Welcoming Experienced Leadership at Devonshire Senior Living

Christine "Chrissy" Hansen is no stranger to the unbeatable benefits of the Erickson Senior Living lifestyle. As director of sales at Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., she's helped thousands of people make the most of their retirement years. In fact, her dedication and commitment to helping people earned her the Erickson Senior Living Leadership Award in 2016.

"On my first day, I immediately witnessed the impact the community had on the people moving there," she says. "I saw community members blossom with my own eyes. Without a doubt, I fell in love with my job and the many ways I could make a difference in people's lives."

After seventeen years at Linden Ponds, Hansen made the bold decision to leave behind New England winters for good. In September, she joined the sales team at Devonshire, an Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

“There is absolutely nothing not to like about living here,” she says. “And while the weather is wonderful, it’s the community of people who make my new life such a joy.”

Great Experience is Key Within Erickson Senior Living Communities

As Devonshire’s new director of sales, Hansen immediately went to work meeting community members, setting goals, and pulling together a top-notch sales team. Joining her in her travels to Devonshire are three new team members: Senior Sales Associates Nathan Prehn and Vivien Ferro-Costa and Sales Associate Carlie Schlachter, each of whom were handpicked by Hansen from other Erickson Senior Living communities.

“We are all new, together—each brings rich, unique experiences to the table,” she says. “We joined forces with Donna Schneider, our wonderful sales counselor, and our talented Custom Interiors/Personal Moving Consultant Laurie Lovely.”

“I am enjoying the new and exciting culture at Devonshire,” says Ferro-Costa, who also previously worked at Linden Ponds.

“I am experiencing some real southern hospitality. I’m familiar with the Erickson Senior Living cores and values—implementing them while working with people throughout this community that’s new to me.”

Nathan—who, luckily, had the shortest move—joins the Devonshire team from Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla.

“Getting to know the community members is the best part,” he says. “This is really a special community. I continue to be amazed at the talents and backgrounds of the people who live here. The relationships fostered between the community members and staff really make up the heart of Devonshire at PGA National.”

Setting The Future for Devonshire's Independent Living Community

Now that Hansen’s sales team is running on all cylinders, plans are underway to foster transparency and promote communication, so that ideas are shared with community members.

“The best way to meet the needs of our future community members is to truly understand not only why our current community members chose Devonshire, but to also ensure we understand the expectations that people have,” she says.

In 2022, the sales team will host an increased number of events, specially tailored to unique interests.

“I believe we can best reach people by creating events that respond directly to their needs,” says Hansen. “We are starting off the year with a financial seminar and moving expo. We will also host special opportunities exclusively for our priority list members. One of the greatest benefits of joining the priority list is getting to know the people who may become your neighbors.”

Hansen admits that her move from Massachusetts to Florida provided valuable insight into what many prospective Devonshire community members face.

“I now completely relate to the ins and outs of a move,” she says. “At Devonshire, we have many community members who moved from up north—just as I did. I have personally gone through the process of downsizing and moving to a new climate. There was so much that I didn’t need to take with me—I decided to sell my house with everything in it. I no longer need my snow blower, shovel, and New England-style furnishings.”

Falling in Love With Devonshire Senior Living

In the few months since her move, Hansen says that she’s fallen in love with life as a Floridian. Her daughter Alexia also recently moved to Florida, as a transfer student to Florida Atlantic University.

When she’s not at Devonshire, or visiting Alexia, Hansen enjoys running, paddleboarding, kayaking, and longboarding near her home in Jupiter.

“It is mind blowing to me how many outdoor activities are available," she says. “I purchased a bike once I arrived, and now I’ve discovered a new passion for biking. I really love hopping on the bike and exploring my surroundings.”

And Hansen enjoys sharing her new perspective with future Devonshire community members.

“Using my experience as an example, I share my number one piece of advice: go out, get your bearings, appreciate your new surroundings, and have a great time discovering all the fun places and opportunities to get involved with.”

To learn more about the dedicated and knowledgeable staff at Devonshire Senior Living, request a brochure today!