We recently sat down for a chat with Anne Bajor (bay-jer), the new Life Enrichment Wellness Specialist at Edgewood and The Baldwin. Anne first began working with our communities as a contractor, filling in and teaching Pilates when her predecessor, Nancy Ryan, was preparing to retire. Now, four months since starting her official full-time role in early 2026, Anne is hitting her stride and loves being part of the communities. Following are excerpts from our conversation.
Welcome, Anne, and thanks for making the time to speak with us. Let’s start with what you like most about your role at Edgewood and The Baldwin.
Anne: It’s truly the human connection. I’ve always worked in service roles, mainly in a restaurant setting. In that work, I loved building up a rapport with regulars, but here, the connection is deeper. It’s more than just small-talk and brightening someone’s day. I’m seeing people find their power. It’s not drastic feats of strength and athletic conquests. It’s helping people who may have given up on the idea of staying strong as they age, and empowering them to get stronger, sit up straighter, walk steadier. I love seeing the physical and emotional changes as residents get a renewed sense of energy and confidence.
How did you make the move from working in the restaurant world to being a wellness specialist?
I’ve always taught fitness classes as a “side job,” and I’m not the type to sit still. I like to have several things going at once. But I found the restaurant work became draining without that really fulfilling aspect. So I started leaning more into teaching fitness classes.
I started in 2016, when I earned a Zumba certification. Then I earned my Group Fitness Instructor certification in 2019 and was certified as a Personal Trainer in 2022. I began teaching at an all-women’s gym in Haverhill — both group fitness classes and strength training. My personal background had been in running and dance, so I really grew in that role as I learned about the importance of strength training and how important it is to mobility.
All the things I learned working in Haverhill gave me a lot of knowledge to bring to my work at Edgewood and The Baldwin — including the specific challenges associated with aging. For example, you can’t reverse osteoporosis, but you can combat its progression with strength training. The seated Pilates class we offer incorporates several important components such as breath work, the mind-muscle connection, the intention coming through the core to lift the limbs. The body is one system, and everything affects everything else, so I try to incorporate that in my programming.
I’ve also earned a Senior Fitness Specialization that gives me a greater understanding of how various forms of exercise can help throughout the aging process.
It sounds like you’ve turned your passion into your vocation.
It sounds cliché, but it’s true. It’s so fulfilling to work with the residents. We’re dealing with humans’ emotional, internal experiences combined with empowering them to preserve comfort, strength, and mobility throughout the aging process.
It’s pretty cool that I’ve been put in a position to help people this way. Many people in the world have a disconnect with their feelings and their bodies, just due to life and all its challenges and responsibilities. The people who live here have led full lives. To feel like I can play a part in helping people renew their connection with themselves, so they can be fully present and experience their community and all the things they enjoy doing — it’s a privilege.
What would you say to someone who hasn’t been exercising and isn’t sure how to start?
It can be difficult and scary to start something — whether starting for the first time or after a long break. I encourage mindful momentum — taking small steps and acknowledging them. Taking a big step, too much too soon, can backfire. But small, mindful steps and consistency will build momentum. So I just tell people: Come and do what you can. Any step forward is a good step.
There are many people who weren’t exercising regularly before moving to the community and they’re now discovering what they’re capable of. We offer both standing and seated classes. I even developed a seated Pilates class, so you don’t have to be on the floor. You’d be surprised how much of a workout the seated classes can be.
So you’re seeing success or progress in people who are taking the fitness classes?
Yes! Quite a few come to mind. We have people who had recent knee or hip replacements who are finding they can do more after exercising. There are people who have chronic back pain who tell me their backs don’t hurt as much after taking a class.
Many people who have balance challenges are seeing improvement by taking the dance classes (Radiant Rhythms and Dance, Fusion, Fun!). The movements aren’t complicated. We’re focused on form and breath while shifting our weight and alternating limbs, which affect both balance and neuroplasticity. I’ve seen people get more comfortable in their form, get more comfortable through their feet, increase the weight they’re using. The classes are really fun, too, with many different kinds of music, and the residents are very open to the whole experience.
Do you do any one-on-one or small-group training in the gym?
I do meet with people individually when there is a specific need. For example, I can create programs for individuals who have a specific area of concern. Then they work the program on their own and we check in periodically. I can also help people learn how to use the machines in the gym. In fact, we offer a Gym Orientation session a couple times a month.
Are there classes that are specifically oriented to people who are in Assisted Living at The Woodlands Inn or Orchard Inn?
Yes, we do a group seated class for residents in Assisted Living. I teach it at The Woodlands Inn, and one of our other instructors teaches it at Orchard Inn.
It sounds like your job keeps you very busy.
Yes, it does. Between Edgewood and The Baldwin, I personally teach around 24 classes each week — but I love it!
Everyone at both communities has been very kind — residents and team members alike. There’s something about this organization as a whole. You’re given enough support while also being granted a bit of autonomy to try new things and see what works. It’s a welcoming, open, kind, affirming culture. I genuinely feel fortunate to be part of this team.
Learn more about Edgewood’s approach to whole-person wellness here.