The Branches Executive Director to Oversee Two New Communities

Benchmark, a human connection company and leading provider of senior living services in the Northeast, today announced that Kelly Arnao, has been promoted to the newly created position of senior executive director overseeing its Massachusetts assisted living communities known as The Branches. She will continue to lead The Branches of North Attleboro, which she opened in 2017, while overseeing the development of two new communities, The Branches of Marlboro opening in November; and The Branches of Framingham opening in January, 2020.

“The vision for The Branches communities has been to create collaborative, open spaces enabling us to elevate human connection and keep our residents and their family members connected to what matters most in their lives,” says Allison Melahouris, senior vice president of operations and strategic initiatives for Benchmark. “Kelly and her team have taken our original vision far beyond our expectations, creating a community that not only has fostered strong interpersonal relationships inside its walls but also has become a critical part of the larger communities they serve.”

Arnao has spent nearly a decade in senior living serving within communities for Benchmark and, previously, The Northbridge Companies. She graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a bachelor’s degree in hotel, motel and restaurant management and lives in Sandwich, Mass.

Modeled on the success of The Branches of North Attleboro, which has won three community and industry awards since opening, The Branches of Marlboro and The Branches of Framingham will deliver high-quality care and experiences to seniors at a more affordable price and will feature a collaborative design intended to encourage social interaction. Along with flexible apartment floor plans, each community will offer amenities such as a spacious outdoor patio with farmers porch, firepit, beauty salon, library, fitness center and bistro featuring all-day, restaurant-style dining.

Personal care will be tailored to each individual and provided 24/7. Certified dementia practitioners will deliver award-winning programming for all stages of dementia and customized to each individual’s unique emotional, spiritual and physical needs.

“I feel fortunate to be part of a company that has supported my development and continually been open to trying new ideas,” says Arnao. “At The Branches of North Attleboro, we’ve experimented with a number of new programs and been able to create a model of success where all our residents and associates feel valued. I look forward to replicating that in the Metrowest area and providing experiences to help everyone thrive.”