At Transforming Age, every community is guided by leaders who bring their unique experiences, talents, and passions to the people they serve. Through our Executive Director Spotlight Series, we’re introducing the individuals whose leadership helps create communities where residents feel valued, families feel supported, and team members are empowered to make a difference every day.
This week, we’re proud to feature Michele Johnson, Executive Director of AlmaVia of Camarillo. While her journey to senior living may not have followed a traditional path, it ultimately led her to a profession she describes as her true calling.
Long before she entered senior living, Michele imagined a very different future for herself. She began her education as a criminal justice major before building a successful 20-year career in the music industry. During that time, she held leadership roles in marketing, distribution, supply chain management, and procurement, overseeing everything from in-store promotional programs to ensuring products were available across retail and online channels.
“It was a really great time,” Michele recalls. “It was a busy industry, and looking back, it actually prepared me well for senior living because as an Executive Director, you have your hands in everything.”
Her introduction to senior living came unexpectedly through a family member who worked in the industry. After reconnecting through social media, Michele learned more about the work and found herself intrigued by the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Looking for a new challenge and a greater sense of purpose, she decided to make the leap. Seventeen years later, she has never looked back.
“I started as a Sales Director and then became an Executive Director shortly after that,” she says. “I’ve loved it ever since. It is truly my calling.”
Today, Michele leads AlmaVia of Camarillo, a community that holds personal meaning for her beyond the workplace. Before ever working there, she spent countless weekends in Camarillo cheering on her son from the baseball stands. The drive to work each morning takes her down familiar roads filled with memories of family, friendship, and the strong sense of community she experienced as a baseball parent.
But what truly drew her to AlmaVia was the organization’s nonprofit mission and holistic approach to care.
One aspect of the community that has made a profound impact on Michele is the presence of a Spiritual Care Director. She believes that caring for older adults means supporting every dimension of well-being, not just physical health.
“We can provide care, nutrition, activities, and socialization,” Michele says. “But the spiritual support our residents receive is something unique. It’s an essential part of caring for the whole person.”
For her, exceptional senior living happens when every aspect of a resident’s life is supported, from physical wellness to emotional connection and spiritual fulfillment.
That philosophy aligns naturally with the Transforming Age Culture of Excellence, something Michele says reflects values she learned growing up.
“I love our Culture of Excellence because it reinforces simple things, like treating people the way you want to be treated,” she says.
At the heart of her leadership style is a commitment to listening.
Michele frequently references the HEAR principles found in Transforming Age’s leadership framework and believes that truly listening is one of the most important skills a leader can possess. Whether speaking with residents, families, or team members, she focuses on understanding not only what people are saying, but also what may be left unsaid.
“We all want to be heard,” she explains. “If someone comes to me for help, I owe it to them to really listen so I can understand what they need and how I can help.”
That commitment extends to every resident, including those living with memory loss or cognitive decline.
Michele believes that trust isn’t built through perfect communication, but through presence, patience, and connection.
“We all know when someone is truly listening to us,” she says. “No matter our age or where we are in our cognitive journey.”
One of the experiences that has most influenced her perspective as a leader came through her own family.
Before entering senior living professionally, Michele’s grandmother moved into a senior living community. Watching her grandmother navigate that transition opened Michele’s eyes to the realities, fears, and opportunities that residents and families often experience.
As her grandmother began making friends and building relationships, Michele saw a side of her she had never seen before.
That experience profoundly shaped how she approaches resident care today. It also reinforced her understanding of how important it is for communities to offer programs and experiences that meet residents where they are.
“Not everyone likes the same things,” she explains. “The goal isn’t for everyone to participate in everything. The goal is to make sure there’s something for everyone.”
Whether through community events, one-on-one engagement, social opportunities, or simply meaningful daily interactions, Michele believes every resident deserves opportunities for connection and purpose.
She is equally passionate about recognizing the contributions of every department within the community.
Housekeeping, culinary services, maintenance, caregiving, nursing, and administration all play vital roles in supporting residents. In Michele’s eyes, everyone is a caregiver, regardless of what’s written on their name badge.
“It takes all of us,” she says. “Every department can be the first to recognize that something has changed for a resident. Every role matters.”
Outside of work, Michele’s greatest joy is spending time with family and friends. With her son now a senior in college, she treasures every opportunity to be together. She also enjoys monthly Bunco nights with friends and maintains close relationships with a group of women she’s known since their children were in kindergarten.
Those connections are important, especially in a profession where caring for others can be both rewarding and emotionally demanding.
Still, Michele doesn’t believe all the fun should happen outside of work.
“I think work should be fun,” she says. “There are things about work that are hard, but that’s why our team is so important. We all work together to make this the happiest place it can be for our residents.”
As residents, families, and team members continue getting to know her, Michele hopes they see her as someone who is fair, approachable, and committed to doing what’s right.
She believes transparency and communication are critical, especially during difficult moments. While every situation may not have a perfect solution, she works hard to ensure people understand the reasoning behind decisions and feel respected throughout the process.
“It’s important for people to understand the why behind everything we do,” she says. “I want people to know that I will listen, be fair, follow through, and be available.”
For Michele, trust is built through action. It’s created through consistent follow-up, honest communication, and a willingness to treat each resident, family member, and team member as an individual.
That commitment to listening, caring, and supporting others continues to shape her leadership at AlmaVia of Camarillo, where every decision begins with a simple question: How can we best serve the people who trust us with this chapter of their lives?
Visit AlmaVia of Camarillo
The best way to experience AlmaVia of Camarillo is to see it for yourself. We invite you to meet Michele and the team, explore the community, and discover the compassionate, resident-centered culture that makes AlmaVia such a special place to call home.
Whether you’re exploring senior living options for yourself or a loved one, seeking supportive care services, or simply interested in learning more about the community, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.
Community Website: Click Here
Phone: 805-500-7118
Address: 2500 N Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010
Living Options Available:
Schedule a tour today and discover how AlmaVia of Camarillo is helping older adults live with dignity, purpose, connection, and joy.