Gov Business Review: Awards Ranking

Elder Care Review presents the Top 10 Memory Care Directors 2026, honoring leaders who are redefining recovery, mobility, and long-term well-being for older adults. These directors blend clinical expertise with empathy, designing programs that restore independence, build strength, and enhance quality of life. Their commitment to innovation and personalized care makes rehabilitation not just a service but a pathway to dignity, confidence, and renewed possibility.     

Top 10 Memory Care Directors - 2026

Gretchen Pace, Director of Memory Care and Activity Support,Aperion Care

Gretchen Pace began her career in Alzheimer’s care at Golden LivingCenters, building a foundation in dementia support before moving into business development at Aperion Care.

Memory Care Director, The Arbor Company

Alison Liquori is an events and community engagement professional with experience in senior living and memory care initiatives. Associated with The Arbor Company, she brings a strong background in event coordination, resident engagement and community outreach. With certifications in meetings, events and dementia care, she is passionate about creating meaningful experiences and supportive environments.

Memory care director, Trilogy Health Services

Kellie Williams is a communications and leadership professional known for her work with the International Association of Business Communicators. With expertise spanning strategic communication, organizational leadership and industry engagement, she actively supports professional development initiatives, mentorship programs and award platforms while championing collaboration, innovation and meaningful community impact across organizations.

Memory Care Director, Sonida Senior Living

Kelsi Knoll is a memory care professional at Sonida Senior Living with a strong focus on resident-centered support and community engagement. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, she combines public health knowledge, leadership skills and event coordination experience to create meaningful, compassionate experiences for seniors and their families.

Memory Care Director, Claiborne Senior Living

Carlie Sylve is a senior living professional associated with Claiborne Senior Living, with experience spanning community engagement, employee relations and operational support. Passionate about leadership and workplace culture, she advocates for employee appreciation, team development and compassionate care while contributing to positive resident experiences and strong organizational environments.

Director of Memory Care, Carlton Senior Living

Audrey Wulff is a human resources professional with expertise in employee engagement, talent development and workplace culture. Holding the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification, she is passionate about building people-focused organizations, supporting professional growth and fostering collaborative work environments that strengthen employee experience and organizational success.

Memory Care Director, Legend Senior Living

Devon Fleck is a senior living and memory care professional at Legend Senior Living with expertise in resident engagement, dementia care and activity programming. A certified Activity Director and Duquesne University graduate, she is passionate about creating supportive, enriching environments that enhance quality of life for seniors through compassionate leadership and meaningful community experiences.

Memory Care Director, WellQuest Living

Oana Tamas Agostinelli is a senior living professional with experience at WellQuest Living, focused on leadership, resident care and community engagement. Passionate about compassionate service and team development, she advocates for supportive workplace culture, meaningful senior experiences and continuous learning while actively contributing to volunteer and wellness-driven community initiatives.

Director of Memory Care & Engagement, Priority Life Care

Craig Rukande is a senior living and dementia care professional with leadership experience at Priority Life Care. A certified dementia practitioner, validation teacher and leadership coach, he is passionate about servant leadership, resident wellbeing and community support, actively advocating for compassionate care, team empowerment and meaningful engagement in senior living environments.

Memory Care Director, Belmont Village

Gabriel Gabaldon is a registered nurse and senior living professional associated with Belmont Village Senior Living. With expertise in dementia care, elderly wellness and resident engagement, he is committed to compassionate healthcare delivery and community support. His background combines clinical care, leadership training and volunteer service focused on improving seniors’ quality of life.