January 13, 2025
Admissions Director at Leonard Florence Center For Living
Chances are that when you enter the Leonard Florence Center for Living, you’ll find Joyce Agri front and center, interacting with residents and families in the highly acclaimed skilled nursing facility. Joyce, who has been the Admissions Director at LFCL since 2015, started her career in nursing. “I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl,” explains Joyce. “It was my lifelong dream.”
Joyce grew up in Chelsea and attended Bay State College after high school, graduating with an Associate of Applied Science medical degree. Marrying shortly after graduation, Joyce decided not to pursue nursing for financial reasons. Instead, she worked in a lab in Cambridge before landing a medical assistant job at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary for Dr. William Montgomery, a world renowned otolaryngologist who specialized in vocal cords. Joyce enjoyed the fast-paced and fun environment. “During my years working for Dr. William Montgomery I was able to meet many well-known musicians,” says Joyce. “It was not unusual to have Jack Klugman, Whitney Houston, James Taylor and Billy Joel on the patient schedule!”
In 1992, Joyce pursued her dream by attending the Somerville Hospital School of Nursing due to the generosity of a very “special” person. She worked as an RN while busy raising three children: son Eddie, now 29 and a graduate of Salem State University with a degree in computer science; daughter Theresa, who is 27 and a graduate of Salem State University with a BSN and currently working in the Vent House at LFCL; and daughter Savannah, 20, who joined the family from China in 2011. Savannah will be graduating from Bunker Hill Community College this year with an associate degree in culinary arts. The family now includes two dogs, Duncan and Jax, and Smoochie, the cat, Duncan was the dog of a hospice patient; Jax was a rescue; Smoochie also belonged to a LFCL resident.
When Joyce entered the long-term care field in 2013, she knew she had found her calling. She became the Admissions Liaison at the local hospitals for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. The rest is, as they say, history. Joyce relished the work and from there it was a natural progression to be named Admission Director for the Leonard Florence Center. It is a role she loves and appreciates every single day.
For Joyce, the most gratifying part of her job is helping people. “It is so rewarding being able call a family member and tell them we have an opening,” explains Joyce. “We have a very lengthy waitlist for our ventilator unit and when I can call with a bed offer, the joy it brings me is overwhelming.”
The people at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare are a large part of why Joyce loves her job. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work for this absolutely amazing organization,” reflects Joyce. “Chelsea Jewish Lifecare works from the heart. We always put our residents and families first. I see how much Mr. Berman cares about our residents and our employees. He is a remarkable individual.” Joyce also expressed her admiration for Adam Berman. “I have such admiration for Adam. He is Intelligent, kind and is always willing to listen.” Joyce credits Betsy Mullen as being her true mentor.“ I have learned so much from Mrs. Mullen,” says Joyce. “She is always ready to help in any way she can.”
When asked about the organization’s culture, Joyce was quick to point out that she shares the same philosophy. “The Chelsea Jewish way aligns perfectly with my beliefs, values and morals,” said Joyce. “Actually, working at LFCL puts everything in my life in perspective. Now I don’t sweat the small stuff.” Adds Joyce, “I love where I work, who I work for and who I work with. It really is a perfect fit.”
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