River Garden Names Mary Dacorta as 2022 Minnie Schreiber Leadership Award Recipient

L'DOR V'DOR

By Kelli Keeley, River Garden Senior Services

For almost twenty years, Mary DaCorta has been an integral part of the Social Services team at River Garden. Throughout her tenure, she has been an advocate for River Garden residents and has helped countless families navigate the challenges of elder care with grace.

The late Minnie Schreiber, for whom the award is named, was River Garden’s board president from 1974-76 and remained a board member until her passing in 2010. Schrieber was passionate about the welfare of staff and in her honor the board established this annual award.

Mary joined River Garden in 2004. She had grown up in New York City, New York, but to escape the snow, Mary relocated to Florida where she earned a Master’s Degree from Florida State University. Before joining River Garden, she worked in mental health and for Community Hospice.

Mary’s portrait will be on display in the Price Welcome Center at River Garden throughout all of 2022.

Since joining River Garden, Mary has worked primarily with the Memory Care families. Families and colleagues describe Mary as “caring, kind, and a consummate professional.” Fittingly, one of Mary’s favorite quotes is “Kindness is contagious.”

Mary is the proud mother of two sons, Logan and Liam. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, reading, and spending time with Bear, the family dog. Prior to the pandemic, Mary regularly volunteered at an area food pantry.

When asked why Mary has been a steadfast member of the River Garden staff , Mary replied, “I’ve stayed at River Garden because I know that this agency can be counted on to make decisions in the best interest of the residents it serves. River Garden is a community that feels like family and it has a unique culture that strives for excellence.”