Maris Grove Sales Team Members Receive Well-Deserved Recognition

Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania, is proud to announce two promotions on the sales team! 

Caroline Bickel has been named sales manager and Renee Passman has been promoted to sales counselor.

"These are well-deserved promotions. Caroline does such a great job at supporting residents and keeping the engagement of our team at a high level. Renee connects with residents instantly and is so knowledgeable about the community," says Sales Director Ryan Doherty. 

He adds, "I'm eager to watch them both succeed as they continue in their careers at Maris Grove!"

Years of experience

Bickel, a Temple University graduate with a bachelor's degree in health sciences, began her career in the senior living industry as a recreational therapist, primarily working with people experiencing dementia or diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

When a friend--who worked at Maris Grove--shared how much she loved the culture at Erickson Senior Living communities, Bickel knew she had found the next step in her career. 

Soon after their conversation, she was hired as a marketing liaison for the community's continuing care neighborhood, which offers memory care to residents who need the extra support. With her experience in the senior living industry and passion for helping others, she was a natural fit. 

Eager to bring the vibrant Erickson Senior Living lifestyle to more retirees, she joined the sales team as a sales counselor about a year later. Then, Doherty approached her about a management role.

"At that point, I had exposure to every level of senior housing. Ryan recognized my years of experience--and the fact that I thrive when a lot of things are happening at the same time!" says Bickel, with a laugh. "He thought I'd be perfect for the promotion." 

She started her new role as sales manager in April 2023. 

"There's such a positive work culture in the sales office," Bickel says. "I love that everyone is always smiling and working with our community partners to ensure that Maris Grove is the best environment for residents to live their best lives."

Building relationships

Just a year after she graduated from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania with a hospitality degree, Passman applied to an open sales associate position at Ann's Choice, an Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, Pa.

"That role was a lot of fun," she recalls. "I enjoyed meeting with prospective residents and discussing the benefits of moving to a continuing care retirement community."

A few years later, Passman joined Maris Grove's sales team as a senior sales associate. It didn't take long for Doherty and her colleagues to recognize her drive and outgoing personality. 

Now, as sales counselor, Passman meets with retirees in all stages of the decision-making process.

"Including those who are learning about Maris Grove for the first time, those who are deciding on a timeline, and those who are ready to choose their perfect apartment home," she explains. "I love that I get to form bonds with prospective residents--and maintain those relationships after they move to the community."

She especially enjoys showing prospective residents around the beautiful, 87-acre campus and introducing them to enthusiastic current residents.

"Our residents play a huge role in welcoming potential new neighbors," Passman says. "They'll often stop to chat with someone I'm showing around, happy to share their joy of living at Maris Grove. It's rewarding, to get out in the community and chat with residents."

A positive environment

As a 17-year Erickson Senior Living employee, Doherty has charted his own upward path. 

"Erickson Senior Living does a great job at looking at employees' potential, whether it's working within sales offices or in other departments. It's exciting to work with a company that fosters personal growth," notes Doherty. 

He continues, "I couldn't be more excited to be part of Caroline and Renee's continued career growth, helping them find the best positions for themselves at this point in their career." 

By recognizing team members who go above and beyond for prospective and current residents every day, Maris Grove creates a positive environment where employees and retirees thrive. 

To learn more about senior living at Maris Grove, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.