James Brassard MBA, CDP
Community Relations Director
James Brassard is a combat veteran who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. After exiting the military, he continued his education, which culminated with his MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University. Throughout his career in Senior Living, James has been responsible for two successful startup communities, one which he not only helped open but has also recently helped with its transition from Inspired Living to Palm Bay Memory Care. As the Community Relations Director, he serves the aging population with knowledge, experience, understanding and integrity. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family, and also gives back to our younger generation as a College Professor. He has also started a non-profit organization that hosts golf tournaments to raise money and awareness for those with dementia in Brevard County. James makes himself available 24 hours a day and has a deep passion and desire to help those with whom he comes in contact.
Michele Lyon, CDP
Executive Director
Michele returned back to school in 2010 to complete her degree. During her internship, she was fortunate to be placed with the most amazing mentor, Charlotte Willis, PH.D., LCSW, FAACS. As mentors go, Charlotte was the best. She taught Michele that the most important thing was to always keep learning, surround yourself with people who want the best for others, and most important, to be relatable. One of things Charlotte stressed was that if you were perfect, people would be hesitant to share their stories or be vulnerable or ask for help, whereas if they could see you were just a person like them, then you could create an actual connection and make a difference.
Michele has the outlook of mistakes create opportunity. As long as you are learning and growing from your mistakes, then there was a reason those mistakes happened. During her career, Michele has grown through the ranks in senior living. She started as a program assistant and is now working as the executive director. Michele feels that the most important part of her job is to create relationships with the residents, families and staff members that choose to make her community home.
