New Pond Village Promotes Four Associates

Walpole, MA. – New Pond Village, a Benchmark Senior Living continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Walpole, Massachusetts, announces the promotions of Ava Demaio to assisted living program coordinator, Liam Grueter to assisted living dining room manager, Riley Finnegan to assisted living and memory care programming director and Tasha Thomas to assisted living and memory care associate executive director.

“Here at New Pond Village, we believe in fostering talent from within. These promotions recognize the hard work, dedication and contributions that Ava, Liam, Riley and Tasha have made to the community, and we look forward to watching them thrive in their new roles,” said New Pond Village Campus Executive Director Adam Manchester.

In her new role as assisted living program coordinator, Demaio is responsible for designing and implementing daily activities for residents, as well as creating weekly and monthly enrichment program schedules. Working in various roles at New Pond Village since 2022, Demaio has always had a connection with seniors and has found that enriching their lives has enriched her own. “I felt I have always connected with them- even better than [with] people my own age sometimes,” she says. “While working here, I have found that friendship has no age restriction.”

As the assisted living dining room manager, Grueter will ensure efficiency in the dining room and work to enhance the dining experience of residents. Joining the community in 2024, Grueter began working as a server. “When I was presented with this new opportunity, I was excited to advance my career while still working with the residents I love,” he says. “As an associate in this community, it is our job to make sure each resident is happy and healthy. I want residents to not just live here but love being here. No matter what role I have had, I always greet the residents with a smile and try and make their day better.”

Finnegan joined New Pond Village in 2023 as the memory care programming coordinator. As the assisted living and memory care programming director, she’s now responsible for creating and implementing a monthly calendar that caters to residents' specific interests while meeting Benchmark’s dimensions of engagement (physical, emotional, social, sense of purpose, intellectual, and sensory). A Certified Dementia Care Practitioner, Finnegan is passionate about creating meaningful relationships with residents and bringing joy into their lives. “I am a firm believer that life doesn’t stop after moving to assisted living or memory care. If anything, it can be even more fun!”

As the assisted living and memory care associate executive director, Thomas’ job functions include ensuring continuity of resident care, problem solving, clinical oversight and the management of RCAs and nurses. Working with the senior population since she was 12 years old, Thomas has always been called to work in senior living. “I enjoy working in this industry as there is a large & growing need for empathetic and caring individuals. I appreciate the wisdom the senior population can give as it enriches my life personally and professionally. There is a rewarding feeling knowing you are assisting residents at a vulnerable time and it is skill to do so with dignity,” she says.