Mary Ann Stallings’ passion and concern for the elderly began at an early age when her grandfather lived in a nursing home. Since then, she and her husband have had to help five relatives and one friend find a community to meet their needs. The process became time consuming and at times very frustrating as they tried to compare and evaluate all the information.  With that in mind, over a year ago Mary Ann started doing research and developing a business plan with the goal of helping others have a smooth and successful transition to a different living community. Today, Bridge to Better Living helps people of all ages choose a lifestyles community for either themselves or a loved one. This transition can be difficult and finding the right place that meets one’s needs physically, socially, financially, and medically may be overwhelming.  Bridge to Better Living provides an array of services that will individualize and guide one through this process.  These include comparing types of communities, features, locations, and amenities as well as scheduling appointments, provide transportation to the communities, and help ask questions. Bridge to Better Living’s goal is to assist before, during, and after making a living community decision.

Tell me a little about your family - My husband, Bob, and I have been married for 38 years and have 3 children and 10 grandchildren.  Bob is a family dentist and I am a retired LPS teacher.  We are so lucky our children live here in Lincoln and we are able to have many family gatherings.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - My father died while I was in high school so I learned to become independent and make important decisions at an early age.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy taking the grandkids on different excursions and treating them to lunch or a treat.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was the first director of the Lincoln Children’s Museum.

What are you the most proud of? - I consider motherhood one of the most demanding jobs for a woman.  Having raised 3 children has been a rewarding experience especially since all of our children and grandchildren have a positive rapport with my husband, Bob, and me.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Never give up, always look for more than one solution to a problem, and stay positive.

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? - When I decide to retire, I want to be ready financially and be active both physically and mentally.

How would your friends describe you? - Trustworthy, loyal, a good listener, and one who thinks “outside the box.”

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I enjoy working with wood and enjoy refinishing furniture.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? - There are times I need to be more patient with myself and not be such a perfectionist.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Help by Kathryn Stockett—a must read.

What is your favorite movie? - Rain Man

What is your favorite TV show? - The Closer

What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? - Lazlo’s

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.