Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, is excited to welcome Amy Sarro as its associate executive director.
While Sarro is new to her role and the community, she’s not new to the company. Years ago, while earning her master’s degree in social work, she completed an internship at Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md.
“I worked as a social worker in independent living,” recalled Sarro, a Severn, Md., native. “That experience confirmed that I was on the right path for me — not only working with older adults, but for a company that supports both its residents and staff.”
Now, after working at several Erickson Senior Living communities, Sarro is taking on this new position at Brooksby, pursuing her passion for caring for others on a grander scale.
“My goal has always been to make a meaningful difference,” she said. “Transitioning to the associate executive director role has allowed me to stay connected to residents and gain the opportunity to have oversight across all areas of the community, making decisions that benefit everyone.”
Pursuing her calling
After college, Sarro hoped to find a position at Charlestown, but none were open, so she accepted her first post-college social work job at a skilled nursing facility in Annapolis, Md.
“Still, I always had Charlestown in the back of my mind,” she recalled. “I knew I wanted to return — not just because it felt like home, but because I believed in Erickson’s model and mission.”
So, when a social work position opened up in independent living at Charlestown, she jumped at the chance.
“That role was a turning point and really launched my career within the organization,” Sarro said.
Though she loved connecting with residents in independent living, she realized how impactful working in continuing care could be.
That led Sarro to take the role of project manager of continuing care, where she had the unique opportunity to lead her team through the opening of Wilton Overlook, the continuing care neighborhood at Charlestown.
“I was so honored to serve as the project manager for the opening of Phase 1 of Wilton Overlook,” she said. “It expanded my exposure to cross-functional work and allowed me to collaborate with Erickson’s home office team members.”
Onward and upward
With many incredible mentors supporting her, Sarro was ready to take on the next challenge.
When the opportunity arose to relocate to Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J., for an administrator-in-training program, “I knew it was the right next step,” she said. “That experience solidified my operational knowledge and eventually led to my promotion to the associate administrator role.”
Sarro then set her sights on advancing to a continuing care director role when one became available. The stars aligned at Eagle’s Trace, another Erickson Senior Living community in West Houston, Texas.
“I was thrilled to step into my first director role,” said Sarro, who thrived in the position from the start, displaying professionalism and compassion.
Steve Aigner, executive director at Eagle’s Trace, said, “In her time at Eagle’s Trace, Amy excelled in her business prowess and relational skills. Residents, team members, and families all considered her their ‘go-to’ for information and support.”
Sarro noted, “Steve really supported my growth, encouraging me to pursue the associate executive director role.”
Aigner said, “We’re so proud of her! Although we are sad to see her move on from Eagle’s Trace, we know she will positively impact the resident and team member experience at Brooksby.”
At home at Brooksby
Since stepping into her new role, Sarro has done just that. She spends much of her day walking around the community to connect with department leaders, check in with residents, and chat with team members, making sure she is “visible and accessible” to everyone.
“That presence is important to me. Every day requires flexibility, with the goal of always leading, supporting, and adapting to what the community needs most,” she said. “There’s a strong sense of pride in the community here and a willingness to work together to continually improve. I’ve only been here a short time, but it already feels like home!”
She added, “Each community I’ve worked in has helped shape my perspective and leadership. I want to continue to lead strong teams and ensure residents receive the highest quality of care and service.”
Fun with friends
Outside of work, Sarro enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, discovering new restaurants, and taking weekend trips.
To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Brooksby, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.
