Summary
Dorothy Obrycka never expected volunteering at a senior living community would change her life. Her transformation from fashion stylist to passionate Life Guidance Director shows how a career in senior living can become something much more meaningful than just a job.
Sometimes the most meaningful careers find us when we least expect them. Just ask Dorothy Obrycka, Life Guidance Director at Atria Park of Lynbrook. Her journey from fashion stylist to memory care leader proves that passion can bloom in the most unexpected places.
When you know you belong
Born and raised in Warsaw, Dorothy spent her first decade in America working in fashion. But a chance to volunteer at a senior living community changed everything. “One day they asked me to go to memory care for just a few minutes,” she recalls. “Once I stepped in, that was it. I never wanted to go back. Sometimes you walk into a place, and you just know you belong.”
That moment of recognition launched a decade-long career in memory care – nine years at her previous community before joining Atria Park of Lynbrook a year and a half ago. What drew her to Atria? The chance to make changes she’d always envisioned.
Beyond traditional caregiving
As Life Guidance Director, Dorothy wears many hats. “I really do everything. I’m a director and a caregiver – and if I need to vacuum the floor, I vacuum the floor,” she says with a smile. But her role goes far beyond basic tasks. She provides customer service and emotional support to families, leads staff education and creates innovative programs that set her community apart.
Her office wall tells the story: It’s dedicated to displaying opportunities for extra courses and certifications her staff can pursue. “I’m very big on education,” she says. “We want to be top notch. This is why my staff is with me – we share that passion.”
Innovation that makes a difference
What sets Atria Park of Lynbrook apart? The little extras that make a big impact:
Wine and cheese nights: Monthly gatherings where families connect with each other while learning about dementia care from Alzheimer’s Association experts
Dignified recreation: Regular-sized golf equipment and a ping-pong table help residents maintain muscle memory and preserve dignity through familiar movement
For residents with more care needs, there’s “Baby Atriana” – a realistic baby doll that helps establish daily routines. “They feed her, burp her, put her to sleep…” Dorothy explains. “We find positive links to help them with everyday challenges.”
These aren’t just activities – they’re meaningful ways for residents to reconnect with their abilities, their memories and each other.
Building community, not just providing care
Dorothy’s approach goes beyond individual resident care. She’s created a true community where families support each other. She began by personally calling every family, making herself available around the clock.
“Families need to know each other,” she says. “When they come and say, ‘Hey, how are you? How’s your mom?’ it brings that strong sense of community.” This philosophy extends to elaborate shadow box projects where families work together to create memory displays, and beach trips that show what’s possible with dedicated teamwork.
The Atria advantage
What makes working at Atria special? According to Dorothy, it’s the support system and quality standards. “I worked for a different company that didn’t have quality enhancement,” she notes. “I know what was there, and I know what is here. We hold our residents’ lives in our hands. If we choose to make their day great and safe – that’s the day they will have.”
The proof is in the results: 25 personal letters and testimonials from families, compiled in a leather portfolio that tells the story of exceptional care. Many letters are handwritten, arriving by regular mail – a testament to the deep appreciation families feel.
A place to grow
For Dorothy, the most rewarding part isn’t just the work itself – it’s helping her team recognize their value. “I always tell the staff: Be proud of where you work. Be proud of your skills. You have the best training. Extra certificates. You can proudly say you work in one of the best memory care communities anywhere.”
She trains her team not just in dementia care, but also in diplomacy and customer service. “We train our team in how to talk to families and how to keep calm, cool and collected in stressful situations. That’s core to reaching the high level of being the best in the field.”
Build your future with us
Dorothy’s story shows what’s possible when your work aligns with your passion. At Atria, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer careers that empower you to make a difference in people’s lives while continuing to grow.
Make your next step one that matters. Whether you’re new to senior living or a seasoned pro, there’s a place for you at Atria.