On June 20th, 2025, the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) proudly hosted its annual Outstanding Resident Service and Accomplishment Awards at the Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, Connecticut. The celebration brought together honorees and supporters to recognize exceptional individuals who have made meaningful contributions within their senior living communities.
The ceremony highlighted inspiring stories of service, resilience and creativity. Among the recipients was Lucia Dizenzo, RN Designee at Coachman Square at Woodbridge.
Lucy is a remarkable presence at Woodbridge – her compassion, persistence and quiet leadership make an impact every day. She’s known not only for her dedication to the people she cares for, but also for the genuine kindness she brings to every interaction. When a resident in his early 80s began experiencing severe anxiety and made multiple 911 calls for non-emergencies, Lucy recognized the deeper issue. Despite repeated dismissals by the emergency room, she advocated until he received the mental health evaluation he truly needed. Thanks to her determination, he returned to Woodbridge in a far better state.
Another honoree, Vinnie Ruggerio, a dishwasher at Maplewood at Orange, was recognized for his behind-the-scenes efforts and the compassion he shows to every person he interacts with.
Vinnie’s kind-heartedness speaks volumes, especially during moments when words fall short. One powerful example of his dedication unfolded after a resident lost her husband. In the days that followed, without being asked or assigned, Vinnie made it a priority to pause whatever he was doing to spend a few minutes with her.
These simple, heartfelt gestures became a source of comfort and connection. The woman he helped frequently told the team how much she looked forward to those visits, sharing that Vinnie’s presence helped ease the weight of her grief. Vinnie exemplifies what it means to lead with empathy and shows how even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting mark.
“CALA is honored to celebrate the remarkable individuals whose actions and dedication make a lasting impact on their communities,” said Christopher Carter, President of CALA. “This year’s number of award recipients speaks volumes about the strength, compassion, and spirit found throughout our member communities.”
The 2025 ceremony once again set a new benchmark for participation and recognition across Connecticut’s assisted living network. Award recipients represent a wide range of backgrounds, talents and experiences, all united by their commitment to service and excellence.
CALA congratulates all of this year’s honorees and looks forward to continuing this proud tradition of recognition in the years to come.
CALA OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AND RESIDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
2025 EMPLOYEES
- Samantha Incerto, Lead LPN, Ocean Meadows SL
- Debra Crutchfield, Memory Care Enrichment Coordinator, Pomperaug Woods
- Josselin Medina Ramon, LPN, Maplewood at Danbury
- Carlos Liranzo, Environmental Services Director, Maplewood at Stony Hill
- Brenda Paoletta, Accounts Receivable Specialist, The Towers at Tower Lane
- Marcos Riviere, Resident Services Aide, Maplewood at Stony Hill
- Lucia Dizenzo, RN Designee, Coachman Square at Woodbridge
- Gloria Lodge, Resident Care Aide, The Greens at Cannondale
- Corina Vendetto, Resident Care Director, Academy Point at Mystic
- Hector Herrera, Maintenance Assistant, Maplewood at Newtown
- Vincent Ruggerio, Dishwasher, Maplewood at Orange
- Diana Lopes, Executive Director, Maplewood at Danbury
- Keisha Snell, Infection Preventionist & Mind & Memory Director, River Ridge
- Nestor Mieres, Maintenance Assistant, The Greens at Cannondale
- Shelly-Ann Cameron, Resident Care Aide, The Atrium at Rocky Hill
2025 RESIDENTS
- Allene K., Village at South Farms
- Paul B., The Greens at Cannondale
- Evelyn L., The Greens at Cannondale
- Delores A., The Towers at Tower Lane
- Raymond S., Middlebrook Farms of Trumbull
- Bill R., Benchmark SL of Hamden
- Ted L., Benchmark SL of Hamden
- Gloria N., River Ridge at Avon
- Leigh G., Carriage Green of Milford
- Kenneth K., Resident Council President, Academy Point at Mystic
- Julia P., Academy Point at Mystic
- Laura C., Masonicare at Middlewoods of Farmington
- May N., Maplewood at Orange
- Mickey M., The Atrium at Rocky Hill
- Betsy, Bridges by Epoch of Trumbull
