What truly makes Springtree special is the people who bring our community to life—our dedicated team members who show up with compassion, experience, and heart. In today’s featured interview, we’re excited to introduce Bridget Parks, Executive Director of Springtree Senior Living, who plays an essential role in supporting residents, empowering team members, and ensuring our community continues to thrive.
Executive Director Interview: Leadership at Springtree Senior Living
1. Can you share a little about your role and what you do in your position?
I manage Springtree Senior Living, an 180 bed Assisted Living Community. We also have Independent Living and Memory Care. My daily responsibilities include ensuring our residents live in a safe environment, feel happy and supported, and receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.
This is resort style living, almost like being on a permanent cruise ship. We are responsible for the residents’ Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting, transferring, escorting and medication management. We provide 24-hour supervision, meaning we have staffing 24 hours a day 7 days a week and provide ADL care as scheduled and as needed.
I oversee all departments in the building including nursing, dietary, maintenance, activities, and sales. We have a beautiful building with a grand dining room that serves 3 delicious meals a day. We offer an array of activities and excursions that residents can participate in. I also oversee and manage all the city, county and state regulations, as well as plant maintenance to stay compliant with our permits and the condition of the building.
2. What inspired you to work in senior living or join this industry?
I have worked in the Assisted Living Industry for the past 28 years, but started off in the medical field when I was 16-years old. I have experience working in hospitals, doctors offices, and home health agencies. Assisted Living kind of fell in my lap and I am very happy with my choice. I went to nursing school and have my degree in Business Administration. I am also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, which also helps me with families who are dealing with this terrible disease and accepting the course of the disease progression.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
The residents. They grow on you. I treat them as if they were aunts and uncles from my own extended family. They make me laugh and cry. I try to make living in our community fun. We have family nights and decorate for every holiday. We dance, we sing, we play bingo. Even though at times our residents do not say much, the smile on their face tells me they are content and happy.
4. How would you describe the team culture at Springtree Senior Living?
We have a family-like atmosphere. You feel it when you walk into our building. I would say that I have a strict management style, but that I am also fair and compassionate with staff. I feel like I have gained their respect because I am right there with them when things need to get done. I have cleaned rooms, painted walls, and have helped give residents their medication. I treat Springtree Senior Living as if it were my own home and would assist my staff with any task necessary.
Overall, I am really proud of my staff. They are the heart and soul of this community. Their dedication is what helps keep this community moving forward. I do not know what I would do without them.
5. What is one thing you feel makes Springtree Senior Living special for residents?
One thing absolutely is ACTIVE. My residents are very active. They are moving and grooving throughout the community. I feel like this alone is the most important thing. They are not sitting at home looking at the wall, losing their ability to walk, and not socially engaging in life. This is supposed to be their golden years and we try to make it the best we can be for them. Even if they are just people-watching in the lobby, at least they are out of their room and talking to other residents.
6. What is a favorite memory or moment you have shared with a resident or coworker?
I have done Santa and Mrs. Claus for years, but when I started working at Springtree Senior Living, I wanted to bring it up a level. I ordered a reindeer, polar bear, Christmas tree, elf AND Grinch costume. When all the managers walked into family night dressed in their costumes, you would have thought you were at Disney World. The clapping, laughing, and smiles on everyone’s faces was overwhelming. I was choked up myself. Then all the cameras came out and everyone wanted pictures. That was the best feeling and has been a tradition every year since.
7. What skills or qualities do you think are most important in your role?
I think my medical work history has played a role in understanding assisted living as a whole. Working knowledge of how hospitals, doctors offices, etc. work has helped get things accomplished for my residents and management staff. Teaching best practices helps things run efficiently and actively resolving issues is also very important.
8. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or fun facts you would like to share?
I am very family oriented. I have a huge Italian family and extended family. We always have something happening or a party to go to. I was born in Miami and grew up on the beach and the water diving, snorkeling or boating. I love camping, traveling, and peaceful times at home. I am a sci-fi girl. I love Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and anything fantasy or mystical.
9. What is the most rewarding part of being part of the Springtree Senior Living team?
I believe the most rewarding thing is the building as a whole. The residents, the families and the staff. This building would not be what it is today without them. We have a 5 star google rating to prove it and that is something to be proud of!
A Community Led With Heart
As Executive Director, Bridget Parks helps set the tone for the entire community—and her passion for residents, commitment to teamwork, and hands-on leadership style shines through in every part of her story. From creating engaging experiences and meaningful traditions to supporting families and staff, her dedication reflects the spirit of Springtree Senior Living.
If you’re exploring Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Respite Care in Sunrise, Florida, we invite you to visit Springtree Senior Living and see what makes our community feel so special. We’d love the opportunity to show you around, answer your questions, and help you or your loved one feel right at home.
Contact us today to schedule a tour—we look forward to welcoming you!
