Inside Meadow Ridge: Leadership’s Impact on CCRC Senior Living
Meadow Ridge leadership shapes the heart of our premier senior living community, creating a place where residents feel truly at home. Meadow Ridge’s exceptional services and stunning surroundings are just the beginning—the real difference lies in the people who guide it all. With compassion, integrity and a deep sense of purpose, our leadership team ensures every decision supports a life of connection, comfort and possibility.
Understanding What CCRC Means
One of the first terms you may come across when exploring senior living is CCRC—continuing care retirement community. A CCRC, also known as a life care or life plan community like Meadow Ridge, offers a full range of living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Sub-Acute Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing, all within one campus.
Most residents start with Independent Living, and as they age, if their needs change, they can move to a higher level of care without having to move out of the community. Meadow Ridge, a Type A CCRC offering Lifecare, ensures care for life at a more predictable cost, making the community the ideal choice for those who want comfort, continuity and confidence for the future.
What Sets Meadow Ridge Apart as a Life Care Community
David Reis—the founder and CEO of Senior Care Development—founded Meadow Ridge with a vision to create an exceptional senior living lifestyle rooted in well-being and superior care across the continuum. From that came the “Benchmark Way,” a philosophy encompassing service, care and a personalized experience where our residents are the central focus.
That vision lives on today through a unique collaboration between associates, care teams and leadership. Heart and purpose drive our culture—one team, working together, united by a deep passion for caring for seniors.
A resort-like setting enhances the experience. Outside is a picturesque, wooded hilltop location; inside is a breathtaking environment anchored by a stunning three-story atrium alive with natural beauty—lush greenery and vibrant plants surround a brook that is home to koi fish and turtles. It’s a tranquil retreat that invites residents to relax, gather and connect with nature year-round.
Chris Barstein: A Pillar of Meadow Ridge Leadership
Executive Director Chris Barstein has more than 40 years of experience in hospitality and senior living. For Chris, senior living is not just a job; it’s a calling. “It is the highest calling I can imagine,” he says. “The feeling is difficult to describe, but it is a job with a feeling of altruism.” His leadership exemplifies the dedication and compassion that define Meadow Ridge’s commitment to exceptional care and community.
Chris has a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality from Johnson & Wales University and is a Certified Director of Assisted Living. Chris’s experience as a hotelier and his deep knowledge of the senior living industry help him and his team provide impeccable service and incomparable care.
His focus is on a seamless top-tier living experience for residents. “It’s a maintenance-free lifestyle where everything is taken care of for you,” he says. “You get to spend the time doing the things you want to do as opposed to doing the things you have to do.”
Elevating Care: Paul Brown’s Approach to Healthcare
Paul Brown serves as the administrator of Ridge Crest, our Sub-Acute Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing neighborhood. He also oversees healthcare services across Meadow Ridge, including Assisted Living, Memory Care, social work and emergency medical technicians.
Paul holds an MBA from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition from Sacred Heart University. He is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and is currently working on a doctorate.
He is passionate about delivering more than clinical care. Paul’s mission is to create a dignified, enriching experience for every resident at every stage of their journey. As part of Meadow Ridge leadership, he embraces innovation to enhance compassionate, personalized care and is committed to helping each resident make the most of life at Meadow Ridge.
Relationships at the Heart: Ann Sertl’s Resident-Centered Approach
Ann Sertl is our Sales and Marketing Director with heart. Her mission is to guide future residents through the decision-making process with compassion and clarity. She’s not just selling; she leads our occupancy efforts by building genuine, lasting connections with prospective residents, their families and professional partners—because Meadow Ridge is more than a place to live; it’s a place where connections thrive.
Ann holds a degree in horticulture from the University of Connecticut and joined Meadow Ridge in 2002 after raising her four children. What began as a part-time receptionist role quickly grew into a meaningful career rooted in purpose.
“I have a deep connection to this community,” she says. That shows in everything she does.
Why Leadership Matters When Choosing a CCRC
When choosing a CCRC, it’s natural to consider amenities and care options. But leadership plays a key role in shaping the culture and supporting a thriving community for residents, families and associates alike.
Meadow Ridge leadership plays an active role in nurturing a vibrant, inclusive culture—one where daily life is thoughtfully supported and genuinely welcoming. Our leadership team works hand in hand with dedicated professionals across the community—from our Executive Chef Tom Villa, who ensures residents have choices with taste and health in every bite, to our Fitness Manager Jaime Silverman, who helps residents stay active and energized through customized wellness programs. Director of Resident Life JoAnn Brant plays a vital role in shaping the day-to-day experience, overseeing resident activities and fitness programming that foster connection, engagement and overall well-being. Every department is led with purpose and a shared commitment to excellence.
This spirit of collaboration and care is what defines life at Meadow Ridge. With personalized attention at every stage of the aging journey, our leadership team embodies the values of a true life care community: dignity, connection and lifelong support. Their vision ensures that Meadow Ridge isn’t just where you live; it’s where you thrive.