Tamarisk
Mission & Vision
Tamarisk Senior Living, a community of Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS), was built to incorporate traditions while providing a catered Lifestyle with safety and security for residents. Today, Tamarisk continues to respect ALL traditions while offering needed or wanted supportive services, so residents can live an engaged life with dignity and choice. The Tamarisk tree symbolizes hospitality, making all who come here feel welcome, comforted, and protected. Discover Tamarisk and join a community that provides exceptional Assisted Living and Memory Care in Rhode Island.
We are proud to be featured in Assisted Living Magazine for Best in Assisted Living!
Meet the Tamarisk Team
Pamela Morris, MSW
President and CEO of JCS
With more than 30 years of experience in senior and human services, Pam brings both heart and expertise to her role as CEO of Jewish Collaborative Services. Certified in gerontology and long-term care administration, she leads the agency’s business, finance, and personnel operations while guiding its mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care across the community.
Pam is known for her thoughtful leadership, strategic vision, and deep commitment to those JCS serves. Whether supporting staff, planning for future growth, or engaging with families, she ensures that dignity, respect, and care remain at the core of everything JCS does.
Helayne Goldstein-Ramirez, LICSW, ALRA, NHA, CDP
Executive Director
Helayne brings over 20 years of leadership experience in senior living and community services, along with a deep passion for person-centered care. She is licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator, Assisted Living Residence Administrator, and Independent Clinical Social Worker, and is nationally certified as a Dementia Practitioner.
Helayne’s approach is grounded in compassion, creativity, and respect. Whether supporting families through transitions or building programs that enrich daily life, she helps ensure Tamarisk is a place where every resident feels safe and valued.
James Goncalves
Director of Community Relations
With a heart for service and a deep respect for seniors, Jimmy Gonçalves brings passion and purpose to his role as Community Relations Director at Tamarisk Senior Living. Having worked closely with residents and families in various roles, Jimmy understands the importance of connection, trust, and dignity in senior living.
His approach is rooted in person-centered care, making sure every resident feels seen, heard, and supported in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether he’s giving a tour, helping a family navigate the transition to senior living, or simply sharing a smile in the hallway, Jimmy is driven by one goal: to help each resident feel truly at home.
Erika Banks
Manager of Operations and Community Outreach
Erika brings a unique mix of leadership, service, and heart to her role at Tamarisk. With experience in both retail management and elder care, she approaches her work with a strong focus on connection, organization, and resident well-being.
Working closely with Helayne and James, Erika supports daily operations, move-in coordination, outreach, and financial administration. As a key link between JCS and the Tamarisk community, she is dedicated to making sure every resident feels supported.
Leigh-Ann Renfro, RN
Director of Resident Care
Leigh-Ann brings more than a decade of nonprofit experience, with a strong focus on senior living and meaningful community connection. Her background in sales helped families find the support they needed, and her passion for care inspired her to earn a nursing degree and take a more hands-on role in serving others.
With a blend of clinical knowledge and relationship-building skills, Leigh-Ann meets each individual with empathy, warmth, and purpose. Her commitment to supporting residents and families makes her a valued part of the team.
Fran Debras, CNA, CMT
Director of Renaissance Memory
Fran brings warmth, experience, and dedication to her role in the Renaissance Memory Support Program at Tamarisk. A Certified Nursing Assistant and Certified Medication Technician, she has spent many years caring for seniors with compassion and professionalism.
Her commitment to residents and their families shines through in every interaction. Working closely with her team, Fran helps ensure each individual receives the support, dignity, and personalized attention they deserve.
Lisamarie Carbone
Director of Life Enrichment
With over 17 years of experience in senior care, Lisamarie brings energy, creativity, and heart to her role as Life Enrichment Coordinator at Tamarisk. She began her career as an activity assistant in memory care and quickly found her passion in enhancing quality of life for older adults.
Lisamarie has completed specialized training in Alzheimer’s and dementia care and is dedicated to helping residents stay active, engaged, and fulfilled. From cognitive challenges and physical activities to outings and entertainment, she encourages residents to try new things and find joy and purpose each day.
Jose Rivera
Director of Food Services
Jose Rivera brings more than 20 years of culinary experience and a passion for hospitality to his role as Food Service Director at Tamarisk. Since joining the team as Chef in January 2025, he has infused the dining program with warmth, creativity, and consistency.
With a background in high-volume production and a strong focus on quality, team building, and menu innovation, Jose ensures every meal is both delicious & thoughtfully prepared. His leadership and attention to detail help create a dining experience that brings comfort, connection, and joy to residents each day.
Hear what our residents, family and staff are saying about Tamarisk
“My mother has been at Tamarisk for almost four years now and has thrived since arriving. Although she was not initially happy about giving up her independence at age 94 and moving from the home that she loves, the move to Tamarisk has had wonderful benefits for her. Gone is the loneliness and isolation-replaced by new friendships, mental stimulation, and loving care. Seeing her at the top of her game has made us, her family, thrilled to bits!!! My entire family and I will be forever grateful!”
— Tamarisk Resident’s Daughter
“My mom moved to Renaissance Memory Care and dad to traditional Assisted Living at Tamarisk – This presented certain challenges as they were functioning at different levels. At every step of the way, their medical, psychological, physical, nutritional, and spiritual integrity were top priorities of the entire staff. My mother has found new friends, loves food, and is participating in a wide range of stimulating activities. My father received physical therapy for reconditioning, enjoys newfound dining partners and friends, and is encouraged to visit my mother and continue their relationship in a way which is therapeutic to both. I would highly recommend Tamarisk to anyone searching for highly skilled, kind and compassionate care of their loved one.”
— Tamarisk Resident’s Daughter
“To all who answer the call at Tamarisk during isolation, lock-down, call it what you will…You have shown us how much you care. Rain, sleet, snow or heat you answer the summons when you are needed. You are here, you anticipate our request before we ask, you deliver with a smile, showing us, you go the extra proverbial mile. What you do here often exceeds “job” descriptions, and that kind of care needs no prescription. We thank you all for what you do and hope you know how much we appreciate each one of you. I know I speak for all the residents. I do so with complete confidence.”
— Tamarisk Resident
“Sylvia lived to 99 and Norma to 95…strong and independent they could be amusing and difficult at the same time. But to the credit of the dedicated staff, who understood the emotional side of losing independence and becoming frailer, they were treated with dignity and respect. The staff were a source of strength and comfort to us and guided us through the difficulties we were going through trying to understand the aging process. When Norma became very ill and needed extra care, she was able to stay in her apartment. Her care consisted of her private aides, Hospice nursing and the dedicated Tamarisk Wellness staff. This group of wonderful, caring, talented providers embraced Norma in the last months of her life allowing her to be in her home with the people who knew her and loved her. Norma’s Rhode Island family will forever be grateful to the Tamarisk staff for all that was done to make Tamarisk a “home” for Norma and Sylvia Goldman in their last years.”
— Family of Tamarisk Residents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is assisted living?
An assisted living residence is for seniors who no longer desire to live alone, who don’t want the burden or responsibility of living in their own homes, or who are no longer able to live alone but don’t require 24-hour, intensive medical care. For a monthly fee, assisted living residences generally offer housing, ranging from studio apartments to one and two bedroom apartments, as well as meals served in a common dining room, personal care assistance, health and medication monitoring, 24-hour emergency response, housekeeping and social and recreational programs.
How do assisted living residences differ from independent living residences?
Independent living residences generally do not include a full meal plan, personal assistance, health monitoring, etc. as part of the monthly fee. Some supportive services may be available at an additional cost.
How is assisted living different from a nursing home?
Assisted living residences offer a home-like environment for people who do not require 24-hour complex medical care. Residents in RI assisted living facilities usually maintain a relatively high degree of independence and privacy in their own apartments.
Who should consider RI assisted living?
Assisted living is a bridge between total independent living and the need for skilled nursing care. The environment is safe, secure, and supportive. It is most appropriate for seniors who wish to maintain a high degree of independence, but may need some help with bathing, dressing, medications, transportation and other assistance. For people whose social life has become limited, assisted living makes it easy and enjoyable to be with other people and to participate in a wide variety of activities. Many assisted living residences also offer separate, secure areas with specialized programs for people in the early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
What are the benefits of assisted living?
Assisted living provides a safe, secure home-like environment and relieves the resident of many of the responsibilities of home ownership and living alone. Families receive the peace of mind of knowing that their loved ones are in a safe environment where professionals monitor their medications, diet and general health and well-being. Residents, freed of many of their worries, are able to enjoy a better quality of life while remaining independent. With better health and dietary oversight and opportunities for socialization and recreation, residents often become more active, happier and more socially connected than they have been in years.
Are RI assisted living residences licensed?
In Rhode Island, assisted living residences are licensed by the Department of Health and must follow stringent regulations.
Community Photo Gallery
Catch a glimpse of our beautiful community nestled in tranquil gardens that welcome you with warmth and charm. Tamarisk offers opportunities to celebrate what residents cherish most, LIFE.
Community
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