The Gables of Fitchburg

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Our Team

Leadership

Our leadership team is made up of highly trained professional staff members and involved, dedicated members of the community who guide and shape our community. These passionate individuals are our greatest asset.

Rebecca Balagadde, Executive Director, EF Senior Care

With over 19 years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse and 14 years dedicated to assisted living, I bring a deep commitment to compassionate, resident-centered care. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of senior living settings, but none have matched the sense of home and community I’ve found at The Gables. The welcoming atmosphere, dedicated team, and remarkable residents make this an extraordinary place to both live and work. 
 
In my current role as Interim Executive Director, I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the community, supporting departmental collaboration, and fostering an environment where staff and residents alike feel valued and empowered. I believe that leadership in senior care is about more than just management—it’s about presence, connection, and purpose. 
 
At The Gables, our philosophy is simple: We don’t just want our residents to live—we want them to thrive. That guiding principle is what inspires me every day to create a community where every individual feels a true sense of belonging, dignity, and joy. 

Patricia Peterson, Marketing Director

With over 35 years of experience in elder care, I am deeply passionate about helping residents live their best, most fulfilling lives. Since joining The Gables in 2013, I’ve been honored to be part of a community that truly values compassion, dignity, and connection.

My journey in this field began in 1986, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many roles—from 20 years as a caregiver supporting families in deeply personal ways to leadership positions in both Homecare and Assisted Living. These experiences have shaped my understanding of what exceptional care looks like at every level.

At The Gables, I’ve found my true calling. Our team is more than just colleagues—we are a close-knit community of friends, united by a shared commitment to enriching the lives of our residents and their loved ones. My focus is on ensuring a smooth, supportive transition for each resident into a lifestyle that promotes independence, connection, and personalized care.

Elizabeth Simpson, Resident Care Director

My Name is Elizabeth Simpson Resident care director at the Gables. I come with over 30 years in the nursing profession. My background consists of working in hospital, long term care, case management, psychiatric care and memory care. I am also a Certified Dementia Practitioner. I am excited to have joined the team here at the Gables to contribute to the exceptional care that is provided to our residents each day. 
 
I am fortunate to have an incredible nursing staff that allows me to work directly with residents and families to develop individualized patient plans. I am so proud of high standards of health and safety offered at the Gables by our team.
 

Danielle Melvin, Wellness Nurse

My name is Danielle Melvin, and I have dedicated over 20 years to nursing. My passion for caring for others was ignited in childhood, as I accompanied my mom to her job at an assisted living facility, where I volunteered in the activities department. From a young age, I aspired to become a nurse. My professional background spans various areas, including assisted living, long-term care, case management, and outpatient day surgery. I am absolutely thrilled to join the team at The Gables and contribute to the outstanding care provided there each day!

 

Outside of my professional life, I have been married for 20 years and have four wonderful children ages 10, 14, 17, and 18. Family holds a special place in my heart, and I am very grateful to God for the blessing. We love hiking, playing sports, serving our community, being active in our church, and embarking on road trip adventures together!

Donna Bisson, Wellness Coordinator

With over a decade of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant—and 13 years of dedicated service at The Gables—I am proud to be part of a community that truly prioritizes compassion, dignity, and resident-centered care.

In my current role as Wellness Coordinator, I oversee several key areas that contribute to the quality of care and team support within our community. My responsibilities include coordinating and leading new staff orientation, facilitating monthly in-service trainings, managing CNA scheduling, and providing day-to-day support to our nursing team. My goal is to ensure that both staff and residents feel supported, informed, and valued.

What sets The Gables apart is our commitment to creating a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment—not just for our residents, but also for their families and the staff who care for them. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team and to play a part in helping residents maintain independence, connection, and quality of life.

Julianna Savone,  Life Enrichment  Director

Hi, I’m Julianna Savone, and I’m truly honored to join The Gables as your new Life Enrichment and Activities Director. My background is in nonprofit marketing and events, where I’ve always found joy in creating meaningful experiences and bringing people together. That passion is what I’m bringing with me to The Gables.

For me, this role is about so much more than planning activities—it’s about creating a sense of home. I’m here to spark joy, foster connection, and make every day feel a little brighter and more fulfilling for our residents. I can’t wait to get to know everyone and be part of this wonderful community.

Chris Brideau, Executive Chef

As the Executive Chef at The Gables for the past five years, I’ve taken great pride in sharing my passion, creativity, and culinary expertise with our residents. Every dish I create is crafted with care, aiming to bring not only quality and flavor, but also a sense of warmth and joy to the table. My goal has always been simple yet meaningful: to “feed the people” with home style meals that nourish the body and bring people together—just like family.

Thomas Bronson, Maintenance Director

With over 31 years of experience in construction, I’ve spent the past three years at The Gables proudly serving as Director of the Maintenance Team. I take great pride in supporting our residents—whether it’s through apartment repairs, unit turnovers, or maintaining the building’s essential systems, including electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and flooring.

What I love most about my role is being there when residents need help the most. Knowing I can make their day a little easier and bring them peace of mind is what truly makes this work meaningful to me.

The Pelletier Family Legacy: A Commitment to Excellence in Senior Living

For over 37 years, the Pelletier family has been more than just the builders, owners, and operators of The Gables of Fitchburg—we have been devoted to creating a community where seniors thrive. Our story began with a vision shared by Rich Pelletier and his father, Bob Pelletier, who played an integral role in developing The Gables. Together, they laid the foundation for a place where families could feel confident that their loved ones were receiving the highest level of care, dignity, and respect.

Today, Rich, along with his sons, Jesse and Justin, remains actively involved in every aspect of The Gables. But for us, this is more than just a business—it’s personal. Rich’s own parents, Bob and Dot Pelletier, proudly call The Gables home, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to continuously enhancing the quality of life for every resident.

As a family-owned and operated community, we take immense pride in providing a warm, welcoming, and enriching environment. The same love, dedication, and care we give to our own family, we extend to yours—because at The Gables, family always comes first.