Thanks to our generous donors, life at Pines of Sarasota is filled with care, comfort, and joy—for residents and staff alike. From ensuring that residents who’ve outlived their resources can stay in the place they call home to providing early learning for staff members’ children, your support makes a direct impact every day.
As a Unit Manager at Pines of Sarasota, Brianna Rogers, RN, carries a deep belief at the heart of her work—seniors deserve to keep living life to the fullest, no matter their age or circumstances.
“I like to remind myself that all the residents here had a whole life before here. They were a kid once, a teenager, married with kids, a mom, a dad. I want them to keep living life and enjoying themselves, and we try to accommodate their lifestyle,” Brianna shares.
Brianna leads a team of 20 staff members who provide care in rehab, long-term care, and memory care, an area known as The Hammocks. Meeting residents where they are is especially important in the Hammocks, which is designed as a secure, welcoming space.
“It lets them feel like they are home where they would walk around. We have an atrium that looks like a park; residents go there after every meal to look at the grass. They feel like they’re outside—and it’s safe,” Brianna says.
That kind of thoughtful care is what helped Pines of Sarasota recently earn a Five-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services—the highest rating possible for quality and patient outcomes.
Brianna says proudly, “We worked hard to earn that. The rating makes me confident working here, that we are known for providing exceptional care. The residents and their family feel assured that they are in good hands.”
Her own family has also found a special connection to Pines. Each morning before starting her workday, Brianna drops off her four-year-old son Zealand and her 14-month-old son Madden at The Learning Tree, the early learning center on the Pines campus.
“I can literally look out the window and watch them on the playground,” she says. “It’s so convenient.” She’s also thrilled at the quality of the education. “My son has learned so much, it’s insane. I ask, ‘how did you know that? I didn’t teach you that!’”
To the donors who make The Learning Tree possible, Brianna is deeply grateful to be able to balance work and family: “Thank you for giving my kids a safe, fun place every day. It lets me care for my residents knowing my children are cared for too.”
She also reflects on the importance of the Pines Mission Fund, which supports residents who have outlived their resources: “It shows families that we won’t give up on you. We truly care about your well-being—and want you to keep living a good life here.” For Brianna, being part of the Pines is more than a job—it’s about family, dignity, and making sure every resident can keep living life with joy, comfort, and care.
