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Prior to coming to Riverglen House, my career has been in the senior living market leading both skilled nursing and assisted living communities. I have seven years of service to the United States of America, in the U.S. Navy Reserve, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, and hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Administration from the University of Massachusetts.
I live in Littleton with my wife and have two grown children.
Shawna Bessette is our Sales & Marketing Director and she was born and raised in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. She grew up enjoying nearby winter skiing at Burke Mountain and summers spent swimming and boating at Lake Willoughby, with her parents and younger brother.
Shawna has enjoyed working with people from all walks of life in a variety of different roles but is particularly drawn to those in the earlier and later stages of life, appreciating the grace, wisdom, humility and wonder that they both embody and inspire.
My desire to work in healthcare began in childhood, when I’d visit my mother at work in skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings. Prior to Riverglen House, the majority of my career has been in assisted living communities, serving as Wellness Nurse, Charge Nurse, and Memory Care Director. Through individualized assessments and service planning, we are able to create a safe and social atmosphere. I enjoy getting to know people through active listening and build trust by providing a non-judgmental approach. I’m here to advocate, develop best practices, and implement any necessary changes that improve safety, security, and quality of life. I’m the proud mother of 2 amazing boys and they keep me busy in my off time.
Life should be fun, fulfilling, and purposeful at all stages—and for the past four years I have had the privilege of developing a vast array of activities for our dynamic Riverglen community to make sure it is just that for everyone living here. Using a large outreach of wonderful, talented performers and volunteers from Littleton and our surrounding local towns as well as our great, dedicated staff, we have altogether created a place where residents can truly enjoy their later years. This includes lots of musical performances (on piano, guitar, and Harp), fun sing-a-longs, art projects, regular exercise classes, group held interactive games (such as Team Scrabble and Jeopardy), intergenerational activities with local schools, and year-round “librarian-mobile” visits from the Littleton Public Library. Residents are always encouraged to suggest something new to try too! Whenever possible I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking near waterfalls, and snowshoeing.
I have been in healthcare facility maintenance for over ten years. As a master carpenter and former contractor I have seen and fixed it all. I enjoy keeping our beautiful Riverglen home safe and up-to-date. In my spare time I like to drive my 1956 Cadillac, spend time with my kids and grandkids, and be outdoors as much as possible.
I spent most of my life growing up in the beautiful town of Littleton New Hampshire.
I have 2 horses and my husband and I just purchased a small parcel of land with an old farmhouse to help fulfill my dream of building a Gentleman’s farm. I will always be a New Hampshire girl and working at Riverglen House is a blessing. I get to enjoy conversations and just being around our amazing residents who live here.
It is wonderful to have these friendships that create memories that will last for a long time!
I have been with Riverglen House for ten years and counting; nine of which were dedicated to working as a Licensed Nursing Assistant. This year, I moved into a different position as the Head of Housekeeping. My hobbies include photography, and gardening. I live locally, with my husband and our two wonderful children.