Category: Resident Spotlights

Dan Mailick has logged some 900 scuba dives over the past 30 years, exploring waters from Papua New Guinea to Maldives. His wife, Lydia Read, took a slightly different approach to the sport.

“I got certified as a scuba diver, and then I never did it again,” she said, and laughed. “I wanted to prove I could do it, but then I said, ‘That’s enough for me.’ I have a good time while he’s gone.”

Dan recently returned from a weeklong diving trip off the coast of southern Belize, his fifth visit to the country and the latest in a long list of underwater adventures. Next up is a December trip to the Maldives with the couple’s daughter, Rachel, an expert scuba diver who trained as a marine biologist.

For Dan and Lydia, retirement hasn’t meant stepping back from the world. Quite the opposite: They have deliberately created a life that allows them to keep exploring it.

The Best of Both Worlds

About two years ago, Lydia and Dan moved to a garden home at The Osborn, while continuing to spend part of each year at their home just east of Tel Aviv. They travel, visit Rachel and their other daughter, Adina, pursue their individual interests, cook together, participate in programs on campus and enjoy an active social life. And, they chose to make their move to Sterling Park at The Osborn in their early 70s, while they were healthy, independent and fully able to decide for themselves what they wanted their next chapter to be.

For Dan, the decision was driven by two considerations – one practical and one deeply personal. “We were, thank God, young and healthy,” he said. “But you never know what the future will bring. I wanted, if something unexpected happened to me, for Lydia to be settled in a place where she could get whatever care was needed.”

There was another requirement: Dan wasn’t ready for apartment living. The availability of a garden home offered the best of both worlds – a private residence without the responsibilities that traditionally come with homeownership. Grounds maintenance, home repairs and snow removal are handled for them.

Lydia welcomed the idea for another reason. The couple has moved “many, many, many times” over the course of their marriage, she said, and she liked knowing this move could be their last.

“I was really happy to move and just know, this is the final move,” Lydia said. “We’ve got the house, and we intend to stay in the house.”

And should their needs change, she finds comfort in knowing additional support is available within the same community. “If one of us needs to move into assisted living, that’s a possibility, too,” Lydia said. “Or if we need rehab, or memory care, there are all sorts of services available at The Osborn.”

‘There’s So Much Happening Here!’

Lydia and Dan’s sense of security hasn’t meant sacrificing the independence they enjoy. “This is independent living,” Dan said. “We have our own house, we have a beautiful kitchen. We cook a lot here. Lydia and I like to cook, and we cook together a lot since I retired.”

One favorite is turkey chili, which they make in quantities large enough to keep several containers in the freezer for easy dinners. Other nights, they dine with friends on campus or take a quick drive to restaurants in Rye, Greenwich and the surrounding communities.

In fact, one of the biggest changes since moving has been what they’ve gained: community.

Before the pandemic, Dan said, he and Lydia had close friends and also a much wider circle of people in the United States and Israel with whom they regularly shared meals and socialized. Covid changed that. “After Covid, we still had our close friends and a lot of friends, but our broad community got very small,” he said. “Here, we again have a large community with whom we share meals and engage in activities. It’s really nice.”

Lydia agreed. “The residents and staff are so gracious, and so generous, and so kind,” she said. “That’s the culture here – kindness. People act with kindness and compassion and generosity toward each other.”

She participates in a women’s group that brings residents together for presentations and discussion, and both she and Dan regularly attend “News and Views,” a Monday program focused on current topics.

“The activities are great,” Lydia said. “And the people here are interesting. They’ve all got their activities and their interests.”

Dan has added a few of his own interests to the mix. After retiring from J.P. Morgan “for the second time,” he spent 10 years earning a Ph.D. in philosophy. More recently, he has given presentations to fellow residents on topics ranging from Israeli elections to the surprising demand for philosophy majors in the age of artificial intelligence.

Now, he is starting a philosophy reading group. Scheduling the first gathering presented an unexpected challenge. “It was hard to find a date,” Dan said. “There’s so much happening here!”

Still, there’s time for personal choices. For Dan, that’s exploring some of the world’s most extraordinary waters. He recalled one dive in the Maldives when he and Rachel encountered a whale shark and spent 15 or 20 minutes swimming alongside the enormous but gentle creature.

Lydia is content to leave that part of retirement to him.

Dan joked that one reason he wanted Lydia settled at The Osborn was in case “a shark eats me while I’m scuba diving.”

“I’m not worried about that,” Lydia replied.

That easy exchange reflects a couple comfortable both together and apart, each pursuing what interests them while sharing a life they’ve shaped for the years ahead.

To learn more, explore Independent Living at The Osborn.

Authenticity Never Retires

For more than 30 years, Kitti Lile helped executives navigate change, find their authentic voice and lead with confidence. Today, as one of The Osborn’s newest residents, she’s embracing a transition of her own — one grounded in lifelong learning, family and the belief that every new chapter begins by staying true to yourself.

You’ve helped leaders — from coal mines to corporate boardrooms — find their authentic voice. What drew you to executive coaching and speechwriting, and what’s kept you passionate?

I’ve often had an intuition about an individual wanting to know how to be more skillful at how they are presenting themselves or demonstrating competence. Executive coaching is focused on helping people build skills beyond their current capability. When asked if I might be a helpful resource, the question often became the beginning of an ongoing conversation in a coaching relationship.

From there, my career naturally evolved from training to executive development to coaching and speechwriting because they’re all rooted in relationships. People came to trust that my only agenda was helping them succeed and once my reputation spread the work kept finding me.

How is leadership evolving in a changing work environment?

One thing I’ve found fascinating is how our definition of leadership has changed. Earlier in many careers, leaders were rewarded for command-and-control styles. Today, authenticity, transparency and humility matter. When I coach leaders, I never criticize how they lead. I assure them the skills they are demonstrating today had served them well at a previous time. My role is helping them develop the next set of skills for today’s environments.

What advice do you find yourself giving most often, not just to executives, but to anyone trying to navigate transitions or build relationships?

Real change starts with knowing yourself. Sometimes people simply haven’t received feedback that could help them grow personally or professionally. I believe every transition deserves an ending before a beginning. Our culture tells us to move on immediately, but I believe people need time to reflect on what they’re leaving behind before they have the emotional energy to embrace what’s next.

Are you still consulting?

When I was living in Seattle, I did pro bono work. I’m not running a business anymore, but if anybody calls me, I’m happy to help. I love to see people succeed in ways they never believed they could. When a person who was terrified of speaking in front of a group can comfortably stand in front of 600 people and talk with poise and confidence, it’s absolutely thrilling for me.

What are some tips for building that confidence?

Well, this is my mantra. There’s no such thing as talking to a group. You can only talk to individuals in the group. If there’s an audience of 60 people, there’s 60 relationships with you in that room. Talk to those relationships one at a time. When you take a breath, move your eyes from one face to another. And before you stand up and speak, pick three words you want people to use to describe you after you speak — and don’t say ‘smart.’ Think big words, like ‘insightful.’ This will help you stay grounded.

I don’t teach ‘public speaking.’ I teach people how to have a conversation with a crowd.

After such a rewarding career, you chose to make The Osborn your home. What led you to that decision?

As I was thinking about the next chapter of my life, I visited numerous communities in Seattle but none felt right. They were vertical, institutional and disconnected from the outdoors and I’m a walker.

Then a friend mentioned a community on 36 acres in Mystic, which suggested senior living could look very different on the East Coast. I started researching communities near my daughter and her family and discovered The Osborn. My daughter and I walked in, and I knew it was my place. It felt warm, relaxed and welcoming. It’s hard to define, but you know it when you feel it.

Some people assume moving to a senior living community means slowing down. How has Independent Living allowed you to continue pursuing your interests and staying engaged?

There are so many opportunities to engage and learn here. One of my favorites is our News & Views on Monday mornings. It’s resident-run with resident speakers on topics such as the economy, scientific news and current legal issues. I’m so impressed by the caliber of talent and expertise in this community.

Another wonderful opportunity here at The Osborn is the ability to remain connected to the outside world. Many residents moved here from the area and maintain their friendships in the greater community. There’s a sense of activity and mobility in our environment that I find very appealing.

What excites you most about this stage of your life, and what would you say to someone who might be considering a move, but isn’t sure they’re ready?

I’d ask them how ready they are for freedom from home maintenance and cooking meals. We have resources available to us at all times for any circumstances — storms, snow, power outages and three restaurants.

I’d ask them how ready they are to move one last time with no need to move again. As we age our needs change, and having a continuum of care is wonderful.

I’d ask them how easy it is to find intellectual stimulation in their current circumstances and assure them that should they move to The Osborn they will have constant access to intellectual learning and activity with classes, outside speakers and a library club.

I’d ask them how often they anticipate kindness in their interactions with people. The Osborn has a culture of kindness. Residents are kind with each other. We have nice relationships with the staff, we laugh, talk and everyone is contributing to the well-being of our community. We have a group, the Women’s Guild, that meets once a month. I spoke to the group recently about my career. I began by thanking them: ‘I’ve always felt so welcomed… I could never have made this transition so easily without all of you.’

You recently returned from a trip to Bhutan, what’s next?

Africa in 2027.

Anna Martin holds her 2026 Diamonds Do Good Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Osborn is home to an extraordinary community of residents whose wisdom, wit and passions bring energy and vibrancy to campus life. At its heart, The Osborn is about the people who live here – this is their home. In this space, we invite you to look inside, to meet our residents, and to discover the stories that inspire us all.

For more than four decades, Anna Martin helped shape the global diamond and jewelry industry, earning a reputation as an innovative leader, trusted advisor and passionate mentor. Recently, she received the 2026 Diamonds Do Good Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her groundbreaking career and industry impact. Anna now brings that same energy and sense of purpose to The Osborn, where she is active on campus while continuing her outside work on industry boards, mentoring and championing causes that make a difference around the world. We recently spoke with Anna about her career, lessons learned and why she chose The Osborn for her next chapter.

Congratulations on this award! What did the recognition mean to you, and what thoughts went through your mind when you learned you would be honored?

At first, I didn’t think much about it because I had received awards before. But once the announcements went out, clients and industry leaders began reaching out to congratulate me and share how they felt I had contributed to the industry. I was genuinely taken aback. You don’t always realize that the things you do every day are making an impact. It wasn’t until I heard from so many people that I thought, ‘Maybe I really did make a difference.’ That was incredibly meaningful.

Your career spanned banking, international business and leadership roles with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). What attracted you to the industry?

I actually started in banking and never imagined it would become a lifelong career. The bank I worked for specialized in diamond lending, and my manager encouraged me to learn the business.

What fascinated me was the opportunity to understand the entire diamond pipeline – from mining and manufacturing to jewelry production and retail. I was constantly learning and looking for ways to help clients grow while protecting the interests of the bank.

Early in my career, I challenged the idea that we should only finance one segment of the industry. I proposed expanding into other areas and developed a business plan to support it. That experience taught me the importance of curiosity and being willing to tackle challenges others might overlook. I stayed in the industry because it kept evolving, and I grew along with it.

The award recognizes your leadership, ethics and innovation. How did those values guide your career?

Like anyone, I made mistakes along the way. But I always focused on building strong relationships, understanding risk and taking the high road. My goal was to help clients succeed while protecting the organizations I represented. I’m proud of what we accomplished and the trust we built.

What are you most proud of in your career, overall?

Looking back, I’m most proud of the people I’ve helped along the way. I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful mentors, and I believe mentoring others is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

What means the most to me today is seeing the next generations succeed. I’ve worked with families across multiple generations, and recently a longtime client asked if I would meet with his son and offer guidance, just as I had done for him and his father. Moments like that remind me that the relationships you build and impact you have on people can last beyond your career.

You are still active professionally?

Very much so. My husband asks me all the time why I work so hard when I’m no longer collecting a paycheck. My answer is simple: now I get to do what I love. I serve on several boards, mentor young professionals and consult. It’s work that comes from the heart.

What led you and Terence, your husband, to choose The Osborn?

The pandemic changed my perspective. It reminded me that life is precious and family is just as important as career, or more so. As I began thinking about retirement, my husband and I talked about what we wanted for our next chapter: quality time together, being close to family, and peace of mind.

I did extensive research on senior living communities throughout the region. Location was important because we wanted to remain close to family and maintain our connections to New York City. The moment I visited The Osborn, I knew it was special. The beautiful campus reminded me of the privacy and natural setting we enjoy at our property upstate, while also offering a vibrant community and continuum of care. I wanted a place where we could truly enjoy life and grow older without having to move again … The Osborn checked every box.

What do you enjoy most about life at The Osborn?

The sense of community. Before we moved in, the team introduced us to residents, arranged opportunities to visit and answered every question we had. That gave us tremendous confidence – my husband looked at me and said, ‘This is the place.’

Nearly two years later, I’ve made wonderful friends and enjoy attending resident meetings and events. I appreciate the transparency of the leadership team and the way residents are kept informed and engaged. What I love most is that there’s something for everyone. You can be as involved as you want to be, and if one activity isn’t for you, there will always be another opportunity waiting.

Learn More About Independent Living at The Osborn

The Osborn is home to an extraordinary community of residents whose wisdom, wit and passions bring energy and vibrancy to campus life. At its heart, The Osborn is about the people who live here – this is their home. In this space, we invite you to look inside, to meet our residents, and to discover the stories that inspire us all.

Dr. Arlene McCoy has spent four decades helping others navigate life’s complexities as a psychotherapist, and she continues that work today. A resident of The Osborn for the past two years, Dr. McCoy still meets with patients and stays true to the deeply personal, intuitive approach that has defined her career.

Your career itself is such an inspiring story. What drives you?

Well, my practice continues to be my passion. My passion stems from a deep, innate empathy, driving me to ensure others feel supported. I experience pure joy when I connect with someone and provide the help they truly need. For me, helping people isn’t just a task but an ingrained part of my character. I find profound fulfillment and sense of purpose in alleviating the burden of others. Being involved here at The Osborn is also very meaningful, so it’s a nice, sweet combination. It keeps me engaged – and still loving life.

Talk about the ‘light’ of your life.

My dog, Lucio, which means ‘light’ in Italian. He turned 3 in April. He’s a Bolognese, a cousin to the Bichon Frise. Everyone at The Osborn loves him – he’s like a little prince here. Very, very friendly.

Let’s go back a bit. What drew you to psychotherapy, and what’s kept you committed for nearly four decades?

I think it was always part of my personality. Even in high school, friends would come to me for advice about their lives, relationships. It just felt natural.

I didn’t begin my career right away, I went to college, taught elementary school, got married and had six girls (“amazing women”) and then went back for my graduate degrees. I started at a Center in Stamford, Conn., and after a few years ventured out on my own into private practice. Forty years later, here I am.

What’s kept the work so meaningful for you?

People. People who are hurting. People who simply need someone to talk to. I also stayed with it because I believed I was good at it, and I was fortunate to be recognized for that. But more than anything, it’s the comfort I find in helping others. It keeps me connected to the world in a very real way.

You’ve described your work as a ‘sacred privilege.’ Please explain.

In a private session, when a patient is truly honest and speaking from the heart – that’s sacred. Almost every session has those moments, when someone shares something deeply personal that they haven’t shared with anyone else. To be trusted with that, to be invited into that space, into someone’s heart and soul, is a privilege. And that trust must be honored.

How do you see AI impacting your field?

It can be helpful as a starting point. If a patient comes to me after using AI, it can open the door to deeper conversation about what they’re feeling or struggling with. But I don’t believe it replaces therapy. From what I’ve seen so far, it’s not the answer to people’s needs in the same way a real human connection is. I don’t think it will put therapists out of business.

After a lifetime of listening, guiding and supporting, what have you learned about resilience and living a meaningful life?

Oh, that could take days to answer. Every session teaches me something. After each one, I reflect – what did I learn? Even if something was uncomfortable, I explore it. What did I feel? It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey, to watch them try to understand themselves, to heal, to grow. I had a very difficult teenage patient years ago. Just last year, he called me at 40 years old. He said, ‘I was thinking of you. Are you still practicing?’ Hearing that he was doing well … that meant everything.

Do you think society today is more open about mental health?

Yes, very much so. When I started, there was a strong stigma. That’s gone. Now, it’s almost the opposite – people talk openly about their therapists. That’s a very good thing.

What advice would you give to therapists just starting out?

Be a good listener. When you’re new, it’s easy to rely on questions and fill the space with conversation instead of truly listening. Silence can feel uncomfortable – but it’s important.

Let’s talk about life outside of work. What do you enjoy doing?

I stay connected with my friends. I love to travel. I’ve always had a sense of adventure. I didn’t realize how much I had traveled until I recently tried AI to get ideas – and I kept saying, ‘I’ve been there… and there… and there.’ So now I’m learning how to guide it a bit better.

Do you have a favorite place you’ve visited?

Italy. I love the people, the warmth. I’ve also traveled as far as Dubai and Thailand, but Italy will always be my favorite.

You’re active at The Osborn … talk about life here. And your involvement with “SPARCS”, the resident committee that collaborates with the sales team and meets with potential new residents about the community and life experiences at The Osborn.

We’re often speaking with people who are trying to decide whether this is the right place for them, and it’s a big decision. I invite them to ask questions, and I really listen. We host small gatherings and have honest conversations about life here. I always share how wonderful the staff is, and how kind and community-minded the residents are. That’s truly what defines life here for me – it’s all about the people.

Recently, I curated a Fashion Show and invited fellow residents to model with family and friends to cheer them on. It was a terrific experience and an opportunity to bring fun and enrichment into our community. What struck me most was the kindness and support the ladies had for each other, many of whom barely knew each other at the start. Watching the camaraderie among these women was incredible! It was a win-win for everyone involved. To sum it up, I would say it’s all about selflessness; a gift we give each other, a value I cherish and something that truly makes this community special!

Finally, what’s your philosophy on life?

With kindness and compassion, that’s how I live my life. I do my best to live in the moment with a sense of purpose and joy. I live my life with gratefulness for all my blessings. I live my life with an open heart and mind – and finally, I live my life with a sense of humor and pray for wisdom. That’s my philosophy of life!

Learn More About Independent Living at The Osborn