Meet Jenny
Executive Director
The executive director, along with our friendly and professional staff, strives to create positive, stimulating ways for residents to continue living life with meaning and purpose. We are a friendly family where we treat residents like real people with real life stories.
Our community is a great story that includes heartwarming chapters and incredibly unique characters all in a wonderful setting. Here is the executive director’s story:
How long have you worked in the retirement industry?
15 years
What do you like best about your job?
I enjoy spending time with my residents. I am always amazed and inspired by their life experiences and stories.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Traveling, shopping, flower gardening, playing with my four dogs and hanging out with my family and friends.
If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Princess Diana - She was very personable and inspirational with all people. She was at ease with meeting people from any background. Part of her appeal was her sympathy and natural compassion. My favorite quote from Princess Diana:
"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."
What’s your favorite dish or dessert?
Crème Brulee
Do you have any memorable experiences with a particular resident you would like to share?
In my 15 years of working in senior living I have interacted with thousands of residents and it is just too hard to pick one. I have learned from all of them that life is precious and to cherish every moment. So many times, people let personal and professional failures affect their lives. Many residents have taught me that, in the end, what is important are the positive impacts or impressions that you have made on someone’s life.
How do you honor your residents at your community?
We honor our residents by simply treating them like family. We listen to their life stories and tailor our programs to meet their individualized interests.
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
I had a resident move in one year after her husband passed away. Prior to his passing, she had been his caregiver – 24/7. After moving in she was quiet and stayed to herself, always saying how lost she was without him. Two to three months after moving in, she started to make new friends and participate in community activities. After living with us for over a year she met Cliff, another resident at our community. Over time, they were inseparable, in love and wanted to get married and that they did. We helped them plan their wedding. The wedding was held in our community’s courtyard with all of our staff and residents in attendance. Our dining team prepared all the food and made a beautiful wedding cake. It was a beautiful and rewarding experience.
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
The Westland team members inspire me by the way they serve our residents day in and day out – with great compassion, dignity and respect.
How do you create a family-like atmosphere at your community?
First and foremost my door is always open to our residents and team members. We also take the time to get to know our residents and team members on a personal level. Everyone has a story and it is important that we listen and honor their stories by recognizing and celebrating individual milestones.