Expert Source

Vassar Byrd is a nationally recognized expert source on the topics of gerontology, innovative senior living and the importance of person-directed care. She has lent her expertise to stories in the L.A. Times, U.S. News & World Report, the New York Times, Parents.com, The Oregonian and more. She has also been featured in stories on KXL-FM News/Talk and NPR. 

Rose Villa is regularly featured in local and industry media. If you are a journalist, please contact Jennifer Werdel, Director of Marketing and Communications.

Articles - Page 6

Smooth Transitions

Apr 7, 2017
U.S. News and World Report writer Maryalene LaPonsie shares perspectives on making the adjustment of moving to a Life Plan Community. Rose Villa's CEO, Vassar Byrd shares her insight. Read the full ar... Read More »

Working in the Wellness Zone

Mar 17, 2017
Rose Villa and construction partner R&H Construction became Blue Zones certified in 2017. At Rose Villa, employee wellness is is supported by Wellness Director, Rene' Swar and the Well-Being commi... Read More »

Daily Journal of Commerce Selects Top Projects Finalists

Mar 8, 2017
Rose Villa's reconstruction project was selected as a nominee and finalist by the Daily Journal of Commerce for its Top Projects 2017 award. Read about the Top Projects Awards here. Read More »

Rose Villa program pairs people with dementia, volunteers

Dec 19, 2016
The Opening Minds through Art program at Rose Villa is more than an arts and crafts program at a senior community. This intergenerational art group for people with dementia is giving Rose Villa's 10 r... Read More »

Essential Credentials- SAGECare's cultural competence training delivers

Nov 28, 2016
SAGE asked two providers why SAGECare matters. Hear from Rose Villa CEO Vassar Byrd, here. Scroll to page 7 for article. Read More »

Artists with dementia use paint where memories fail (Column)

Nov 24, 2016
Opening Minds through Art is an intergenerational art program for people with dementia. Rose Villa Senior Living is the first and currently only Portland-area retirement community to hold these classe... Read More »

Announcing the 2016 Architecture & Design Awards Nominees

Nov 22, 2016
Rose Villa is nominated for Senior Housing News Architecture and Design Awards.View nomination here. Read More »

Where You Live May Decide at What Age You Retire

Nov 7, 2016
In six states, most people retire by age 62. In nine states, it's 65. Here's what's behind those differences. Read more here. Read More »

Long-term Care Facilities Often Lack Trained Staff, Policies to Bar Bias Against Gay Seniors

Oct 24, 2016
Rose Villa Senior Living, located just outside of Portland, Oregon, has made a point of welcoming LGBT elders. The community, which offers independent and assisted living, also has a nursing home on s... Read More »

Staying Out Of The Closet In Old Age

Oct 17, 2016
Partners Edwin Fisher, 86, and Patrick Mizelle, 64, moved to Rose Villa in Portland, Oregon, from from Georgia about three years ago. Fisher and Mizelle worried residents of senior living communities ... Read More »

10 of the world's best places to live or retire

Sep 1, 2016
They are all so diverse, yet they have one thing in common; they are the world's best places to live! View the list here (hint: scroll to #5!) Read More »

Rose Villa Reopens to Fanfair and Excitement!

Aug 31, 2016
The weather was perfect on Aug. 23 and smiles were the order of the day as Rose Villa Senior Living CEO Vassar Byrd cut the big red ribbon and welcomed everyone to the grand reopening of the senior co... Read More »