Volunteer Opportunities
Meet the Ultimate Care Assisted Living Management Team
Amy Silva-Magalhaes is an accomplished executive leader with a wealth of experience in both senior care and hospitality. Amy brings a compassionate, forward-thinking approach to her leadership, fostering a strong culture of collaboration and excellence. Her dedication to resident-centered care and building cohesive, empowered teams has contributed to the growth and success of every organization she has served.
Her leadership philosophy centers on building meaningful connections and delivering impactful results. Her talent for building cohesive teams promotes open communication and active engagement, creating an environment that prioritizes personalized care and sustainable growth. With a foundation in the hospitality industry, including experience with esteemed brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and
Starwood, Amy brings a service-driven perspective that enhances her approach to senior living.
Beyond operational excellence, she is a recognized thought leader in the senior living sector, having received various distinctions, including the “Senior Housing News Executive to Watch 2025″ and ” Schneps Media’s 2025 Long Island Press Power List.” Her commitment to mentorship and leadership development inspires those around her, as she actively supports and guides future leaders in their professional journeys.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s in Healthcare Administration from Post University. She extends her expertise beyond senior living by serving on multiple boards, including the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. Amy also contributes her knowledge in advisory roles with esteemed organizations such as the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures and Ability Beyond’s Mission Validation Board.
Amy Silva-Magalhaes is an accomplished executive leader with a wealth of experience in both senior care and hospitality. Amy brings a compassionate, forward-thinking approach to her leadership, fostering a strong culture of collaboration and excellence. Her dedication to resident-centered care and building cohesive, empowered teams has contributed to the growth and success of every organization she has served.
Her leadership philosophy centers on building meaningful connections and delivering impactful results. Her talent for building cohesive teams promotes open communication and active engagement, creating an environment that prioritizes personalized care and sustainable growth. With a foundation in the hospitality industry, including experience with esteemed brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and
Starwood, Amy brings a service-driven perspective that enhances her approach to senior living.
Beyond operational excellence, she is a recognized thought leader in the senior living sector, having received various distinctions, including the “Senior Housing News Executive to Watch 2025″ and ” Schneps Media’s 2025 Long Island Press Power List.” Her commitment to mentorship and leadership development inspires those around her, as she actively supports and guides future leaders in their professional journeys.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s in Healthcare Administration from Post University. She extends her expertise beyond senior living by serving on multiple boards, including the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. Amy also contributes her knowledge in advisory roles with esteemed organizations such as the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures and Ability Beyond’s Mission Validation Board.
Amy Silva-Magalhaes is an accomplished executive leader with a wealth of experience in both senior care and hospitality. Amy brings a compassionate, forward-thinking approach to her leadership, fostering a strong culture of collaboration and excellence. Her dedication to resident-centered care and building cohesive, empowered teams has contributed to the growth and success of every organization she has served.
Her leadership philosophy centers on building meaningful connections and delivering impactful results. Her talent for building cohesive teams promotes open communication and active engagement, creating an environment that prioritizes personalized care and sustainable growth. With a foundation in the hospitality industry, including experience with esteemed brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and
Starwood, Amy brings a service-driven perspective that enhances her approach to senior living.
Beyond operational excellence, she is a recognized thought leader in the senior living sector, having received various distinctions, including the “Senior Housing News Executive to Watch 2025″ and ” Schneps Media’s 2025 Long Island Press Power List.” Her commitment to mentorship and leadership development inspires those around her, as she actively supports and guides future leaders in their professional journeys.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s in Healthcare Administration from Post University. She extends her expertise beyond senior living by serving on multiple boards, including the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. Amy also contributes her knowledge in advisory roles with esteemed organizations such as the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures and Ability Beyond’s Mission Validation Board.
Contact The Bristal
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about The Bristal. Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. While you’re here, you can also request a brochure or schedule a visit at one of our luxury communities, and we’ll follow up with a phone call or email.
Meet Alaina Hoschke
Registered Dietitian
A registered dietitian with a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition, Alaina Hoschke, MS, RD, CDN adds more than just a dash of expertise to our Dining Services team. She has a solid background in clinical nutritional therapy covering a range of specialties – including geriatrics – allowing The Bristal to better serve residents with special dietary needs.
Her responsibilities include menu planning for regular and modified diets throughout The Bristal communities, as well as conducting ongoing education for staff and residents. She also spearheaded The Bristal’s Taste of the Season program, which encourages residents and staff alike to try new and interesting ingredients.
Experiences
Types of Internships at The Bristal Assisted Living
The Bristal has a wide variety of opportunities for interns – we offer both semester and summer internships. Whether you are looking to complete university credit, or gain professional experience of your own, The Bristal welcomes all internship varieties. Students needing clinical hours for university credit are welcomed, too.
At the end of one’s program, there are countless career paths that exist for interns to potentially become influential and successful team members within our communities.
Internship opportunities exist within the following departments of our communities:
- Resident Services (LPN/HHA/RN)
- Recreation
- Community Relations (Marketing & Sales)
- Reflections (Memory Care)
- Maintenance
- Housekeeping
- Administration
- Case Management
- Food, Beverage, and Dining
- Corporate Marketing
The Benefits of Assisted Living
There are many benefits to assisted living. Here are just a few
Before your visit, we’ll ask a few questions to learn more about you. That way, we can show the parts of our community that will interest you the most – like our cinema, art studio, or fitness center. Whatever you want to see, we’ll make it happen!
Before your visit, we’ll ask a few questions to learn more about you. That way, we can show the parts of our community that will interest you the most – like our cinema, art studio, or fitness center. Whatever you want to see, we’ll make it happen!
Before your visit, we’ll ask a few questions to learn more about you. That way, we can show the parts of our community that will interest you the most – like our cinema, art studio, or fitness center. Whatever you want to see, we’ll make it happen!
Before your visit, we’ll ask a few questions to learn more about you. That way, we can show the parts of our community that will interest you the most – like our cinema, art studio, or fitness center. Whatever you want to see, we’ll make it happen!
Before your visit, we’ll ask a few questions to learn more about you. That way, we can show the parts of our community that will interest you the most – like our cinema, art studio, or fitness center. Whatever you want to see, we’ll make it happen!
Before your visit, we’ll ask a few questions to learn more about you. That way, we can show the parts of our community that will interest you the most – like our cinema, art studio, or fitness center. Whatever you want to see, we’ll make it happen!
These Programs Are Offered by Us, but They’re Built by You
They are rooted in The Bristal’s commitment to always place residents at the center of the experiences we offer. Our Signature Programs are constantly evolving thanks to resident feedback.
Hands-On & Hearts-In: Staff Sensitivity Training Program
At The Bristal, we implemented Hands-On & Hearts-In®, a comprehensive sensitivity training program, to better understand the challenges our residents may be experiencing day-to-day.
Through this program, our staff becomes that much more sensitive to our residents’ varying degrees of ability and capacity. It makes for more compassionate decision making and more realistic goal setting — all of which results in better care, happier days, and improved quality of life for our residents.
Hands-On & Hearts-In: Staff Sensitivity Training Program
At The Bristal, we implemented Hands-On & Hearts-In®, a comprehensive sensitivity training program, to better understand the challenges our residents may be experiencing day-to-day.
Through this program, our staff becomes that much more sensitive to our residents’ varying degrees of ability and capacity. It makes for more compassionate decision making and more realistic goal setting — all of which results in better care, happier days, and improved quality of life for our residents.
Hands-On & Hearts-In: Staff Sensitivity Training Program
At The Bristal, we implemented Hands-On & Hearts-In®, a comprehensive sensitivity training program, to better understand the challenges our residents may be experiencing day-to-day.
Through this program, our staff becomes that much more sensitive to our residents’ varying degrees of ability and capacity. It makes for more compassionate decision making and more realistic goal setting — all of which results in better care, happier days, and improved quality of life for our residents.
Hands-On & Hearts-In: Staff Sensitivity Training Program
At The Bristal, we implemented Hands-On & Hearts-In®, a comprehensive sensitivity training program, to better understand the challenges our residents may be experiencing day-to-day.
Through this program, our staff becomes that much more sensitive to our residents’ varying degrees of ability and capacity. It makes for more compassionate decision making and more realistic goal setting — all of which results in better care, happier days, and improved quality of life for our residents.
More About Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than five million Americans. Find answers to some common questions about the disease here.
Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?
If your parent has Alzheimer’s , it doesn’t mean that you’ll get it, too. A variety of factors have an impact on your risk for developing the disease. Even those who carry particular associated genes aren’t guaranteed to have it.
Stages of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is typically classified into three stages: Early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). As the disease progresses, people have more trouble with memory, daily tasks, and the ability to think logically.
Who Needs Assisted Living?
- The best way to decide if an assisted living community is the right fit is by seeing it in person. Choose your list of communities to tour based on the results of your research and any correspondence you’ve had with them.
- Most communities offer online scheduling for a tour, and the best ones will allow you to observe different programs and areas to get the best picture of a regular day at the property. Ask about visiting during a planned event or mealtime, talk to current residents and staff, and ask about any other specifics that are important to you while you are there.
- Bring along a notebook for writing down your thoughts and observations during your visit, as well as for keeping track of questions you want to ask.
- If you can, visit a community more than once, which will allow you to get the best picture of life there. If you are looking for a parent or loved one, revisit with the potential residents – they’re going to be the one living there, and their feedback is important. During the visits, discussing the costs and contract options will also be important. Make sure you completely understand the way they’re laid out – and if you don’t, just ask.
- Is housework becoming a little too overwhelming for your loved one? Do you feel they would benefit from socializing more within a community? Do they struggle with one or more ADLs each day? Would having their meals prepared and served restaurant-style each day make their life easier? Would you rest easier knowing that your parent is in a place where there is always someone there for them?
Touring Assisted Living Communities
- The best way to decide if an assisted living community is the right fit is by seeing it in person. Choose your list of communities to tour based on the results of your research and any correspondence you’ve had with them.
- Most communities offer online scheduling for a tour, and the best ones will allow you to observe different programs and areas to get the best picture of a regular day at the property. Ask about visiting during a planned event or mealtime, talk to current residents and staff, and ask about any other specifics that are important to you while you are there.
- Bring along a notebook for writing down your thoughts and observations during your visit, as well as for keeping track of questions you want to ask.
- If you can, visit a community more than once, which will allow you to get the best picture of life there. If you are looking for a parent or loved one, revisit with the potential residents – they’re going to be the one living there, and their feedback is important. During the visits, discussing the costs and contract options will also be important. Make sure you completely understand the way they’re laid out – and if you don’t, just ask.
- Is housework becoming a little too overwhelming for your loved one? Do you feel they would benefit from socializing more within a community? Do they struggle with one or more ADLs each day? Would having their meals prepared and served restaurant-style each day make their life easier? Would you rest easier knowing that your parent is in a place where there is always someone there for them?
During the tour, make note of these things.
- What is the surrounding neighborhood like?
- What is the security like, both for the community as a whole and for the individual living areas?
- How did the staff greet you when you arrived?
- Are the staff and residents engaged with each other?
- Is the community clean and well-kept?
- What kinds of programs are happening? Does there appear to be information available about upcoming ones?
- Are the residents dressed properly for the time of day and the weather?
- Does the suite or apartment you are shown look like the right size space for your loved one?
- What kind of background checks do the staff members go through before they are hired?
- Do staff members receive ongoing training?
- Are residents allowed to have overnight or dinner guests?
- Are there restricted hours for visiting?
- What are the meals like? Can residents eat throughout the day if they need to?
