Watermark Retirement Communities

Please join us in welcoming Janette Radle to Watermark Retirement Communities as our new Regional Director of Health Services! 👏 With more than 30 years of nursing experience, including serving as a nurse since 1994, Janette brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt leadership to the Watermark family. Her passion for senior living began at a young age, inspired by the special time she spent with her grandparents and their friends growing up. Since entering senior living in 2012, Janette has been dedicated to supporting and empowering communities through compassionate care, strong mentorship, and a commitment to helping teams thrive. “What excites me most about joining Watermark is the positive reputation that Watermark has, and working with industry leaders who strive to bring passion to senior living,” Janette shared. In her new role, Janette is looking forward to partnering with teams across operations and sales to help drive extraordinary outcomes for residents, families, and associates alike. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her enjoying the outdoors, exploring Florida’s state parks, or relaxing at the beach, her happy place. 🌊 Welcome to Watermark, Janette! We’re excited to have you on this journey with us. #WatermarkCommunities #SeniorLiving #Leadership #HealthcareLeadership #SeniorCare #Welcome

An exceptional dining experience starts with the people who bring it to life. At The Watermark at Southpark Meadows, Joseph is known for doing just that. As a server, he brings warmth, attentiveness, and genuine connection to every interaction. When asked what he enjoys most about his role, Joseph shared, “Getting to spend time with the residents and make connections.” That commitment shows in the relationships he builds each day and in the trust he’s earned from those he serves. Recently voted Employee of the Month by residents, Joseph’s impact is clear. He helps create a welcoming dining experience where every resident feels recognized and valued. #AssociateSpotlight #SeniorLiving #Hospitality #Teamwork #EmployeeAppreciation

As the weather warms and BBQ season begins, it’s the people behind the grill who make these moments truly special. 🔥 At The Watermark at Marco Island, Chef salvatore pezzella brought residents together with a thoughtfully prepared cookout that went far beyond great food. His passion and attention to detail helped create an experience filled with connection, joy, and community. It’s team members like Chef Salvatore who turn everyday moments into something memorable. #SeniorLiving #Leadership #Hospitality #Teamwork #BBQSeason

Last week, during National Nurses Week, we celebrated the incredible nurses across Watermark communities who bring compassion, comfort, and care to residents and families every single day. 💙 Your dedication goes far beyond healthcare. You create meaningful connections, offer reassurance in difficult moments, and help residents feel supported, valued, and cared for in the place they call home. To all of our nurses: thank you for your unwavering commitment, kindness, and the difference you make in so many lives. We are grateful for you today and every day. #NationalNursesWeek #ThankYouNurses #SeniorLiving #HealthcareHeroes #Nurses

We’re pleased to welcome Ben Young as Executive Director of The Watermark at the Pearl in Portland’s Pearl District. Ben brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and senior living leadership. In his role, he will oversee daily operations and continue to elevate the resident experience across independent living, assisted living, and memory care. “Ben is a thoughtful leader with an unwavering commitment to residents and their families,” said Paul Boethel, CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities. “He understands that The Watermark at the Pearl is more than just a place to live, it’s a place where people feel supported, connected and at home.” Prior to joining the community, Ben served as Executive Director at Cogir of Glenwood in Vancouver, Washington, and has led operations across medical offices, nursing, and rehabilitation centers throughout his career. Please join us in welcoming Ben to the Watermark family and wishing him continued success in this role. #Leadership #SeniorLiving #ExecutiveDirector #WatermarkCommunities

This Mother’s Day was a little extra special at Legacy at Clover Blossom. 💙 After 50 years apart, Julia and Pam were able to celebrate Mother’s Day living together once again, sharing meaningful everyday moments side by side in the community they now call home. For Pam, having this time with her mother has been something she treasures deeply, making this year’s celebration even more meaningful. Their story is a beautiful reminder of the importance of connection, community, and the joy that comes from being close to the people who matter most. We hope all the incredible mothers, daughters, and families who make our communities home had a Happy Mother’s Day. Watch Julia's and Pam's interview here: https://ow.ly/fCAo50YXHHs

“Oh, I danced! I danced!” That moment, shared by a resident at The Watermark at the Pearl, captures the impact of something truly meaningful. Recently featured by KGW-TV, our community hosted a Dance & Drumming for Parkinson’s class where movement and music came together to create connection, confidence, and joy. Led by husband-and-wife team Diedre Jolley Smith and Grammy-nominated musician Aaron Nigel Smith, the program uses dance and percussion to help participants reconnect with their bodies and rediscover rhythm. Designed to meet each individual where they are, the experience invites residents to move, drum, and engage at their own pace. As one participant shared, “Music and dance — it’s touching the soul.” We’re proud to see this powerful program recognized and grateful for the moments of connection, movement, and joy happening within our community every day. Read more here: https://ow.ly/5A2s50YVGQB #WatermarkCommunities #ParkinsonsAwareness #SeniorLiving #MomentsThatMatter #Wellness #InnovationInCare

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the meaningful connections that make our communities so special — including Zakiah and Aaliyah, an incredible mother-daughter duo at Blue Bell Place. 💕 Their compassion, teamwork, and dedication to residents shine through each and every day, reflecting the heart of what community means at Watermark. When asked for the best motherly advice to share, their answer was simple yet powerful: “Never give up.” 💖 We’re grateful for associates and families who bring warmth, support, and care to our communities every day. Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, daughters, families, and caregivers we celebrate this weekend. 🌷 #MothersDay #WatermarkCommunities #SeniorLiving #CareWithHeart

Great dining experiences are about more than what’s on the plate. They’re about the people who bring them to life. At The Hacienda at the Canyon, Dining Services Director Shane Oliver recently led a hands-on cooking demonstration featuring crème caramel, also known as flan. Residents gathered to learn techniques, share stories, and enjoy the process together. With support from associate Apollo, Shane created an engaging and welcoming environment where culinary skill met genuine connection. His passion for hospitality was evident in every step, turning a simple recipe into a memorable shared experience. Moments like these highlight the impact of dedicated team members who bring creativity and connection into everyday life. #SeniorLiving #DiningServices #Hospitality #AssociateSpotlight #CommunityLife

We are excited to welcome Brooke Leestma as the new Community Life Director at Watersound Fountains, bringing a passion for connection, creativity, and meaningful engagement to our community. With a background in Recreation Therapy and Psychology from Georgia Southern University, Brooke has built her career around helping people feel supported, purposeful, and connected at every stage of life. Her experience spans special recreation, where she supported individuals with diverse needs, to skilled nursing, where she deepened her understanding of aging and person-centered care. Now at Watersound Fountains, Brooke is especially excited to create dynamic opportunities that bring members together and connect them with the vibrant surrounding area. From Panama City Beach to 30A and Destin, she sees endless potential for enriching outings, shared experiences, and memorable moments. Her approach is rooted in collaboration and creativity. Whether it is hosting lively trivia nights, themed socials, or introducing unique experiences like partnering with local sea turtle conservation efforts, her goal is simple: to create programs that spark joy and foster genuine connection. “I want members to feel excited, valued, and proud to be part of this community,” Brooke shared. “And for families to feel confident knowing their loved ones are engaged, supported, and truly enjoying their day-to-day life.” Please join us in welcoming Brooke to Watersound Fountains. We look forward to the incredible impact she will make. #SeniorLiving #SeniorLivingCommunity #IndependentLiving #SeniorCare #Welcome