In 2021, as Sabrina Clopton was interviewed by then-Senior Center Director Heidi Whear, Clopton didn’t know that one day she’d be sitting in Whear’s shoes.

Following Whear’s retirement, Clopton took over the role of director of aging services on July 1 after serving as the center’s assistant director and outreach social worker.

“It’s definitely a big jump from what I used to do,” said Clopton. “Now I have a broader administrative perspective and responsibility for the growth of the center, relationships with boards and committees and understanding how to propel the center forward.”

Clopton is still maintaining her social worker duties until the middle of September, when a new hire will start.

“Our board is amazing and has helped make the transition easier,” said Clopton.

Her main goal during her first two months as director has been to keep everything stable at the center through the transition, but Clopton has already put much thought toward the future of the Senior Center.

“We’ve had a lot of changes to the staff and have been trying to keep stability and reestablish comfort with the staff and our systems,” said Clopton. “Our staff has really worked hard to maintain consistency.”

Some changes have already been made under Clopton’s leadership, including the addition of van transportation for members on Fridays, which has been a goal of the center for some time.

Looking toward the future, three of Clopton’s goals are to expand on the established intergenerational programming, ensure the Senior Center space is being utilized as efficiently as possible and keep chipping away at capital improvements.

“We have such a good relationship with Swampscott Public Schools and at this point we have fully integrated with the high school through our internship program and Opening Mind through Art program,” said Clopton. “I’d like to see those experiences leveraged into even more integration.”

Clopton said she is also looking forward to more community based events the Senior Center will have the opportunity to be a part of.

As for the physical space of the Senior Center, Clopton said she has always she has always dreamed of a three-season patio area that would allow members to spend more time outdoors.

“We’re always looking at ways to maximize the space we have here at the center,” said Clopton. “We have some big exercise classes and have moved some things around to better utilize the big room.”

Clopton added that she would like to see the establishment of a designated space where seniors could take on woodworking and other advanced manufacturing projects.

ne of the many characteristics Clopton admired about Whear was her ability to think of the big picture and see the potential in something most people would think was unattainable.

“I feel really lucky,” said Clopton. “I love my job. I love the people I work with and I love the people I work for. I get to come to work everyday and get to be around people I want to be when I grow up.”

Clopton said she is grateful for everything the town of Swampscott has done for her family, and it’s gratifying to be able to serve its people.