🎙️ ALF Boss Podcast Episode: Dance Parties, Real Talk & Resident Care – A Conversation with Jennifer Cavaliere
Release Date: 05/06/2025
In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Doug Adkins, Owner and CEO of DaySpring Village and DaySpring Senior Living — one of Florida’s most respected leaders in the assisted living industry.
ALF BOSS Podcast
In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Doug Adkins, Owner and CEO of DaySpring Village and DaySpring Senior Living — one of Florida’s most respected leaders in the assisted living industry. Doug has been operating facilities since 1987, serving thousands of residents across Florida through both limited mental health and senior living communities. His perspective is shaped by nearly four decades of experience, from surviving the early days of ALF operations to becoming one of the strongest advocates for...
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This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I talk with Kenneshia Martin, Owner & Administrator of Trinity Gardens Assisted Living in Riverview, FL.
ALF BOSS Podcast
This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I talk with Kenneshia Martin, Owner & Administrator of Trinity Gardens Assisted Living in Riverview, FL. After 15 years in physical therapy and rehab leadership, Kenneshia decided to open her own ALF — and she shares every step of the journey: From buying the property to passing AHCA inspection What to expect from zoning, fire marshal, and health inspections How being organized made her survey a breeze The mindset it takes to stay patient through delays
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This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I talk with Elizabeth Valadez from Living Well Menus, carrying on the 30-year legacy started by her mother, Ana Alvarez—a true legend in ALF dietary services
ALF BOSS Podcast
This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I talk with Elizabeth Valadez from Living Well Menus, carrying on the 30-year legacy started by her mother, Ana Alvarez—a true legend in ALF dietary services. We dive into: The right way to handle menus, portion sizes, and documentation Proper puree preparation that keeps you compliant How to avoid common AHCA dietary citations Simple tools every ALF kitchen should be using If you run an assisted living facility in Florida, this episode is a must-listen.
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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.
ALF BOSS Podcast
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.
ALF BOSS Podcast
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
ALF BOSS Podcast
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...
info_outlineIn this lively episode, Pascal sits down with Jennifer Cavaliere, administrator of Elevated Estates at Forest Oaks in Spring Hill, Florida. What starts with a laugh-filled intro turns into a heartfelt, real-world conversation about leadership, sales, resident care, and—yes—impromptu dance parties in the lobby.
Jennifer shares how her journey began with personal ties to Forest Oaks, from her grandmother being a resident to eventually sitting in the administrator’s chair herself. She opens up about the challenges of staffing in rural areas, navigating family communication, and building trust through proactive care.
Topics covered:
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Building authentic relationships with SNF caseworkers
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Turning communication into your facility’s best defense
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How humor and joy can transform the work environment
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The power of honoring resident stories
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Embracing the never-ending learning curve of ALF regulations
Jennifer's passion, humor, and no-nonsense approach will leave you both inspired and entertained. This episode is a reminder that assisted living isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
Tune in—and bring your dancing shoes!