Rob Liebreich, CEO and President of Goodwin Living, discusses why the 60-year-old faith-based not-for-profit organization is a provider of choice, employer of choice, and champion of social good. Learn how Goodwin Livings complimentary Stronger Memory program has positively impacted tens of thousands of lives by improving brain health in three simple steps.

About Rob

Robert “Rob” Liebreich started his service as President and CEO of Goodwin Living in July 2019. He brings energy, compassion and a creative drive, as well as proven leadership in senior living for over 20 years.

Prior to joining Goodwin Living, Rob was the executive director of the Asbury Methodist Village (AMV), a 1400 person not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Maryland. He has also held senior positions in marketing and operations for senior living organizations in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area and the Pacific Northwest.

Rob studied Business Administration and International Business and Marketing at Georgetown University and graduated 1997. He earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Senior Care and Housing from Johns Hopkins University in 2005. Rob is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and his other passions include his family, travel, mentoring and brain health.

Key Takeaways

• Goodwin Living offers complimentary educational and career path opportunities for team members—80 to 100 team members every year work on future educational goals, with Goodwin Living taking on hundreds of thousands of school debt.
• Goodwin Living's diverse team of 1,200 members represents over 65 different countries of origin, with a quarter of the team not holding U.S. citizenship. The Goodwin Living Foundation has supported more than 160 team members to become citizens, pairing them with resident mentors to study for the exam.
• A study from Japan shows that reading aloud, writing by hand, and doing simple math problems quickly on a consistent basis levels cognitive decline and, in many cases, improves brain function. Early interventions hold off the need for care.
• Stronger Memory clears the brain pathways by engaging the brain’s prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which improves the “working memory” and improves the processing of information, based on research from George Mason University.

Jean Hartnett, MHSA, NHA, CDP, YTT, C.N.A., talks about her move from CEO of the largest nursing home in Nebraska to founding Radical Sabbatical, supporting individuals and senior living communities on their paths to healing.

About Jean

Jean Hartnett is a visionary health care leader with more than 30 years of executive experience serving the older adult population. She holds a master’s in health services administration, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Certified Yoga Instructor, and a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Ms. Hartnett is an expert in trauma-informed care and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and founded Radical Sabbatical to help others turn past adversity into self-advocacy. With a deep understanding of the profound effects trauma can have on development and well-being, Jean brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to support individuals and communities on their healing journey.

Key Takeaways

• Trauma informed is an approach that can be applied to resident’s and staff in senior living. Practitioners must view the individual through the lens of why they act a certain way, not simply their behaviors. All behavior has meaning.

• Adverse childhood experiences impact an individual’s entire life, including their older adult years.

• Moving into senior living can lead to trauma resurfacing because the coping mechanisms that have provided emotional support throughout an older adult’s life may be cut off.

• Medicare-eligible older adults spend fifty calendar days in clinical environments that are not hospitals. That includes physician, physical therapy and occupational therapy, and other specialists.

Susan Filice, Life Enrichment Director at Stoneridge Creek Retirement, and Shirley Kaminsky, a resident at Stoneridge Creek, discuss opportunities for enrichment and connection at the progressive senior living community. They also share their work volunteering for Connected Horse—a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with dementia and their care partners through equine-assisted programs.

About Susan

As an accomplished event designer, producer, and healthcare administrator, Susan Filice bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to her professional journey. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and enriching the lives of others, she has dedicated her career to fostering joy, wellness, and community engagement.

During Susan’s tenure as the Director of Medical Staff at a community hospital, she not only effectively managed the department but also spearheaded transformative initiatives. Recognizing the importance of ongoing medical education, she revitalized the Continuing Medical Education (CME) program, introducing innovative approaches and regional symposiums that garnered acclaim from the California Medical Association (CMA).

Transitioning to the role of Director of Life Enrichment at a prestigious senior living community, Susan embraced the opportunity to further impact lives on a broader scale. With close to 800 residents under her care, she orchestrates a dynamic array of activities and events tailored to enhance their quality of life. From cultural outings and educational seminars to engaging social gatherings, she strives to create meaningful experiences that inspire connection and fulfillment.

About Shirley

Shirley Kaminsky, a registered nurse has had a rich and varied nursing career over more than 4 decades made significant contributions to nursing and to people across the nation. She worked in nursing leadership roles in California. She had a clinical biofeedback practice for 12 years, before starting a Holistic Health Center in the East Bay area.

Shirley was appointed to the AFSP National Leadership Council in 2008. She was elected to the National Board in 2014, and chaired the National Loss & Healing Council. She received the 2013 AFSP National Leadership Award for "her tireless efforts to serve survivors of suicide loss and support of AFSP's mission of suicide prevention."

Since her recent move to the Stoneridge Creek Senior Living Community, Shirley has become involved in many activities in the community as well as joining committees that are integral to the success of the community. Being a part of Connected Horse as a volunteer and now Co Chair of the annual fundraising event, has brought her back to her love of horses, nature and being of service to the population she is now a part of as an elder.

Shirley is also a musician, loves the outdoors, is a former water skier, scuba diver, cyclist and of course an equestrian.

Key Takeaways

• Stoneridge Creek has a resident advisory committee that provides feedback and ideas on creating opportunities personalized and meaningful experiences for residents.
• Stoneridge Creek’s 2023 “Healthier Me” program included fitness classes, like Steady, focused on balance and stability, and encouraged residents to engage in creative pursuits like watercolor painting. This year, the theme is "Explore in 2024," encouraging residents to explore new things and learn more about each other.
• Connected Horse gives volunteers the chance to reconnect with horses, put skills to work, stay physically and mentally active, feel valued and have a sense of purpose.
• Susan and Shirley are co-chairs of Connected Horse 2nd annual "Love Lassos with Love", to be held at Five Star Equestrian Center in Pleasanton on September 7th, 2024. Kansas Carradine, an expert equestrian, will be performing and there will be dinner and a silent and live auction and silent auction.