Benchmark Senior Living Leaders Honored for Innovative Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
Waltham, Mass. – Benchmark Senior Living, a leading senior living provider in the Northeast, today announced that Michael Tubbs, senior director of lifestyle engagement, and Michelle Tristani, director of memory care training and innovation, have been named recipients of the 2026 Memory Care Innovation Awards from WTWH Healthcare. The two are among just 13 professionals nationwide recognized for advancing dementia care.
The annual awards honor leaders who are redefining cognitive care delivery and shaping the future of aging through innovative, high-quality approaches that improve outcomes for individuals living with memory-related conditions – and those who care for them.
Tubbs, who lives in Auburn, Mass., brings more than 16 years of experience across senior living, beginning his career as a recreational therapist. While serving as an executive director for several memory care communities – including Benchmark’s Adelaide of Newton Centre – he identified opportunities to enhance staff training, caregiver support and resident engagement.
Today, Tubbs is helping lead a holistic transformation of memory care across Benchmark’s 68 Mind & Memory Care communities throughout the Northeast. His work includes reimagining training programs, introducing purposefully designed environments that empower residents, and expanding staff development initiatives such as mentorship programs. His forward-thinking approach continues to set a new standard for memory care.
Tristani, who lives in Providence, R.I., and has more than 38 years of experience in healthcare and senior living, is a nationally recognized educator, speaker and author specializing in dementia care. A speech-language pathologist by training, she has dedicated her career to improving how organizations support individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
At Benchmark, Tristani has built a comprehensive training and support model that equips caregivers with the tools and real-time guidance needed to deliver personalized, compassionate care. She developed Benchmark’s nationally recognized “Connect First” program, an innovative communication approach designed to foster meaningful human connection for those living with dementia. Her immersive training programs promote collaboration, strengthen care practices, and empower staff across all communities.
In addition to her educational leadership, Tristani oversees on-demand behavioral expressions consults systemwide, delivering tailored care strategies for residents with complex needs. These insights are continuously tracked and refined, creating a feedback loop that enhances care quality across the organization.
“I feel truly honored to work alongside such passionate and skilled professionals like Michael and Michelle,” said Beth Sampath, vice president of operations and resident programming. “They challenge the status quo every day and exemplify what innovation in memory care can and should be.”
For more information about Benchmark’s Mind & Memory Care program, click here.
