Recognized for her ability to connect with seniors and their families, Gabriela Pessoni, MHA, CADDCT, has built an esteemed reputation in the senior living field over the last 10 years. Currently serving as the regional director of sales and marketing at Priority Life Care — a role she began in 2025 — she assists seniors in identifying optimal living arrangements that enhance their quality of life. Ms. Pessoni’s responsibilities include overseeing sales strategies, guiding families through the decision-making process and ensuring that each interaction leaves a positive impact on those seeking senior living solutions. She prioritizes helping families understand the benefits of maintenance-free lifestyles and the opportunities available within senior living communities.
Ms. Pessoni initially joined Priority Life Care in 2024 as a regional sales specialist, quickly earning a reputation for increasing occupancy rates and improving the perception of senior living options. Prior to this, she held the title of associate executive director and senior sales and marketing director at Senior Living Management, where she was responsible for developing comprehensive marketing campaigns and training staff in best practices for resident engagement. Ms. Pessoni expanded her experience as assistant general manager at Drury Hotels, life enrichment director and assistant executive director at American House Senior Living Communities, and manager of the Baldwin House through American House Senior Living Communities. Her professional journey began in 2015 as a caregiver at Waltonwood, followed by a short tenure as an administrative assistant intern at Rivertown Assisted Living — early experiences that gave her firsthand insight into seniors’ needs and laid the foundation for her subsequent leadership roles.
During the early years of her vocational path, Ms. Pessoni sought a strong education to build upon. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in long-term care administration from Madonna University in 2017. Subsequently, Ms. Pessoni earned a Master of Hospital Administration from Colorado State University Global in 2021. She has further backed up her credentials through a wide range of certifications, including in aging and older adults through Madonna University; as a dementia practitioner and an Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care trainer through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners; in initiating and planning projects, managing project risks and changes, and budgeting and scheduling projects through the University of California, Irvine; in essential strategies and skills for successful negotiation through the University of Michigan; and in how to be an inclusive leader through LinkedIn.
Throughout her career, Ms. Pessoni has been supported via active membership in National Memory Care. She attributes her success to having a genuine, caring heart and taking time to understand the unique needs of seniors. Ms. Pessoni has also leveraged the strong operational expertise developed across her professional life. Her transition into sales allowed her to further advocate for the autonomy of senior citizens by presenting them with options that empower decision-making during later stages of life. Ms. Pessoni remains passionate about serving the elderly population, stemming from a deep respect for their contributions to society. She believes it is vital that seniors feel fulfilled and have opportunities to live their best lives — values that continue to guide her work within senior living communities.
Long dedicated to civic advocacy, Ms. Pessoni has enriched her community in a number of capacities. She served as a driver offering supplemental assistance through Meals on Wheels America in 2016. While attending Madonna University, Ms. Pessoni helped other students as a notetaker. In 2021, she became a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success through Colorado State University Global.
In addition to her career, Ms. Pessoni loves traveling and learning new languages. She speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish fluently and is currently learning Italian. She also devotes time to reconnecting with her family through phone calls to her home country of Brazil.
Looking to her future, Ms. Pessoni is pursuing the ambitious goal of expanding her expertise in senior living even further. She aims to dispel misconceptions about the industry and reduce barriers associated with decision-making for seniors and their families. Ms. Pessoni is committed to reshaping public perceptions of senior living while inspiring other professionals to enter the field. More than anything, she hopes her contributions will prove meaningful for future generations.