“It is my pleasure to welcome Melissa and Carrie to the organization,” said CESLC Senior Vice President of Operations and COO Deanna L. Enlow. “Both bring valuable experience within the senior care industry, and I am confident their expertise will contribute immensely to our overall success.”

Melissa Stewart comes to CESLC from Chevy Chase House, a Meridian Senior Living community for independent and assisted living located in Washington, D.C., where she served as executive director. As an experienced executive director for senior living communities, Stewart has a demonstrated history of working within both the senior living and health care industries. At Chevy Chase House, she oversaw operations, including an extensive $11 million renovation project. In her new position, she will provide operational support and leadership for Ring House, one of our independent living residences, working closely with residents, families, and the CESLC team.

“Both my grandparents had dementia at a time when we did not have the senior living communities we have today,” said Stewart. “It is my personal and professional mission to make a difference in the lives of older adults and ensure they have the best living experience and quality of life. I am proud to join an organization that is deeply committed to its residents and strives every day to provide them with the best quality care and services.”

Stewart is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Salisbury State University.

Carrie Brister most recently served as assistant executive director at Ellicott City Healthcare Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. She was responsible for managing day-to-day operations of rehabilitation and long-term care. She also redeveloped the memory care program and customer service model to enhance the resident experience. In her new position, Brister will provide operational support and leadership for Landow House, our assisted living residence.

“I am happy and proud to join an organization that exemplifies a deep commitment to residents,” says Brister. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow team members and getting to know all the residents of Landow House.”

Brister holds a bachelor’s degree in gerontology from the University of Maryland and is currently pursuing her Masters in Health Services at Capella University with a concentration in Dementia Care.

About Charles E. Smith Life Communities:

Founded in 1910 as the Hebrew Home for the Aged, Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) is a nonprofit organization serving more than 1,100 older adults daily in multiple residences situated on a 38-acre campus in Rockville, Maryland. CESLC’s services include: skilled nursing care at the Wasserman and Smith-Kogod Residences and Post-Acute Care Center at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington; independent living at Revitz House and Ring House; assisted living at Landow House; memory care assisted living at Cohen-Rosen House; geriatric medical care at Hirsh Health Center; and temporary shelter and advocacy for victims of elder abuse at the ElderSAFE™ Center. For more information, please visit www.smithlifecommunities.org