ALF BOSS Podcast

In this episode of the  ALF Boss Podcast , I sit down with  Doug Adkins , Owner and CEO of  DaySpring Village  and  DaySpring Senior Living  — one of Florida's most respected leaders in the assisted living industry. Doug has been operating facilities since  1987 , serving thousands of residents across Florida through both  limited mental health  and  senior living communities . His perspective is...

This week on the  ALF Boss Podcast , I talk with  Kenneshia Martin , Owner & Administrator of  Trinity Gardens Assisted Living  in Riverview, FL.    After 15 years in physical therapy and rehab leadership, Kenneshia decided to open her own ALF — and she shares every step of the journey:  From buying the property to passing AHCA inspection  What to expect from zoning, fire marshal, and health inspe...

This week on the  ALF Boss Podcast , I talk with  Elizabeth Valadez  from  Living Well Menus , carrying on the 30-year legacy started by her mother,  Ana Alvarez —a true legend in ALF dietary services.    We dive into:  The  right  way to handle menus, portion sizes, and documentation  Proper puree preparation that keeps you compliant  How to avoid common AHCA dietary citations  Simple tools every...

This week on the ALF Boss Podcast , I talk with  Melissa Asaftei , Owner & Operator of  Citrus Garden Assisted Living  in Winter Springs.  From buying her first facility at 25 to running it for nearly two decades, Melissa shares what it really takes to succeed in residential care—long nights, big heart, and a clear  why .    Topics include:  Expanding small ALFs the right way  Building relationshi...

This week on the  ALF Boss Podcast , I sit down with  Janette Radle , Regional Wellness Director at  AgeWell | Solvere Living .      She oversees  nine assisted living communities  across Florida and shares her insights on:  Strengthening medication management  Supporting care teams through mentorship, not micromanagement Balancing leadership with compassion and accountability

On this episode of the  ALF Boss Podcast , I sit down with  Deby Okum , Director of Community Relations at  Diamond Edgewater Assisted Living & Memory Care  in Edgewater, Florida. Deby's story is both personal and powerful. After caring for her father and struggling to find the right resources, she made a promise—to become an advocate and a resource for seniors and their families. Today, she's one...

In this episode of the  ALF Boss Podcast , I sit down with  Shereve Smith , owner and operator of  Northwood Manor Assisted Living  in Wesley Chapel, FL. Shereve has been in the industry since 2009, transitioning from a career as a respiratory therapist to running her own six-bed boutique assisted living community. With both a  standard and limited mental health license , she brings a wealth of ex...

On this episode of the  ALF Operations Podcast , I sit down with  Ashley Braden , Director of Sales and Marketing at  The Blake at Hamlin . Ashley's path into assisted living wasn't traditional—coming from emergency medical services, she quickly discovered a passion for senior living and has since become a standout marketer known for her creativity, energy, and ability to connect with families. We...

On this episode of the  ALF Boss Podcast , I sit down with  Pavi Ruether , Executive Director at  Banyan Place Assisted Living  in Boca Raton, FL. Pavi's journey is both unique and inspiring—starting as a physical therapy assistant, becoming a licensed clinical social worker, and eventually stepping into leadership as an Executive Director. We talk about: Her transition into assisted living leader...

In this episode of the  ALF Boss Podcast , I sit down with  Michael Almeida , Executive Director of  Brookdale Phillippi Creek  in Sarasota, FL. Michael's journey into assisted living is nothing short of inspiring—he began as a maintenance director and, through hard work, perseverance, and a passion for serving seniors, worked his way up to executive leadership. As a Navy veteran and former corpsm...

 Podcast Description In this episode of the  ALF Operations Podcast , presented by ALF Boss, we sit down with  Kimberly Apperson, Executive Director of The Residence Memory Care in Pensacola, Florida . Kimberly shares her journey from pediatrics and skilled nursing into the world of assisted living leadership, where she now runs a thriving 32-bed memory care community with an  Extended Congregate...

In this episode of the  ALF Boss Operations Podcast , Pascal sits down with  Lisa Charbonneau , owner and operator of  Assisted Living of Spring Hill . With nearly 40 years in the senior care industry, Lisa shares her inspiring journey from CNA in Rhode Island to running her own six-bed assisted living facility in Florida.   She opens up about the challenges of opening during COVID, the realities...

In this special episode, Pascal sits down with three dynamic leaders in senior living:  Dana Jarrett ,  Talia Sfarr , and first-time guest  Amber Silverthorn . Amber shares her journey from receptionist to RN to executive director, offering insights into her career in healthcare and assisted living. Together, the ladies introduce their exciting new initiative — the  Executive Director Roundtable  ...

In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, Pascal sits down with  Rose Traub , owner of  Assisted Senior Services , a trusted placement agency helping families find the right senior living solution across Central Florida and beyond.   With over 14 years of experience, Rose has made it her mission to guide families through the often overwhelming process of selecting the right community — whether it's...

Insurance might not be the sexiest topic—but lawsuits definitely get your attention.   In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, Pascal sits down with longtime friend and industry expert  Shelagh Grubb  of  Plastridge Insurance  to talk about the real risks assisted living facilities face—and what you can actually do to protect yourself. Shelagh breaks down: The most common lawsuits in ALFs (and ho...

In this powerful episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, Pascal Bergeron sits down with one of Florida's most respected assisted living leaders —  Monique Spruill , Vice President of Operations at SenCare Management and Chair of the Florida Assisted Living Association.   Monique opens up about how she went from being seven months pregnant and jobless to becoming an executive director — and eventually ove...

In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, Pascal sits down with the vibrant and inspiring  Talia Sfarr , Executive Director of  Market Street Viera , a fully memory care assisted living community in Melbourne, Florida. Talia shares her unique path from Boston's corporate world and senior fitness programs to becoming a passionate leader in assisted living.   You'll hear: How Talia transitioned from...

In this week's episode of the  ALF Boss Podcast , Pascal sits down with longtime friend and fellow ALF operator,  Lonnie Steckler , owner and administrator of  The Pointe of North Gables  in Miami. From growing up in a Canadian family-run ALF to becoming a skilled nursing administrator, and eventually leading one of Miami's premier assisted living communities—Lonnie shares the lessons, setbacks, a...

In this lively episode, Pascal sits down with  Jennifer Cavaliere , administrator of Elevated Estates at Forest Oaks in Spring Hill, Florida. What starts with a laugh-filled intro turns into a heartfelt, real-world conversation about leadership, sales, resident care, and—yes—impromptu dance parties in the lobby. Jennifer shares how her journey began with personal ties to Forest Oaks, from her gran...

In this episode of the ALF Operations Podcast, we're joined by the powerhouse behind Brookshire Assisted Living in Melbourne, FL – Executive Director  Dana Jarrett . From her humble beginnings as a CNA at 17 to now leading a 135-bed community with memory care, Dana shares her inspiring journey through the world of assisted living. We dig into her roots growing up on a farm, the emotional turning p...

Welcome to the ALFBO Podcast, where we dive into real conversations with real people in the assisted living world. This week, I'm joined by the amazing  Lynette Kramer  from  Casalia Gardens Assisted Living Facility —a six-bed, all-female memory care home that's about to expand to ten beds and beyond! Lynette's journey is the  ultimate inspiration —from caregiver to assistant administrator to lice...

Welcome to the  ALF Boss Podcast!  This week, I'm joined by a special guest,  Danielle Ruffner, Chief Wellness Director at Elevated Estates Properties . Danielle oversees the wellness directors and clinical operations across multiple communities, ensuring compliance and improving care systems. In this episode, Danielle breaks down the  day-to-day responsibilities of a wellness director , highlight...

Welcome to this week's episode of the  ALF Boss Podcast ! I'm excited to have a special guest and friend on the show,  Merideth Bisel , Regional Director of Operations at Elite Assisted Living. Merideth's journey into the  assisted living industry  is an inspiring one—starting in healthcare right after high school, working with adults with disabilities, and later becoming a  nurse . After moving t...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the ALF Boss Podcast! Today, I'm sitting down with an absolute rockstar in the assisted living world— Roberta DeMeo , Executive Director of  Grand Villa of New Port Richey . With over  eight years in assisted living  and a background in  home health since 1995 , Roberta brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion to the industry. In this episode, w...

Welcome back to the ALF Boss Podcast! This week, I'm excited to sit down with a good friend, Nikita Jenkins, owner of  YoungHearts Extended Assisted Living  in Lottie and Stark, Florida. Nikita went from working as a board-certified mental health nurse to owning and operating two thriving assisted living facilities—one with six beds and another with 25. In this episode, we dive into:  Her journey...