Meet Amber Corr, Resident Engagement Director at Skybrooke at Simsbury, who has been working in senior living for about three years. Before entering the field, Amber spent 11 years performing as a violinist and fiddle player with Kenny Rogers, where she developed a special connection with this generation and their stories, humor, and wisdom. Her favorite part of her role is getting to know residents and creating meaningful experiences inspired by their interests and passions. Amber believes resident engagement is about much more than planning programs; it’s about building connections, sharing joy, and encouraging residents to try something new. One of her favorite programs is The Ukes of Hazard, a ukulele group that reminds everyone that you’re never too old to learn, laugh, and discover a new passion.
Resident Engagement Director Spotlight – Amber Corr
Resident Engagement Director: Amber Corr
Community: Skybrooke at SImsbury
How long have you been working in senior living and what first made you interested in the field?
I’ve been working in senior living for about three years, but my connection to this generation goes back much further. I spent 11 years performing as a violinist and fiddle player with Kenny Rogers, and I’ve always loved the warmth, humor, wisdom, and stories that come with this generation. When I discovered senior living, it felt like a wonderful opportunity to continue those connections in a whole new way.
What is your favorite part about working in senior living?
I love walking in each morning and seeing everyone at breakfast. It reminds me of growing up when people would gather around the kitchen table to catch up, laugh, and share what was happening in their lives. I also love the moments of where we help a family create a special birthday surprise, take residents out to enjoy a great meal, or help someone experience something new. Being able to add a little joy to someone’s day is incredibly rewarding.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about being a Resident Engagement Director?
It’s so much more than planning programs. We get to know our residents, their interests, passions, histories, and what makes them happy and use that to create programs and experiences that are meaningful to them. We also get to share the things we love with them. That exchange creates an open, welcoming community where everyone has something to contribute.
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking of starting a career in Senior Living?
Be yourself and bring your interests with you. Some of the best connections happen when you share something you genuinely love with a resident. Be willing to listen, try new ideas, and let the residents shape what you do.
What is the best part about working at Skybrooke or at Northbridge?
It’s being part of such a genuine, caring, and treasured community. Our residents, families, and associates may all have different roles, but we share the same goal: How can we help make our residents’ lives better each day? We laugh together, celebrate together, and support one another along the way. Hearing an associate call Skybrooke their “happy place” is one of the greatest compliments to us all.
What is your favorite program to do with the residents?
Right now, it’s definitely The Ukes of Hazard! I started the group with four male residents who weren’t sure they could learn an instrument and were hesitant at first. They stuck with it, and now we’re preparing for our debut performance!
Learning an instrument at any age can support memory, coordination, focus, listening, and confidence. But the best part is what happens along the way, encourage each other, make plenty of mistakes, laugh a lot and laugh a lot at each other. It’s a reminder that you’re never too old to try something new.