Longtime Benchmark Associate to Lead The Branches of Marlboro

Christie Bavuso, CDP, began her career at Benchmark, a human connection company and leading provider of senior living services in the Northeast, more than 20 years ago when she was right out of high school. Now, she’s been selected to lead the next phase of the company’s growth as the assistant executive director for The Branches of Marlboro, a new Benchmark assisted living community opening this fall in Marlboro, Mass., on Route 85 between Marlborough High School and Charles Whitcomb Middle School. Bavuso will oversee the daily operations of the community working with senior executive director, Kelly Arnao.

The Branches of Marlboro will be Benchmark’s first in the Metrowest region. Featuring a collaborative design and flexible floor plans that encourages social interaction, the community is committed to keeping its residents, their family members and associates connected to who and what matters most in their lives.

Throughout her Benchmark career, Bavuso, who is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), has served residents at four communities, most recently as harbor care director for Benchmark Senior Living at Woburn in Woburn, Mass., where she directed the communities Mind & Memory approach for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She lives in Ayer, Mass., and is married with two teenagers and a basset hound puppy. In her free time she enjoys kickboxing and watching the New England Patriots.

“I knew right away by the interactions and the relationships that I made with everyone back in 2002 when I joined the company that this is where I belonged and I’ve never looked back. My passion is truly the people,” says Bavuso. “Being able to build relationships with families, care for the residents, and foster a sense of teamwork with the associates for a company that genuinely cares for everyone, is what drives me. It’s my purpose in life.”

Modeled on the success of The Branches of North Attleboro in North Attleboro, Mass., which has won three community and industry awards since opening, The Branches of Marlboro will deliver quality care and experiences to seniors and their families with a commitment to helping residents write their next chapter and stay connected to what’s meaningful and possible at every stage of their lives.

Along with flexible apartment floor plans, The Branches will offer amenities such as a spacious outdoor patio with farmers porch, fire pit, beauty salon, library, fitness center and bistro featuring all-day, restaurant-style dining. Personal care will be tailored to each individual and provided 24/7. Certified dementia practitioners will deliver award-winning programming for all stages of dementia and will be customized to each individual’s unique emotional, spiritual and physical needs. EOEA certification is pending.

Its sister community, The Branches of Framingham, will open in January, 2019.