ALFBOSS Podcast Episode: From Caregiver to Administrator – The Journey of Lynette Kramer
Release Date: 03/27/2025
On this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast , I talk with Melissa Asaftei, Owner & Operator of Citrus Garden Assisted Living in Winter Springs.
ALF BOSS Podcast
This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I talk with Melissa Asaftei, Owner & Operator of Citrus Garden Assisted Living in Winter Springs. From buying her first facility at 25 to running it for nearly two decades, Melissa shares what it really takes to succeed in residential care—long nights, big heart, and a clear why. Topics include: Expanding small ALFs the right way Building relationships instead of rivalries Staying passionate when things get hard
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This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Janette Radle, Regional Wellness Director at AgeWell | Solvere Living.
ALF BOSS Podcast
This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Janette Radle, Regional Wellness Director at AgeWell | Solvere Living. She oversees nine assisted living communities across Florida and shares her insights on: Strengthening medication management Supporting care teams through mentorship, not micromanagement Balancing leadership with compassion and accountability
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Pascal Bergeron sit down with Deby Okum, Director of Community Relations at Diamond Edgewater Assisted Living & Memory Care in Edgewater, Florida.
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On this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Deby Okum, Director of Community Relations at Diamond Edgewater Assisted Living & Memory Care in Edgewater, Florida. Deby’s story is both personal and powerful. After caring for her father and struggling to find the right resources, she made a promise—to become an advocate and a resource for seniors and their families. Today, she’s one of the most trusted names in Volusia County for helping families navigate Medicaid, VA benefits, and assisted living placement. We discuss: Her journey from...
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Pascal Bergeron sit down with Shereve Smith, owner and operator of Northwood Manor Assisted Living in Wesley Chapel, FL
ALF BOSS Podcast
In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Shereve Smith, owner and operator of Northwood Manor Assisted Living in Wesley Chapel, FL. Shereve has been in the industry since 2009, transitioning from a career as a respiratory therapist to running her own six-bed boutique assisted living community. With both a standard and limited mental health license, she brings a wealth of experience in navigating regulations, staffing, marketing challenges, and the realities of running a smaller, family-style community. We discuss: Why passion is essential to succeed...
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Pascal Bergeron sit down with Ashley Braden, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Blake at Hamlin.
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On this episode of the ALF Operations Podcast, I sit down with Ashley Braden, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Blake at Hamlin. Ashley’s path into assisted living wasn’t traditional—coming from emergency medical services, she quickly discovered a passion for senior living and has since become a standout marketer known for her creativity, energy, and ability to connect with families. We talk about: How she transitioned from EMS to senior living marketing The importance of authenticity and follow-up in building referrals Why listening more...
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Pascal Bergeron down with Pavi Ruether, Executive Director at Banyan Place Assisted Living in Boca Raton, FL.
ALF BOSS Podcast
On this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Pavi Ruether, Executive Director at Banyan Place Assisted Living in Boca Raton, FL. Pavi’s journey is both unique and inspiring—starting as a physical therapy assistant, becoming a licensed clinical social worker, and eventually stepping into leadership as an Executive Director. We talk about: Her transition into assisted living leadership and the challenges she’s overcome How her LCSW background shapes the way she manages residents, families, and staff Building a strong team with almost...
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In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Michael Almeida, Executive Director of Brookdale Phillippi Creek in Sarasota, FL
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In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Michael Almeida, Executive Director of Brookdale Phillippi Creek in Sarasota, FL. Michael’s journey into assisted living is nothing short of inspiring—he began as a maintenance director and, through hard work, perseverance, and a passion for serving seniors, worked his way up to executive leadership. As a Navy veteran and former corpsman, Michael shares how his military background shaped his leadership style, how he overcame challenges during COVID, and why being approachable, fun, and down-to-earth has been key...
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Pascal sit down with Kimberly Apperson, Executive Director of The Residence Memory Care in Pensacola, Florida.
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Podcast Description In this episode of the ALF Operations Podcast, presented by ALF Boss, we sit down with Kimberly Apperson, Executive Director of The Residence Memory Care in Pensacola, Florida. Kimberly shares her journey from pediatrics and skilled nursing into the world of assisted living leadership, where she now runs a thriving 32-bed memory care community with an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license. We dive into: The unique benefits of the ECC license and how it supports true aging in place Challenges in helping families find affordable care and the creative...
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Pascal sits down with Lisa Charbonneau, owner and operator of Assisted Living of Spring Hill.
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In this episode of the ALF Boss Operations Podcast, Pascal sits down with Lisa Charbonneau, owner and operator of Assisted Living of Spring Hill. With nearly 40 years in the senior care industry, Lisa shares her inspiring journey from CNA in Rhode Island to running her own six-bed assisted living facility in Florida. She opens up about the challenges of opening during COVID, the realities of staffing and marketing in a small community, and why having a big heart is essential for success in assisted living. From lessons learned in limited mental health care to the joys of...
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Welcome to the ALF Operations Podcast, presented by ALF Boss — where we dive into compliance, operations, and everything happening in the assisted living world.
ALF BOSS Podcast
In this special episode, Pascal sits down with three dynamic leaders in senior living: Dana Jarrett, Talia Sfarr, and first-time guest Amber Silverthorn. Amber shares her journey from receptionist to RN to executive director, offering insights into her career in healthcare and assisted living. Together, the ladies introduce their exciting new initiative — the Executive Director Roundtable in Brevard County. They discuss the purpose of the roundtable, how it’s bringing together executive directors and administrators from across senior living and skilled nursing, and...
info_outlineWelcome to the ALFBO Podcast, where we dive into real conversations with real people in the assisted living world. This week, I’m joined by the amazing Lynette Kramer from Casalia Gardens Assisted Living Facility—a six-bed, all-female memory care home that's about to expand to ten beds and beyond!
Lynette’s journey is the ultimate inspiration—from caregiver to assistant administrator to licensed administrator. She opens up about the steps she took to grow in the industry, the power of hands-on learning, and what it really takes to lead a facility with heart, hustle, and compliance in mind.
We talk about burnout, leadership, marketing, and why understanding every role in your facility makes you a better administrator. If you’re a caregiver wondering, “Can I really move up?” — this episode proves that you absolutely can.
Lynette’s energy is contagious, and her passion for resident care and personal growth shines through. Whether you're new to assisted living or already running a facility, this episode is packed with encouragement, insight, and practical advice.
Tune in and get inspired. Your next step might be one conversation away.