occupancy. It honors the team that has exceeded expectations, set new performance benchmarks, and redefined success through collaborative efforts.
Honoree: The Bristal at Englewood Team
Mark Paretti, Vice President of Resident Experience, praised the team's collective potential:
"By pushing boundaries and demonstrating what's possible through dedicated teamwork, [our team members at Englewood] have not just met goals, but redefined what success looks like in our organization. Tonight, we celebrate a team that represents the very best of our collective potential."
The Spark Hope Award
The Spark Foundation is our organization's lifeline of compassion, providing financial assistance to team members during challenging times. The Spark Hope Award celebrates the community that has gone above and beyond in fundraising efforts to support their colleagues.
Honoree: The Bristal at Sayville Team
Lara Serro, Culture Crew Founder and Corporate Support, presented this award for the second year in a row to the team members at Sayville, noting:
"Through their creativity and commitment, this community has raised an extraordinary amount to support their fellow team members in need. Their work embodies the true spirit of our organization, proving that when we come together, we can make a meaningful difference in each other's lives."
Community Team Members of the Year
In addition to the individual awards presented during the evening, we also took a moment to honor one exceptional team member from each of our communities. These individuals represent the heart and soul of The Bristal communities, embodying the dedication, compassion, and collaboration that define our mission.
As Rich Youngberg, Vice President of Operations, shared during the presentation:
"Each Team Member of the Year has been selected from among the dozens of dedicated individuals who walk our halls and serve our residents every single day. These individuals represent the very best of who we are -- they are the dedicated, compassionate, and collaborative professionals who bring our mission to life."
We are proud to recognize the following Community Team Members of the Year:
- The Bristal at Armonk: Mark Pantoja
- The Bristal at Bethpage: Morgan Werner
- The Bristal at East Meadow: Tammy Afanasewicz
- The Bristal at East Northport: Barbara Klaratich
- The Bristal at Englewood: Lucy Camargo
- The Bristal at Garden City: Pamela Arnett
- The Bristal at Holtsville: Taylor Isaacson
- The Bristal at Jericho: Jennifer Kelleher
- The Bristal at Lake Grove: Schilo Colastin
- The Bristal at Lake Success: Sophia Hylton
- The Bristal at Lynbrook: Sergio Reyes
- The Bristal at Massapequa: Mary Boccasini
- The Bristal at Mount Sinai: Stefan Marchello
- The Bristal at North Hills: John Hernandez
- The Bristal at North Woodmere: Candace Powell
- The Bristal at Sayville: Dawn Motl
- The Bristal at Somerset: Evelyn Hope
- The Bristal at Waldwick: Lisa Gilmore
- The Bristal at Wayne: Eva Koc
- The Bristal at West Babylon: Dameon Walters
- The Bristal at Westbury: Michelle Nono
- The Bristal at White Plains: Melvena Rhooms
- The Bristal at Woodcliff Lake: Josephine Florendo
- The Bristal at York Avenue: Peter Agostinello
- Encore Luxury Living (sister community to The Bristal): Roni Bohlen
- 305 West End (sister community to The Bristal): Jorge Cardenas Altamirano
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these incredible individuals for their hard work and the positive impact they make on our residents, their families, and their fellow team members. Their contributions are a testament to the values that make The Bristal a truly special place.
2025 Team Member of the Year
This year, we introduced a prestigious new honor: The Team Member of the Year Award. This accolade accompanied by a notable reward, was created to recognize one extraordinary individual whose heart and service have made a profound impact on their community.
The award was presented by Samantha Krieger Fischgrund, Vice President of Strategy, and Kristen Celender, Vice President of Human Resources, to Melvena Rhooms from The Bristal at White Plains.
The presentation was a moving tribute to Melvena's longtime tenure as a pillar of her community. Melvena supports her fellow team members without hesitation, steps up to fill leadership roles as needed, and ensures every resident truly feels at home. She takes tremendous pride in every detail, often adding thoughtful, special touches when welcoming new residents to their apartments for the first time.
Her presence brings warmth, steadiness, and heart to everyone she encounters. Perhaps the most touching testament to her character and dedication came from a letter from her own child, shared at the ceremony, which read in part:
"For my mother, this isn't just a job... it's her calling. She brings our residents into conversations at home as if they were family. She turns houses into homes and friends into family. She notices every detail, sees when someone isn't quite themselves, and does anything she can do to brighten their day."
Melvena's kindness, instinctive compassion, and deep commitment to our values are exactly the qualities that help make The Bristal community a home to so many. We are incredibly proud to name her our 2025 Team Member of the Year.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we reflect on this remarkable milestone -- our 25th anniversary year -- we're reminded of the core pillars which have guided us from the beginning, Integrity, Enthusiasm, Respect, Collaboration, Responsibility, and Excellence, in service of our steadfast commitment to creating vibrant, compassionate communities. Achieving record-high occupancy and celebrating the extraordinary talents with our team are more than just numbers or accolades; they're a testament to the authenticity, connections, and spirit that define The Bristal communities.
Looking ahead, we are inspired by opportunities to expand, innovate, and serve more families. Our promise remains unchanged: to provide exceptional care, foster genuine relationships, and help every resident truly feel at home.
To all who make up The Bristal family -- residents, team members, prospective residents and team members, families, friends, and our community partners -- thank you for being part of our story. Together, we will continue to create a future filled with possibility, warmth, and excellence.
#WeSeeYou2026
