Dedicated. Innovative. Mission-driven.
2Life Communities is led by a highly skilled group of thoughtful, seasoned professionals who make every decision with the well-being of Massachusetts' older adults in mind.
Front Row Leadership
Winter 2024
As a mission-driven organization, every member of the 2Life team has an opportunity to make a difference for those we serve. We are particularly proud of management practices that empower every person to be a leader -- whether by providing exceptional service to residents, contributing innovative ideas, or spreading the word about 2Life's mission. In this rotating segment, we highlight people from throughout our organization who lead by example and exemplify the mission of 2Life Communities. You can view all of our Front Row Leaders here.
Natalie Thoresen
From the start, Natalie has taken an intentional approach to recruiting and supporting volunteers. She developed a robust onboarding program to effectively match volunteer skills, interests, and availability to residents’ needs. She works closely with all volunteers, providing the support, information, and consistent presence they need to feel truly connected to 2Life.
Strengthening a sense of community among the volunteers is essential for their engagement. Natalie’s Volunteer Appreciation events and online team-building events help volunteers get to know each other and share insights. Natalie was also instrumental in the development of a new Volunteer Portal that provides easy access to a wealth of resources.
Natalie also serves as a catalyst to engage both residents and staff in volunteering in some way, encouraging everyone to seek out opportunities to pitch in and support each other. She emphasizes the personal rewards, noting that volunteering is a great way to connect with others.
“I’ve been volunteering most of my life. It’s a way to step outside of yourself and be compassionate to others,” Natalie says. “I think it’s a universal thing to want a sense of purpose.”
Viorika Zeqo
A key part of Viorika’s role is working with people applying to live at 2Life, helping them navigate the often complex maze of financial guidelines and determine eligibility. She does whatever it takes, often wading through piles of paperwork to ensure each applicant receives the subsidies for which they qualify. She is also a valuable resource for Albanian-speaking residents, translating important documents for them.
A gifted problem-solver who loves a challenge, Viorika is always looking for ways to do things more efficiently or effectively. When shopping for supplies, she’s a tenacious bargain hunter. When an extra pair of hands is needed, Viorika is always willing to pitch in. During a recent power outage due to a storm, she helped out in the kitchen and covered the front desk, reassuring residents and alleviating their concerns.
“I’ve spent my entire life with older adults. Growing up at Golda was like having 200 grandparents,” Viorika says. “I love working with 2Life residents. They say what they mean, which is very refreshing.”
David Berde
David acts as a bridge to services that residents need — such as transportation to appointments, meal resources, communicating with health care teams, or homecare support. Beyond those core responsibilities, his positive attitude and empathy have made David a go-to person for residents seeking a sounding board. He also reaches out to new 2Life staff members and residents, welcoming them into our community.
With a social work and mental health background, David works hand-in-hand with an external service provider to serve chronically unhoused individuals, helping them integrate into the 2Life setting. He also represented 2Life at a Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) mental health initiative, bringing strategies back to 2Life staff to address this crucial issue.
David also brings his perspective and insights as a person of color to 2Life’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, helping us fulfill our commitment to DEI in every aspect of our operations.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve this population and community. I’m proud to contribute to an environment where people feel safe, supported, and joyful during a very special chapter of their lives,” David says. “It’s truly a blessing working at 2Life.”
Corporate Leadership
Community Executive Directors
Board of Directors
Laura Efron
Board Chair
Laura Efron is a long-time community volunteer with a business background in the long-term care and affordable housing industries. She and her husband Bruce own and manage a real estate business focusing on providing housing to low-income Boston residents. Laura has been involved with 2Life Communities for over a decade.
In addition to volunteering at 2Life Communities, Laura has chaired her temple's Sisterhood, her town’s Hadassah chapter, and the Weston Council on Aging. For decades, Laura has been a friendly visitor to isolated individuals and has always been a strong supporter of seniors in her community.
Laura graduated from Bentley University in 1988 with degrees in Accounting and Management, and from Simmons College in 1991 with a Master's in Healthcare Administration. Laura and Bruce have two adult sons, Brent and Justin, and reside in Newton.
Saul and Gitta Kurlat Chief Executive Officer
Amy Schectman
President
Lizbeth Heyer
Treasurer
Norman Posner
Clerk
David Zaltas
Policy Board
Michael Alperin
Donald Bloch
Laura Efron
Lynne Elfland
Melissa Fish-Crane
Howard Furman
Robert Gifford
Stacy Goodman
Merle Grandberg
Harvey Greenberg
Donna Kalikow
Bernard Kaplan
Wendy Kraft
Rick Levin
Noah Maslan
Jeff Sacks
Adam Scott
Bill Shaevel
Barry Shrage
Harold Stahler
David Trietsch
Harold Tubman
Emeritus
Lenore Asher*
Mickey Cail*
Irwin Chafetz
Joan Cutler*
Ellen Feingold
Clifton Helman*
Robert Helman
Rudolph Kass*
Mildred Guberman Kravetz*
Norman Leventhal*
Paul Rosenberg*
Irma Schretter
Melvin Scovell
Marc Slotnick*
Stephen P. Snyder
Alan Solomont
Peter Ulin*
Elaine Werby*
George Wolfe*
*of blessed memory