Amanda Pierce, Assistant Fitness Coordinator at Vi at Bentley Village, has been named to the Future Leaders Class of 2026 by Senior Housing News.
To become a Future Leader, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be a high-performing employee who is 40 years of age or younger, a passionate worker who knows how to put vision into action, and an advocate for older adults and the committed professionals who ensure their well-being.
Pierce sat down with Senior Housing News to share what drew her to the senior housing & senior living industry, the biggest leadership lessons she has learned, her thoughts on the future of senior housing & senior living, and much more. To learn more about the Future Leaders Awards program, visit https://futureleaders.wtwhmedia.com/.
SHN: What drew you to the senior housing & senior living industry?
Pierce: I was drawn to the senior living industry because it gave me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives every day. As an Assistant Fitness Coordinator, I enjoy helping our residents achieve their fitness and wellness goals while encouraging them to live active, healthy lifestyles.
As a former Division I athlete and basketball coach, I have always been passionate about helping others grow, build confidence, and reach their potential. Transitioning into the senior living fitness industry showed me how meaningful movement and connection can be at every stage of life. I especially enjoy building relationships with our residents and helping support their longevity, independence, and overall well-being through fitness and wellness programs.
SHN: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over time?
Pierce: I would describe my leadership style as supportive, relationship-driven, and lead-by-example. I naturally gravitate toward creating an environment where people feel encouraged, heard, and motivated to grow.
Over time, my leadership style has evolved significantly through my experience in senior living fitness. Earlier in my career, I focused more on structure, goals, and performance-based outcomes. While those elements are still important, I’ve learned that effective leadership is much more individualized and connection-based.
Working with older adults has taught me to be more patient, adaptable, and intentional in how I communicate and motivate others. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all — each person has different abilities, goals, and definitions of success. Today, I prioritize meeting people where they are, celebrating progress in all forms, and building trust through consistency and care.
SHN: What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while serving the senior housing & senior living industry?
Pierce: The biggest leadership lesson I’ve learned in the senior housing and senior living industry is the importance of meeting people where they are. In fitness programming, it’s easy to think in terms of goals, structure, and measurable progress, but working with older adults has taught me that leadership is really about adaptability, patience, and connection.
Success in this space doesn’t always look like intensity or performance — it can be helping someone regain confidence, improve balance, or simply stay consistent with their routine. I’ve learned that every small win matters and contributes meaningfully to a resident’s quality of life.
This industry has also reinforced that listening is one of the most powerful leadership tools. When you take the time to understand each individual’s needs and abilities, you’re better able to support them in a way that is personal, respectful, and impactful. That mindset has shaped how I lead within my role and how I approach every interaction with residents.
SHN: In one word, how would you describe the senior housing & senior living industry and why?
Pierce: Purposeful.
I would describe the senior housing and senior living industry as purposeful because every role, interaction, and program is centered around improving quality of life for residents. It’s an industry where the work has real meaning — supporting independence, promoting wellness, and creating opportunities for connection and joy each day.
Even the smallest moments can have a lasting impact, which makes the work both intentional and deeply rewarding.
SHN: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the senior housing & senior living industry?
Pierce: I see one of the biggest opportunities in the senior housing and senior living industry as the continued growth of wellness programming that supports both physical and cognitive health. Wellness now extends beyond traditional fitness to include cognitive engagement, balance, and functional independence.
In our fitness center, we have incorporated technology, such as Dividat and Smart Fit systems, that support cognitive dual-task training, engaging both the mind and body. This has shown how innovative tools can enhance resident engagement, independence, and enjoyment in movement.
One of the biggest challenges is consistently designing programs that meet a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities. Creating experiences that are safe, inclusive, and meaningful for every resident requires creativity and adaptability.
SHN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will impact the senior housing & senior living industry over the next 5-10 years?
Pierce: If I had a crystal ball, I believe the biggest impact on the senior housing and senior living industry over the next 5–10 years will be the continued evolution of how we support longer, healthier aging through wellness innovation and technology.
We will likely see greater use of tools that personalize wellness and cognitive engagement, helping residents maintain independence and function for longer. At the same time, expectations from residents and families will continue to rise, pushing communities to be more responsive, engaging, and outcomes-focused.
Overall, I think the future of the industry will be shaped by how well we combine innovation with meaningful human connection to enhance quality of life.
SHN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?
Pierce: In my opinion, all Future Leaders must have a genuine love for helping people, along with the ability to build meaningful connections. In senior living especially, success is rooted in relationships — so being able to connect, communicate effectively, and empathize with residents is essential.
Future Leaders should also be adaptable and willing to listen, as every individual has different needs and experiences. The ability to meet people where they are and lead with empathy is what ultimately creates trust and lasting impact.