Career Blog

We are excited to recognize our dedicated Resident Care Directors! At Northbridge,  our Resident Care Directors are compassionate caregivers and innovative leaders who ensure our residents benefit from the best care. Meet a few of our amazing and dedicated Resident Care Directors!

Avita Director: Shannon Pinkham
Community: Stonebridge at Burlington

1. What first made you interested in working in Senior Living?
   One of my first nursing jobs, almost 20 years ago, was at a nursing home working with  end stage Alzheimer’s residents.  I was only there for 2 years, but that was where I set down some roots in the field, that drew me back many years later.
2. How long have you been working in Senior Living and what was your first job in this field?
   My first job in senior living was when I was 17 and still in high school, I worked as a dishwasher at an assisted living close to my home. I was there very briefly, then I worked as a Home Health Aid with seniors before becoming a nurse.
3. What is your favorite part about working in Senior Living?
   My favorite part about working in senior living is seeing so many impressive, strong and intelligent senior women. It truly makes me smile meeting those who are 95 and defied odds going to college in a time when it was so hard for a woman to do so, who trailblazed in their field and paved the way for people such as myself and my daughter and granddaughters.
4. What is one thing you wish everyone new about being a Resident Care Director?
   One thing I wish everyone new about being a Resident Care Director is that it is a lot like being a parent, the hours are long, but the benefits are so incredible! The smiles on residents faces, and relief on families faces makes it all worth it.
5. What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking of starting a career in Senior Living?
   One piece of advice I would give someone thinking of starting a career in senior living is that it is a great investment in those who have built our past, and made our futures possible.
6. What keeps you invested in the field?
   What keeps me invested in the field is knowing everyday I make a difference, and that those I work with make a difference. Whether it’s helping to make an activity available that a resident is interested in, ensuring someone receives their favorite food item, or holding a residences hand as they are passing on and making sure they are not alone, we make a difference in every aspect of their lives.
7. What is your favorite part about your job?
   My favorite part about my job is seeing the incredible humans I work with, and their incredible hearts work so hard to make the lives of those in our community better, happier, and safer.
8. What is the best part about working at Stonebridge or at Northbridge?
   The best part about working at Stonebridge/Northbridge is the true feeling of support.  The community itself feels like a family, people supporting each other, jumping in to help where help is needed and lending an ear when needed. At Northbridge I have always felt supported by not just my staff, but by those in higher leadership roles, whether its to lend a simple “you got this”, to listen to my concerns and make me feel heard, to answer a call at many different hours with advice ready, or in some cases venting, feeling supported is my favorite part of this company.
9. Can you share one tip about caregiving?
   A tip for caregivers is to “put your own mask on first”. When you get on an airplane, the safety message is to always put your mask on first before you put on your loved ones masks, because if you are not receiving the oxygen, you will not be able to ensure everyone else is. This rings true for caregiving, allow yourself some grace, and take a moment to put YOU first, because if you are burnt out, or run ragged, you will not be able to give all you want to give to those you are caring for. So whatever is oxygen for you, grabbing a latte, reading 5 minutes of your book, doom scrolling for 10 minutes on social media, or stepping outside to catch a little fresh air, make sure you put your mask on first.

Start your story at Northbridge: Click here to view jobs.

View our careers website today to view open positions, what a day working at Northbridge is like, and why our associates love to work here.