"I Have 118 Grandparents.”

The moment Tammy Marano steps into the bustling common areas of Stamford Estates each morning, residents call out to her by name. They notice when she changes her hairstyle and playfully lament her rare days off.

“Tammy, if you’re not here, I’m leaving!” residents often joke when she returns from a rare day off. After 16 years with Atria Retirement Canada, Tammy, the community’s Hospitality Manager, is more than a familiar face – she’s become an essential part of the community. “I always say I have 118 grandparents,” Tammy shares with a smile. “Not ‘I have 118 seniors I take care of.’ I’m lucky. I’ve got that many people who care about me every day.”

The difference genuine relationships make

When choosing a senior living community, the brochures can showcase the buildings, but it’s the people inside who truly make the difference. For Tammy, working at Atria isn’t just about tasks and schedules – it’s about authentic connections.

“They treat me like I’m their daughter or granddaughter,” she says of the residents. “We really are a family here.”

Being there when it matters most

What makes Stamford Estates special is how people support each other through both celebrations and difficult moments. When residents need someone to talk to or a friendly face, having someone who genuinely cares makes all the difference.

“When someone’s going through something tough, I sit with them, talk with them and stay until they feel better,” Tammy explains. “That’s just what we do here.”

It’s this level of dedication and compassion that creates a sense of security for residents and their families. Knowing that they’re surrounded by people who treat them like family brings tremendous peace of mind.

Easing the transition to community living

Moving to a senior living community represents a significant life change. Tammy understands the anxiety that can accompany this transition and takes special care to help new residents settle in.

“A lot of new people come in and they feel that they’re going to feel at home on the very first day,” she observes. “Some residents take a little bit more time. So those are the ones that we help a little bit more.”

That first meal in the dining room can be particularly intimidating – like the first day of school all over again. Tammy pairs new residents with others who share similar interests, helping to forge connections right from the start.

“You don’t want to sit at a meal and not talk,” she explains. “You come down from your apartment to the dining room to socialize.”

Making every day meaningful

Our team members make time for what matters.

“Sometimes residents say to me, ‘Oh Tammy, you’re so busy... you don’t have time for me,’ and I tell them, ‘I have time. I’ll always have time for you. And they make time for me too.’”

Whether it’s celebrating the news of a great-grandchild, having an impromptu coffee to brighten a difficult day or simply pausing in the hallway for a conversation, these moments of connection create the sense of security and belonging that define real community. Tammy’s approach doesn’t happen by accident. At Atria, we foster a culture where compassion and attentiveness are valued highly as professional skills. It’s what sets our people apart.

“I come in every day and try to put a smile on as many faces as I can,” Tammy says. “The joy I get from these interactions is incredible. The residents brighten my day just as much as I hope to brighten theirs.”

Finding your place in our community

When you’re exploring senior living options for yourself or someone you love, we invite you to look beyond the amenities and ask about the people. Ask to meet the team members who will be part of daily life. Watch how they interact with current residents.

As Tammy’s story shows, the right community isn’t just about having a comfortable place to live – it’s about finding a place where you’re truly seen, valued and embraced as family.

We’d love to welcome you to Atria and show you what makes our communities special places to call home.