Our Team at BrightStar® Senior Living Mason

Our Team

Our amenities, activities and programs make BrightStar Senior Living an exceptional place to live. Our staff make it feel like home.

Learn more about our dedicated team of professionals at our community.

  • Wendy Lastivka

    Sales and Marketing Director
    Wendy is a seasoned professional in the senior living industry, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for enhancing the lives of seniors through quality care and support. With over 25 years of dedicated service in senior living, she has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the unique needs and preferences of our senior population. Her career journey has equipped her with comprehensive knowledge in sales strategies, marketing, and customer relationship management within the assisted living sector. Wendy is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of care and service in the assisted living industry. Her role extends beyond sales; she is dedicated to ensuring that every resident receives compassionate, personalized care that enhances their quality of life.
    Wendy and her husband John, have 2 daughters, Cassandra and Taylor. She is an advocate for diabetes, elder abuse, and animal rights. She has coached young women in Lacrosse and softball. She enjoys all sports and supports her daughter’s coaching of ONU’s women’s basketball and her other daughter’s pursuit of her master’s in psychology.  She has a houseful of animals she and John have rescued.
     

  • Brenda O’Connor

    Reception
    As the welcoming face of BrightStar Senior Living, Brenda O’Connor, is a dedicated and compassionate receptionist committed to providing a warm and supportive environment for residents and their families.
    With 40 years of experience in administrative roles, Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge in customer service and organizational efficiency to her role as a receptionist. Her primary focus is on creating a positive first impression for everyone who enters our community. Brenda understands the unique needs and challenges faced by seniors and their families, and she is devoted to ensuring that each interaction is handled with empathy, professionalism, and a genuine desire to assist.
    She is excited to contribute to the well-being of our assisted living community by being a reliable resource and a friendly face for residents and their families. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving others, we are honored to have Brenda as part of our team.
    My things I like doing is spending time with my family and my dogs and I love baking and giving them away.   
    Brenda loves spending time with her family and her dogs! She is an avid baker; you may get lucky one day and receive one of her homemade treats. Feel free to reach out to Brenda if you have any questions or if there's anything she can assist you with
     

  • Hanna Rosteck

    Resident Office Manager
    Hanna is a former resident of Great Falls, Montana, who has built a successful career in the field of Long-Term Care. She's a dedicated mother with two sons, aged 15 and 20. Hanna holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management, and she achieved the prestigious distinction of graduating Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University.
    With eight years of experience in Long Term Care, Hanna has held roles as a Business Office Manager and Social Worker. This background demonstrates her commitment to the well-being of individuals in long-term care facilities. She oversees the financial operations of our assisted living community, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and compliance with industry standards. Her proficiency in budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting plays a crucial role in maintaining the fiscal health of our facility. Hanna provides residents and their families with the support they need, addressing inquiries, and offering guidance to make their experience with the business office as smooth and stress-free as possible. She is committed to providing excellent customer service, both to internal stakeholders and external partners. By fostering positive relationships with vendors, residents, and their families, Hanna contributes to a harmonious and supportive community environment.
    Outside of her professional life, Hanna enjoys reading, delving into the world of true crime through podcasts, and enthusiastically supporting her child's football endeavors. These hobbies show her diverse interests and her strong support for her family.

  • Alexis Barker

    Director of Maintenance
    Alexis is a dedicated professional with a passion for both the great outdoors and live music. When not working in her role as a Maintenance Tech, where she's affectionately known as the "handy girl" by residents, Alexis can often be found at the beach, enjoying the sun and surf, or attending concerts to indulge her love for live music. With six years of experience in the assisted living and skilled facilities industry, Alexis has followed a diverse career path that includes roles such as receptionist, activities coordinator, and memory care specialist. Her journey reflects her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of seniors and her versatile skill set in this field.
    Maintenance is a collaborative effort, and Alexis works closely with fellow team members, caregivers, and administrative staff to create a seamless and efficient operation. Clear communication and teamwork are at the core of her approach to maintaining the high standards of our facility. As the Maintenance Technician she is honored to play a vital role in ensuring the physical well-being of our community. Alexis looks forward to continuing to contribute to the overall satisfaction of our residents by maintaining a welcoming, secure, and well-functioning living environment.
     At home, she shares her time with her beloved dog and cat, making every moment a memorable one.
     

  • Kellie Dempsey

    Life Enrichment Director
    Kellie is a dedicated Life Enrichment Director with an impressive 25-year tenure specializing in cognitive impairment. Armed with an associate degree in early childhood education, she has cultivated a wealth of experience and expertise in the nuanced field of dementia care. Kellie is not only a seasoned professional but also holds certifications as a Dementia Practitioner and a Dementia Support Group Facilitator, underscoring her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry best practices.
    Throughout her career, Kellie has consistently demonstrated a genuine passion and calling for enriching the lives of individuals grappling with dementia. Her unique blend of educational background and practical experience positions her as a compassionate advocate for those facing cognitive challenges. Kellie excels in creating supportive environments that prioritize the holistic well-being of residents, recognizing the importance of individualized care tailored to each person's unique needs.
    Driven by a profound commitment to her work, Kellie aspires to further elevate her impact within the field. Her overarching goal is to obtain an administrator's license, allowing her to assume a leadership role as an Executive Director. This aspiration speaks to her ambition to not only provide hands-on care but also to shape and influence the broader landscape of dementia care facilities.
    Kellie’s professional journey is characterized by unwavering dedication, continuous learning, and a heartfelt mission to enhance the quality of life for those affected by cognitive impairment. Her steadfast pursuit of excellence, coupled with her ambitious future goals, marks her as a standout professional in the realm of memory care and BrightStar is proud to have her as our Memory Care Coordinator.
     

  • Ray Recchia

    Director of Dining
    Ray is a highly experienced chef with a rich culinary background. As a first-generation American with Italian roots, he brings a deep connection to his family's culinary heritage. With over 27 years in the culinary industry, Ray has honed his skills and expertise in the art of cooking. He is "classically trained," which means he has a strong foundation in traditional culinary techniques that form the basis of many exquisite dishes.
    Ray's commitment to his craft is evident through his membership in the American Culinary Federation, a respected organization in the culinary world. This affiliation reflects his dedication to maintaining high standards and staying updated on the latest trends in the culinary industry.
    For a significant portion of his career, Ray served as a corporate chef, showcasing his ability to not only excel in the kitchen but also manage and lead culinary teams. This experience has provided him with valuable insights into the culinary business, including the importance of consistency, quality, and innovation.
    Ray's culinary specialties primarily revolve around Italian cuisine and pastries. His Italian roots likely contribute to his profound understanding of the flavors, techniques, and traditions that make Italian food so beloved worldwide. Whether it's crafting a perfect pasta dish, preparing a classic Italian dessert, or experimenting with innovative Italian-inspired creations, Ray's expertise shines through in every dish he creates.
    Ray is a seasoned chef with a strong background in Italian cuisine and pastries. His culinary journey, deep-rooted in his Italian heritage and classical training, has paved the way for a successful career in the culinary world. His dedication to the art of cooking, combined with his years of experience, positions him as a notable figure in the field.
     

Scheduled a Guided Visit

We look forward to welcoming you or your loved one to our community. Contact us to schedule a visit or call 608.849.2322 to learn why we’re a top choice among senior living communities.

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