PBS Profile: Esther and Gail

Esther Morgana, her partner Jaime, and Gail Geremia share far more than a house in Leominster, MA—they share a daily life shaped by companionship, care, and the genuine mutuality that defines Nonotuck’s approach to Shared Living.

Theirs is a rich life shaped by shared activities—bowling, board games, and trivia among them. Gail often jokes that her favorite moments are when she beats Jaime and Esther, especially when one of them throws a gutter ball. Outside the time they spend together, Gail maintains a strong sense of independence and keeps to the routines she loves, especially her weekly bingo nights, an activity she often shared with her fiancé, Steve. She’s is a fixture in her community, making friends at bingo games, The Fitchburg Senior Center, and at Ginny’s Helping Hand, her favorite local thrift store.

The results speak for themselves. “The best thing that ever happened to me is living here,” says Gail. “I get lots of love here. Esther and Jaime are really nice people, and I love living here — going to bingo, going to the casino, going out to eat, playing cards, bingo here at the house, and shopping.”

Gail is quick to point out that the relationship goes both ways. “Esther takes care of me, and I take care of her,” she says. “When Esther’s sick, I help her out. I ask if I can make her some tea or soup. Even when she’s not sick, I take out the trash, I clean, I vacuum.”

“I do love her very much. I don’t ever want to leave here.”

Positive Behavior Supports

Gail and Esther’s relationship reflects the trust, care, support and shared decision-making that define Shared Living, which is also central to how Nonotuck views Positive Behavioral Supports.

At Nonotuck, we use the ideals of Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) as part of our ongoing effort to truly understand the person being supported. PBS is about recognizing each person’s individuality, strengths, personality while supporting their autonomy and ambitions and helping build their community of friendships.

Although PBS is a philosophy fairly recently enforced by Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), its person-centered approach fits in nicely with Nonotuck’s core values. In every shared living home, PBS reinforces what Nonotuck has always stood for — that every person deserves not only safety, but dignity, respect, love, an authentic life and the freedom to make choices that shape their own story.