New Resident Life Director Shares her Passion for Helping People

The silver and black bicycle horn that sits on the corner of Resident Life Director Mary Kaba's desk is a symbol of the positivity she promotes at Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J.

"I started this a few years ago to encourage people to share something good by tooting their own horn," says Kaba, who joined the community in early 2024. "I bring it to resident town hall meetings; use it for my department meetings; and invite residents and team members to stop by my office any time to share something positive about themselves, someone in their family, or even an accomplishment."

Where it began

Kaba began using the horn in a previous job at a small assisted living community, where she facilitated a caregiver support group for family members of residents with some form of dementia. 

At the conclusion of each session, she made sure members left every meeting on an upbeat note by encouraging them to share something positive, whether it was about themselves, their family members, or just about the pizza they ate that night.

"It didn't have to be anything major," Kaba explains. "The comments just had to be positive. That was the start of getting people to take time to toot their own horn. I've been doing it ever since."

Following the same mission

With a bachelor's degree in teaching, master's degree in psychology, and further education as a certified dementia practitioner and certified elite life coach, Kaba has followed her passion for helping people live well for nearly 40 years.

Intrigued by the position of resident life director at Seabrook, she decided to research what the community and Erickson Senior Living was all about. Discovering that Erickson's mission mirrored her own philosophy, she took it as a sign to apply.

"I was so impressed with the welcoming culture and sense of family at Seabrook," she says, noting that everyone offers friendly greetings on campus. In addition, meetings with team members are centered on success not only at work, but in life outside the community. 

She continues, "It was important to associate myself with a company synonymous with my values and standards. I was extremely pleased with everything that Erickson Senior Living communities offer their residents and team members as well as the company's mission to help residents live better lives. It is a partnership that works quite well here at Seabrook."

Working together

Now, Kaba leads a team of more than 75 people, supervising many departments--pastoral ministries; well-being and fitness; community resources; the television studio; and resident services, which includes social work, the intermissions day program, philanthropy, and Certified Home Health.

"I love being part of a large team that is focused on providing value to residents, based on their needs and desire for happiness," she says. "It's the reason they decided to move here--and one of the reasons I decided to make the move myself and further my career at Seabrook."

As a continuing care retirement community, Seabrook offers a range of health care services that support residents as their needs change over time. Knowing that advanced levels of care are available right in the community offers true peace of mind.

"Everything is located on one campus, making it easy for residents to receive the care they need. We take the programs that we provide in independent living and adapt them so team members and providers can use them in the continuing care neighborhood," Kaba explains.

"We're all one community, working together to provide shared programming and services with familiarity. It's a true continuum of services across the campus."

Adding humor

Kaba says she was always destined to work with seniors, offering a calm and friendly demeanor that's welcoming to Seabrook residents. She also displays a cheerful sense of humor--honed as the middle child of eight--that she's carried into her professional life. 

To find the "inner mirthful humor in situations that might not be funny," Kaba earned a certification as a laughter therapist. 

"It's important for everyone to smile and laugh every day," she says. "It's healthy, fun, and helps keep a positive outlook for everyone."

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.