Meet The Family
Mandi and Graham Willoughby moved to Rhode Island in 2012 from Northern California after Graham accepted a position at Brown University. Mandi brought with her a long-held dream nurtured while in the business of caring for others’ loved ones. Her dream was also inspired by her grandmother who had become frail, but did not want to leave her home. Mandi was determined to serve elders just like her grandmother with more personal, home-like care.
In 2016, the concept became reality when Mandi and Graham purchased and converted a Warwick home at 655 Commonwealth Ave. Commonwealth House was Rhode Island’s first “Care Home” -- a unique community of 10 seniors who are assisted in their daily lives as they need it, in a home-like setting that they can love.
Not quite assisted living, not quite home care -- a better way of senior living. Mandi’s grandmother would approve.
Mandi, Graham, their sons Ian and Rusty, and their Border Collies Buzz and Sumo also reside in Warwick, Rhode Island.
The Willoughby Family, Owners of Commonwealth House Assisted Living
A Team in Sync with the Founders
Our skilled, licensed staff members love the “Care Home” concept as much as the Willoughbys do, and freely engage with our residents as family members. No corporate structure or hierarchy. Just friendly professionals eager to provide the most personalized care possible in a setting with a favorable resident-to-staff ratio of 5:1.
Connie has spent a lifetime caring for the elderly and now brings her experience and expertise to Commonwealth House! Connie is the Head of Nursing here a Commonwealth, and she is the key to our signature "Concierge Care" service. Connie can be found checking in with each and every one of our residents regularly, making sure they are healthy and comfortable, and also making everyone laugh and smile. She is known throughout the industry as someone who gets things done, and puts extra effort in advocating for our residents' health and happiness every day!
CONNIE DICENZO
Head of Nursing
Claudia, AKA "The Kid," brings a youthful presence to Commonwealth House. While she is no-nonsense and professional, she also sees our residents as her extended family, and loves leading activities and games, and sharing new and creative ideas with residents. She’s also the one to call to get that iPad or Facebook video message to work…
CLAUDIA BRAZ
Certified Medication Technician
Ellie is one of our very experienced caregivers and, as one of the younger members of the staff, also takes on the responsibility of keeping our website and social media up to date with all the fun activities and happenings here at Commonwealth House! You may connect with her directly when inquiring on Facebook or completing a contact form. She is passionate about caregiving as well as the small-format model, and is currently studying to become an RN!
ELIANA MONTALVO
Certified Medication Technician
Mandi has been with Commonwealth House since 2020 and is the culinary heart and soul of our community! Mandi is a professionally trained chef, having earned a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales's famed cooking school. Mandi's skills really show when she is preparing delicious, home made meals for our residents in our centrally located kitchen. Not only is she a great cook, but she is a wonderful companion and loves spending time with our residents in their favorite room in the house - the kitchen!
MANDI ISBELL
Chef and Kitchen Manager
We welcomed Bobbie to our staff in summer of 2022 and she has brought joy and enthusiasm to our community ever since she walked through the door! She brings many years of experience as well as boundless energy! Bobbie loves dogs, kids and seniors, and we love her for it!
BOBBIE DEBRITO
Certified Medication Technician
"Supportive and thriving assisted living. All the comforts of home in a warm and caring environment. They are like an extended family and we are very happy to have found them."
- Nancy Gaucher-Thomas