Guy bought The Elms in 1985 when it was a “sheltered care facility” and had only 12 rooms and 3 residents. Soon afterwards, he recognized the need and the opportunity to serve the region with a Premier Assisted Living Community. Under Guy’s watchful eye, The Elms has experienced five expansions and now boasts 74 suites in a variety of configurations. In December of 2000, The Carriage House at The Elms, the regions only stand alone community dedicated to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias opened its doors and earned national recognition for it’s good works on behalf of its residents. This summer, Guy opened the Chestnut Cottage on The Elms’ campus, his second community dedicated to Alzheimer’s/ dementia care with the capacity to serve 30 residents.

In 1997 after a very succesful career in Broadcast Management and Marketing, Bob came to The Elms. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Elms, The Carriage House and Chestnut Cottage which just recently opened. Bob is a State Certified Administrator and he has been recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association as a Master Trainer in the field of Alzheimer’s care. The Assisted Living Federation of America has recognized Bob as a Champion of Assisted Living in 2007, '08, '09, '10 and 2011. Bob has also been recognized by his High School in Dedham, Massachusetts as their Outstanding Alumni for 2011.

Carolyn is another member of our staff that was recognized nationally by The Assisted Living Federation of America. She serves as The Nurse Manager of The Carriage House and our new Chestnut Cottage that will open this Spring. Both of these communities are dedicated to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Prior to joining us she served as Supervisor at The Institute of Mental Health in Rhode Island, she became a psycho-geriatric nurse specialist while at The Providence Health Center and most recently was the Psychiatric Nurse for Visiting Nurse Home Care. Carolyn has been recognized by The Alzheimer’s Association as a Master Trainer in the area of Alzheimer’s Care. Carolyn has earned the respect and admiration of her staff, the health care community, our residents and their families.

Suzanne has been a dedicated nurse for 30 years and has served as a vital member of The Carriage House staff since 2001. Suzanne came to us from Bradenton, Florida where she served the residents at The Shores Assisted Living Community and she has also served the region locally as a Nurse at The Westerly Hospital. Suzanne's special training in Alzheimer's and dementia care earned her the opportunity to serve as a Charge Nurse at The Carriage House for nearly the past 10 years. She is an inspiration to her staff as a leader and as a trainer and she is respected, loved and admired by our residents and their families.


Pat joined the Carriage House team in 2002 as a per diem nurse while continuing to work at the Westerly Hospital. She eventually retired from the hospital but not after completing 40 years of employ there. We are happy that she came on board as our new Chestnut Cottage Charge Nurse. Pat resides in Groton, CT but considers Westerly to be her home.

" On rare and special occassions, you are fortunate to meet people that you realize were destined to do the job they do. Patty Hackney, our Activities Director at The Carriage House and Chestnut Cottage is indeed one of those special people.
After raising her three daughters, Patty gained her experience in her field as The Actvities Coordinator at Westerly Adult Day Services. Since joining our family in February of 2011, Patty has proven herself to be an invaluable asset. Patty and her team coordinate meaningful activities and events for our residents that goes a long way to provide them the quality of life they deserve. From music and dancing to special craft projects and intergenerational programs, Patty's hands on approach insures all of our residents enjoy their day, everyday."