At SurfMed, we recognize the people who help seniors access care, coordinate services, and live with greater comfort and independence. Through our Healthcare Spotlight series, we share the stories of professionals making a difference in their communities.

This month, we are highlighting Lymari Rivera, Director of Center Operations at Mount Sinai Eldercare PACE, whose approach to leadership centers on caring for participants, supporting her team, and strengthening connections with families.

With approximately 20 years in healthcare and more than 10 years working in PACE programs, Lymari brings extensive experience to her role. She oversees 40 staff members and 11 additional contracted positions. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Alliance for Aging, extending her commitment to seniors throughout South Florida.

Family and Community at the Heart of Her Work

Lymari grew up in South Florida, with Puerto Rican roots that continue to shape her life and work.

“I have a strong appreciation for our culture, especially the importance we place on family, community, and always being there for one another,” she shared.

Those values carry into her professional responsibilities. For Lymari, caring for seniors means understanding their relationships, their communities, and the support systems that help them feel connected.

Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA in Healthcare from Florida International University. She is also a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and completed the National PACE Association Leadership Training Course.

“I believe healthcare is always changing, so there is always an opportunity to learn something new,” she said.

Caring for the Whole Person

At Mount Sinai Eldercare PACE, Lymari’s team recruits participants into an all-inclusive healthcare program and coordinates their care through adult day services and services provided at home.

She wants case managers and families to understand the program’s comprehensive approach.

“We are beyond a health insurance provider and a healthcare provider,” she explained. “We take care of the whole person.”

That focus is one reason PACE has become especially meaningful to her.

“PACE is especially meaningful to me because we have the opportunity to care for the whole person and help our participants remain connected to their homes, families, and communities.”

For Lymari, the value of that work can be seen in everyday moments.

“Being able to make a difference in someone’s life—even in the small things—is what makes this work worthwhile for me.”

Making Sure Nothing Falls Through the Cracks

When asked about her biggest daily concern, Lymari’s answer comes back to participants.

“My biggest concern every day is making sure our participants are getting the care and support they deserve.”

With many moving pieces across the program, she continually considers where care can improve, what needs may be overlooked, and how to give her team the support they need.

“I’m always thinking about what we can do better, where we may be missing something, and how we can support our team so nothing falls through the cracks,” she said.

Her priority is that participants and their families feel cared for and supported throughout their experience.

Measuring Success Through Her Team

Helping grow a new PACE program from the ground up has been one of Lymari’s greatest professional accomplishments. But enrollment and infrastructure tell only part of that story.

What means the most to her is watching employees develop alongside the program.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but what means the most to me is seeing our staff develop, take ownership, and build genuine relationships with our participants.”

For Lymari, those relationships are evidence that the team’s commitment is reaching the people they serve.

“When I see a team member go the extra mile for a participant or family, that’s when I feel like we’re doing something right.”

She takes pride in the impact her team makes on seniors’ quality of life through compassionate, high-quality healthcare services.

Growing With Purpose

Leading a growing program brings ongoing challenges, including increasing enrollment while maintaining quality, recruiting and retaining employees, and competing with organizations serving the same population.

Lymari credits Eldercare’s committed leadership team with successfully managing significant growth.

Her goals include reaching 300 participants while building the infrastructure to care for them safely and efficiently. She also wants to continue strengthening care coordination and building a strong South Florida community network.

That vision keeps growth connected to the people behind it: the participants receiving care, the families relying on support, and the employees making that care possible.

At SurfMed, we appreciate professionals like Lymari who bring dedication and compassion to the daily work of coordinating care.

Thank you, Lymari, for sharing your story and for your continued commitment to seniors, families, and your team throughout South Florida.

Know a healthcare professional or case manager we should feature next? We would love to hear their story.