Meet Kelly Gould, Avita Memory Care Program Director at Avita of Newburyport, whose passion for connection, creativity, and compassionate care has guided her throughout nearly eight years in senior living. What began as a step toward a healthcare career quickly became a true calling, as Kelly discovered the joy and fulfillment that comes from building meaningful relationships with residents, families, and fellow associates. She finds the greatest reward in creating thoughtful programs and everyday moments that bring comfort, laughter, and connection to residents living with memory loss. Guided by empathy, teamwork, and a people-first approach, Kelly is passionate about fostering a warm and supportive environment where residents feel engaged, families feel supported, and every individual is valued for who they are.
Avita Memory Care Program Director Spotlight – Kelly Gould
Avita Program Director: Kelly Gould
Community: Avita of Newburyport
How long have you been working in Senior Living and what first made you interested in the field?
I fell into senior living without realizing it was the place I was meant to be. I had quit a job at a university to start completing prerequisites for nursing school because I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. While searching for a part time position in the field, activities seemed like the perfect fit to get my foot in the door since I originally started college as a Business Management and Hospitality major. A CNA friend introduced me to Avita of Newburyport, and almost 8 years later (non-consecutively) I’m still here. Once I started working in the field, I completely fell in love with almost everything about senior living. The connections and bonds made with associates and residents, the stories, laughter, and even the challenges make the work incredibly rewarding. Eight years in and I have still have not warmed up to bingo… but somehow it remains one of our most popular activities every single week!
What is your favorite part about working in Senior Living?
Choosing just one favorite thing is nearly impossible. There are so many meaningful moments that make this work special. I love singing “My Favorite Things” among other songs every Friday with our volunteer choral group, and honestly, hugs are my favorite form of payment. Handshakes are always welcomed when someone is not in favor of a hug. I also truly value working alongside a team that embraces each person’s individual talents and passions. That sense of teamwork and creativity is what makes working at Avita of Newburyport so worthwhile.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about being an Avita Program Director?
There is far more work happening behind the scenes than most people realize. I truly love my residents and I love my job, and I know that the effort put into every detail shines through in our programs. Every activity and program is designed with intention. Sometimes the smallest moments, a conversation, a song, a shared laugh, or simply sitting beside someone can make an enormous impact on a resident living with memory loss or even on associates experiencing the same moment through their own eyes. Those moments matter more than people often realize.
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking of starting a career in Senior Living?
If you are considering a career in senior living, bring patience, empathy, and a warm heart with you every day. Those qualities will help you thrive in this field as their are no two days that compare. The work can be emotional, challenging, and unpredictable at times, but it is also deeply meaningful and rewarding.
What is the best part about working at Avita of Newburyport or at Northbridge?
One of the best parts about working at Avita of Newburyport is being surrounded by a team that genuinely cares about making each day special for our residents. I’ve been with the company for several years, but only about one year in a management role. Moving into leadership has been eye-opening because I now see so much of the behind-the-scenes work that I never noticed before when management handled it all. It has given me an even greater appreciation for the dedication and teamwork that goes into creating a positive environment for both residents and associates. We are fortunate to have a very supportive management team, led by an incredible Executive Director, Matt Carson, whose leadership helps guide and support all of us.
What is one thing you would tell families moving their loved one into memory care to make the transition easier?
Change is difficult, there’s no denying that, but change is also an inevitable part of life. Communication is truly the key to making a transition into memory care as successful and smooth as possible. I always encourage families to remain open-minded and willing to listen to suggestions from our team during this process. The truth is, every member of our management team at Avita of Newburyport has been with the community for more than five years, and that experience gives us valuable insight into helping residents and families adjust. I hope families will lean on our knowledge, guidance, and support throughout the transition not just for their loved one, but for themselves as well. We also offer support groups that help connect families with others who are going through similar experiences, because having a support system can make such a difference.
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