Cathy DeRosa joined the team at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua when the community opened in August 2016. Beginning her career as a certified nursing assistant, Cathy has worked with seniors since 1986. She found her true calling—working with memory care residents—12 years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since.
“It’s such a special population,” Cathy said. “I love interacting with the residents and getting to know them and their families. The better you know the residents, the better you become at engaging them. It’s rewarding in that way.”
Under Cathy’s direction, Nashua’s residents participate in programs like art, music, yoga, dance, cooking and storytelling. She also organized a special program at Nashua that schedules staff outside of the life enrichment team to lead one resident program each month, based on their own interests. For example, Nashua’s receptionist, Jeanette, heads an exercise group. Amanda, the Executive Director, formed a book club. And Mark, the Maintenance Director, leads a woodworking activity.
“It ensures that new ideas and activities get implemented,” Cathy said. “Routine and structure are important, but variety is too. It also helps me get to know the residents’ interests and preferences.”
For Cathy, one of the best aspects of her job is working with a team of like-minded people who treat resident well-being as their top priority each and every day.
“I absolutely adore the management team here. They’re wonderful. They all care so deeply about our residents and their personal interests, needs and happiness—it comes through in everything they do. It’s exactly the kind of team I want to be a part of. They all know how important it is to be warm and empathetic, and to come in every day with the intention of making a difference.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Cathy’s favorite quote comes from Cambridge College founder Eileen Moran Brown: “None of us knows what all of us know.”
“We know more collectively than we do individually,” Cathy reinforced. “Working collaboratively results in greater rewards and discoveries.” We’re excited to welcome Cathy into our Bridges by EPOCH family, and we feel lucky to count her as a member of our team at Nashua.