Our Team

Mike Lacasse serves as the Administrator of Schooner Memory Care, where he is committed to building a culture rooted in compassion, dignity, and excellence in dementia care. A recognized leader in senior living, Mike combines operational leadership with a people-first philosophy focused on empowering teams, supporting families, and enriching the lives of residents. Mike is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Administrators (ACHCA) and currently serves as the organization’s District One Director. In 2023, he was recognized as the Assisted Living Administrator of the Year through ACHCA. He is also a Certified Transactional Dementia Intelligence Trainer through ICA Cares. Mike is a retired veteran with 20 years of active service and holds a degree in Health Care Administration and Logistics from the Community College of the Air Force. He is passionate about advancing dementia care leadership, employee culture, and resident-centered care throughout Maine and New England.

Benjamin Fournier serves as the Community Outreach and Marketing Director at Schooner Memory Care, where he helps guide families through the often-complex journey of memory care placement and support services. With a professional background in healthcare outreach, memory care, social work, and organizational leadership, Ben is passionate about building meaningful community partnerships, strengthening relationships, and helping individuals and families access compassionate, person-centered care. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and was recognized as an UpLift L/A Finest Under 40 in healthcare recipient in 2025. Outside of work, Ben enjoys volunteering, networking through local organizations, spending time with family, and cheering on UMaine athletics.

Janis Castonguay serves as the Director of Nursing at Schooner Memory Care, bringing more than 15 years of diverse nursing experience across addiction and mental health services, veterans’ healthcare, case management, insurance, assisted living, and memory care. Her broad clinical background provides a well-rounded perspective that supports exceptional resident care and strong clinical leadership. Janis is passionate about helping residents achieve the highest possible quality of life while giving families the peace of mind to simply be loved ones rather than caregivers. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in respect, fairness, and advocacy — for both residents and team members. She believes in creating a supportive environment where staff feel heard, valued, and empowered to succeed. What makes Schooner special to Janis is its people. She values being part of a talented, collaborative team whose shared focus is always the comfort, health, and happiness of each resident. For Janis, memory care is about compassionate partnership — ensuring residents receive exceptional care while families feel supported every step of the journey. Outside of work, Janis enjoys spending time with her children and family, listening to music, collecting records, cooking, and finding moments to recharge outdoors.

With more than 11 years of experience in senior living, Brianna Ritchie serves as the Social Programming Director at Schooner Memory Care, where she is passionate about creating meaningful programs and enriching daily experiences for residents living with memory loss. She believes purposeful engagement, creativity, and human connection are essential to supporting dignity and quality of life in dementia care. Brianna earned her bachelor’s degree in Gerontology from Niagara University, with minors in Psychology and Social Work. Following graduation, she served as the Activity Director at The Enclave of Franklin in Massachusetts for five years before returning home to Maine and joining the Schooner team. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Outside of work, Brianna is a proud mom of two who enjoys staying active and embracing the busy balance of family life — along with her well-earned title as a self-proclaimed “crazy cat lady.”

Tanya serves as the Director of Maintenance at Schooner Memory Care, where she helps create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents, families, and team members alike. Having been part of the Schooner team for five years — first as Housekeeping Supervisor and now as Director of Maintenance — Tanya brings a unique understanding of the community and its day-to-day needs. Her journey reflects a strong commitment to growth, learning, and service. With a background as a CNA and experience leading environmental services, Tanya developed a passion for facility operations through hands-on experience, mentorship, and a desire to continue growing within the Schooner community. Her leadership style is compassionate, approachable, and team-focused, with a willingness to work alongside her team and do whatever is needed to get the job done. For Tanya, the most rewarding part of her work is the residents. She takes pride in helping create an environment where residents feel safe, happy, and truly at home. What makes Schooner special to her is the deep relationships she has built with residents, families, and coworkers — making the community feel like home not only for those who live here, but for those who work here as well. Outside of work, Tanya enjoys gardening, caring for her flower beds, and spending time with family at cookouts. Known for her gentle and caring nature, Tanya brings warmth and heart to everything she does.

Joe Thornton serves as the Director of Dining Services at Schooner Memory Care, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare food service. His culinary journey began in active military service as an Army Food Service Specialist, followed by formal culinary training at the Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach. Joe has been a valued member of the Schooner team for six years, where he leads dining services with a strong commitment to dignity, compassion, and exceptional customer service. Joe believes dining is far more than a meal — it is an important part of quality care, comfort, and daily connection. His philosophy centers on building meaningful relationships with residents, understanding the expectations of families, and creating a dining experience that feels respectful, engaging, and personalized. In his role, Joe oversees the day-to-day operations of dining services, working closely with residents and team members to ensure a consistently high level of satisfaction and a welcoming dining experience for all.

Cindi Braby has been the Business Office Manager at Schooner Memory Care since 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University and has a background in project management and social media marketing. Cindi and her husband raised five children and are big fans of their daughter’s high school hockey team. Cindi volunteers with the church youth group and enjoys photography and reading.