At The Newbury of Brookline, a Kisco Signature Community, the passion behind the programming comes to life through Deniz Martinek, the community’s Art of Living Well Director. Originally from Turkey, Martinek’s journey has been one of creativity, resilience, and a deep love for lifelong learning. Having lived in the U.S. since 1999 and across many different places, Martinek’s diverse experiences shape her unique approach to senior living.
Martinek’s journey has come full circle with her role at The Newbury. From 2017 to 2019, she led the graphic design department at Newbury College, unaware that the college would soon close and eventually be transformed into The Newbury of Brookline. Five years later, she finds herself back at the same location, this time leading wellness programs for the senior living community.
Martinek officially joined Kisco Senior Living in August 2024, taking on the exciting challenge of building The Newbury’s wellness programs from the ground up. As the Art of Living Well Director, her focus is on ensuring the happiness, comfort, and engagement of every resident. She believes strongly this is their home, campus, and life, and she takes her role in shaping that experience very seriously. To Martinek, getting to know each resident’s likes and dislikes is key to creating programs that resonate with them on a personal level.
For Martinek, The Newbury of Brookline isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. By embracing Kisco’s signature Art of Living Well philosophy, she ensures the community’s programs focus on the whole person, promoting intellectual, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Each class or activity is designed to touch on multiple of the nine dimensions of wellness, from social connections to physical health, intellectual stimulation, and a strong sense of purpose. As Martinek says, “You always keep learning, no matter what age.”
Looking ahead to the opening of The Newbury in December, Martinek is eager to bring these ideas to life. Her goal is to foster a family-like atmosphere where residents feel valued and inspired. With a strong team behind her, all equally passionate about learning and giving back, Martinek is confident in her ability to create a community where residents don’t just live—they thrive.
