Waltonwood Ashburn, a premier senior living community, is pleased to announce Maria Cressida R. Manalo as its new resident care manager and Megan Mastre as memory care coordinator. Manalo, originally from Philippines, brings more than five years of experience in senior living to her new role. Previously, she served as a charge nurse, RN supervisor, and most recently as a director of nursing service. Mastre, who is originally from Pittsburg, has nearly 15 years of senior living experience. Both Mastre and Manalo have significant nursing experience to fill a couple of important roles at Waltonwood Ashburn.
“Growing up in the Philippines, I was raised by my grandparents who later helped me raise my daughter as well,” said Manalo. “I’ve always had a very close relationship with them, and they are one of the reasons why I chose senior living as my career path. Elderly people have so much knowledge to pass on, and I think we can learn something new from them every day. I enjoyed working in rehabs in the past, but now as a resident care manager, I am able to build strong long-term relationships with the assisted living and memory care residents. Waltonwood has a very good reputation when it comes to resident care, and I know it’s the right place for me to continue my career in senior living. The roles I’ve held previously prepared me to be resident care manager, and I am excited to become part of a team that treats residents and employees like family.”
After receiving a practical nursing degree and becoming a certified nursing assistant, Mastre knew she wanted to start her career in geriatrics. She has spent many years in both assisted living and memory care and has worked in hospitals, rehabs and senior living communities. Mastre moved to Virginia five years ago. In her most recent position, she served as the director of health and wellness, and she directly oversaw care of assisted living residents. After spending a few years in memory care, Mastre decided that’s where she wanted to continue to grow her career. In her new position at Waltonwood Ashburn, she will be managing all memory care units and will become the frontline person for the residents, the medical staff and memory care team members.
“I am thrilled to become part of the team at Waltonwood Ashburn,” said Mastre. “The senior living community provides top-notch care for its residents, and I am honored to be part of the family now. Working in memory care, there is only one thing that’s for certain – every day is a different experience. That’s one of the many reasons why I enjoy working in memory care and with seniors in general. My career in senior living is one of the best choices I’ve made.”
“We’re excited to welcome Megan and Maria to the Waltonwood Ashburn family,” said Randy LeMaster, regional director of operations at Waltonwood Communities/Singh Senior Living. “They each possess the passion, talent and experience to help us redefine retirement living and ensure that the residents enjoy excellent care and quality of life. They both play a vital role within the community, and we are thrilled to have them on board.”