Meet Our Senior Living Professionals at Discovery Commons South Biscayne

Bradley Mangus

Executive Director

Executive Director Bradley Mangus brings almost two decades of leadership experience from Discovery Senior Living to Discovery Commons South Biscayne. Bradley is from a small town in Northeast Ohio, and it was there he learned to appreciate and embrace a sense of community. Bradley understands the importance of the community resident as well as team member satisfaction.

One of his greatest passions is charity work. Over the past ten years, Bradley has raised over $250,000 through Discovery Senior Living and other charity organizations including Make a Wish, Relay for Life, Wildlife Center, and Operation 2nd Chance. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife Debbie – going to concerts, gardening, cooking, taking care of their dog Rufus, and visiting family and friends.

Melissa Vanderbilt-Bestor

Community Relations Director

Melissa Vanderbilt-Bestor has been in senior living since 2009. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, the state of Florida Alzheimer’s Ambassador, Alzheimer’s Community Educator, CORE Certified as well as a member of North Port Leadership. Melissa’s passion for seniors shows in everything she does. Originally from North Carolina, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their adult children, grandchildren and her Cavalier King Charles dog Arissa. When not serving seniors, she is very active in the not-for-profit organization her husband started with Jean-Michel Cousteau. She loves to read, dance and sing.

Check out the story about Melissa on YourSun.com

Mark Morris

Senior Living Counselor

Mark was raised in southwest Ohio. He was hired at a computer systems company, working his way up to VP of Operation, Marketing & Training. After 28 years, he made the tough decision to retire and care for his ill parents. In the process, Mark found he enjoyed helping seniors, and after his parent’s passing, Mark started a new career in senior living and has been in this field for the last 15 years. He recently relocated to Florida with his wife of 38 years and their six-pound Havanese to enjoy the warm weather and to continue his mission of helping families find a great place for their loved ones to live.

Becky Lester

Director of Celebration Services

Director of Celebrations Becky Lester, with more than ten years of experience brings vibrant energy with imagination, creativity, and resourcefulness that you’ll find is contagious and unparalleled in the industry. “We provide a wide variety of senior-centered events and activities for our residents with something for everyone,” Becky proudly shares. “We have an amazing team with a wealth of talent that works together to ensure our residents stay active and involved.” Becky takes a special interest in each individual resident as they arrive at the community. She incorporates their personal strengths and involves them in community activities from day one.  Becky moved to Southwest Florida from Atlanta, Georgia about 10 years ago and has made Punta Gorda her home with her grown daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Stop in any time to experience Becky’s warm, southern hospitality for yourself!

Bridget Wanecski, RN BSN

Director of Health and Wellness

Bridget Wanecski RN, BSN has been in the Discovery Senior Living family since 2016. After moving to Florida in 1988, Bridget owned and operated two preschools. Eventually following her calling to nursing, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2007, then continued on to become a Registered Nurse and graduated from State College of Florida with a BS and Nursing, earning an Academic Excellence Award. Bridget has worked as a floor nurse, Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Director of Nursing in long-term care and skilled rehabilitation facilities. 

Gabriella Salinas

Director of Culinary Services