When Meagan Devine-Collazo first joined Atria, she had her heart set on a role in wellness. A nursing major at the time, she expected to follow that path – but her director saw something else in her.
“He said, ‘No, we’re going to start you in Engage Life,’” Meagan recalls.
Engage Life® is Atria’s events and engagement program, built around six dimensions of well-being: physical, social, spiritual, civic, creative and intellectual. It’s designed to help residents stay active, connected and fulfilled – whether by rediscovering old passions or exploring new ones.
Despite her initial reservations, within six months Meagan was promoted to Engage Life Director. Seventeen years and three Atria communities later, she says she’s found her home at Atria on Roslyn Harbor.
A purpose-driven position
For nearly two decades, Meagan has found her purpose through helping others find theirs.
“I’m always learning,” she says. “Every day I connect with someone new; residents, families, staff. And I get to help people grow and try new things.”
She sees the Engage Life program as more than entertainment – it’s a lifeline. Many older adults who choose to stay in their longtime homes may find themselves isolated, especially after losing a spouse, giving up driving or dealing with mobility challenges.
“The biggest enemy is your four walls,” Meagan tells residents. “Even just sitting in a common space, seeing people, being greeted – it can lift your spirits.”
Adult children sometimes worry their parents won’t want to participate, but Meagan says they often just need the right opportunity.
Variety is the spice of life
Every day, the community’s calendar is packed, and that’s exactly how Meagan wants it. She says her biggest challenge is finding enough time for all the events and programs, and jokes that some residents say there’s too much going on. Her response? Choice is powerful.
“Some people spent their whole lives raising kids or working full-time,” Meagan says. “They didn’t have the opportunity to discover that they love painting. Now they can.”
Whether residents are trying tai chi for the first time or taking the initiative to teach their peers a new skill, Meagan is there to create space for each of those opportunities.
On any given day, Atria on Roslyn Harbor residents can find balance in tai chi class, connect during book club and enjoy a game of mahjong.
Role model in residence
Meagan sees many residents open up as they embrace community life, but JoJo stands out in particular.
When JoJo and her husband first moved to Atria on Roslyn Harbor, she was focused on being his caregiver and the two kept to themselves in their apartment. Meagan gently encouraged her to take small breaks – to get coffee, check the mail or join a program here and there.
“She started coming down more regularly, and she just blossomed,” says Meagan. “She began leading music classes, playing piano for others and welcoming new residents. She became one of our strongest ambassadors.”
Resident Ambassadors like JoJo play a big role in helping new residents feel at home. They invite others to meals, attend programs together and encourage those who may be hesitant to try something new – something JoJo knows the value of personally.
“I always wanted to perform,” JoJo admits after one of her regular community recitals. By now, her fellow residents are accustomed to hearing her play, but she rehearsed for nearly 70 years before realizing her dream of sharing her music with an audience.
Between the friends, the encouragement, the food and the caring staff, JoJo says, “I mean, why wouldn’t I love it here?”
A second family
Meagan has spent the last six years at Atria on Roslyn Harbor – years that have included important milestones in her own life.
“My daughter is six, so I was pregnant with her here,” she says. “Our residents went through the whole experience with me. They’ve become like family. My daughter has a lot of adopted grandparents,” she adds with a laugh.
That bond has only deepened with the recent birth of her second daughter. “They’ve now shared that journey with me too,” she says.
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