Meet Melissa Muccioli, Resident Engagement Director at Stafford Hill, whose passion for senior living began when she was still in high school. With a background in Recreation Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Gerontology, Melissa has dedicated her career to building meaningful connections with older adults. She loves that every day brings something different and values the opportunity to get to know each resident, understand their individual interests, and create experiences that help them feel connected and engaged. For Melissa, resident engagement is about much more than activities; it’s about building relationships, creating a sense of belonging, and finding meaningful ways to bring joy and purpose to each day.
Resident Engagement Director Spotlight – Melissa Muccioli
Resident Engagement Director: Melissa Muccioli
Community: Stafford Hill
How long have you been working in senior living and what first made you interested in the field?
I have been working in senior living since I was in high school. From the very beginning, I knew that I loved working with older adults. Being around seniors always felt natural and comfortable to me, and I believe my experiences in senior living gave me the same sense of comfort and connection that my own grandparents provided when I was young. I have always felt at home in senior care communities, and by the time I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to continue my education and career in this field. I attended Aquinas College in Milton, where I studied Recreation Therapy. I then continued my education at UMass Boston, eventually earning my Master’s Degree in Gerontology.
What is your favorite part about working in senior living?
My favorite part about working in senior living is that every day is different. No two days are ever exactly alike, and there are so many different things that can shape what each day brings. Our engagement calendar provides a great foundation for the activities and programs we offer, but because we work with people, there is always an element of the unexpected. One of the things I enjoy most is being able to check in with our residents, spend time with them, and assist them with anything they may need. Sometimes it may be helping with an activity, while other times it may simply be taking a few minutes to sit and talk. I love that there is such a variety to each day and that I never quite know what the day will bring. It keeps my work interesting, meaningful, and rewarding.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about being a Resident Engagement Director?
I wish everyone knew that being an Engagement Director is not just “fun and games.” While the programs and activities we offer are meant to be enjoyable, there is a lot of thought and work that happens behind the scenes to make them successful. A big part of my role is truly understanding each resident’s individual interests, leisure needs, abilities, and preferences. I then try to bring all of those pieces together and find ways to incorporate them into our community. It can feel a little like putting together a puzzle, finding the right activities for the right people while creating opportunities for everyone to feel involved, connected, and successful.
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking of starting a career in Senior Living?
If you are interested in starting a career in senior living, my biggest piece of advice is to pursue it if you truly love working with people. Working with seniors requires a great deal of patience, listening, and understanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Our residents have so much knowledge, wisdom, and life experience to share. Taking the time to listen to their stories and learn from them can be one of the most meaningful parts of working in senior living. If you enjoy connecting with people, building relationships, and making a difference in someone’s day, I would definitely encourage you to consider a career in senior living.
What is the best part about working at Stafford Hill or at Northbridge?
The best part about working at Stafford Hill is that it truly feels like home. From the moment I walked through the doors five years ago for my interview, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Our size allows residents and staff to interact with one another every day and creates a true sense of community. We have the opportunity to know our residents on a personal level, and that makes such a difference in the relationships we build.
What is your favorite program to do with the residents?
My favorite program is Bingo. I grew up watching my mother get ready to go to Bingo at our church when I was young. Years later, the very first program I ran was Bingo. Calling Bingo brings back so many wonderful memories for me and gives me a sense of calm. It is more than just a game, it connects me to my childhood and to special memories with my mother. There is something very special about being able to create those same nostalgic memories with our residents today.
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