Come Meet Our 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?
More than 12 years
What do you like best about your job?
I love the variety and the ability to make a difference in the lives of my residents and employees.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I like to walk on the beach and watch the sandpipers and pelicans fly by. I am always amazed at the wonders of nature.
If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Susan B. Anthony. I have always been fascinated with Women’s history and I find it interesting to think that she paved the way for me to hold the position that I have today.
What’s your favorite movie and why?
The Wizard of Oz. Who can dispute Dorothy’s line, “Auntie Em, There’s no place like home.” I strive to create that homelike atmosphere every day in my community.
What’s your favorite dish or dessert and why?
Waldorf Astoria (red velvet) cake. My mother-in-law introduced this to me many years ago and I have made it a tradition in my family at Christmas and birthdays.
In what ways do your residents inspire you?
My residents’ ability to have zest for life despite adversity inspires me. I also admire how they can adapt to change and always look forward to tomorrow.
Do you have any memorable experiences with a particular resident you would like to share?
Flore was a retired Army veteran who always dressed in full uniform for every military holiday. I remember one time when I took him to the VFW where he was recognized for his service, and a story, including his picture, was published in our local newspaper. He was so proud!
How do you honor your residents at your community?
I honor my residents by celebrating their birthdays, paying attention to their individual needs and activities, and by inviting them to share memories with me at our monthly tea.
Tell us about a resident with a remarkable life story?
One of my residents was a displaced resident in Germany who was kicked off a bus when she was 8 years old and came to America when she was 13. She married a Holocaust survivor who moved to the US later. He was a sweater knitter. They lived in Manhattan for over 30 years. Now Henne has lived at our community for more than 10 years.
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
Bill was living on his own until one day when his neighbor noticed that his garage door had been opened for 3 days. He was told that he couldn’t live alone anymore and chose our community for his home. Now he is very happy to be part of our activities and is looking forward to a trip to tour a naval ship in Ft. Pierce.
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
My employees inspire me by the smiles they have on their faces every day and their willingness to chip in to be sure that our residents’ needs are met.
How do you create a family-like atmosphere at your community?
Our employees and residents intertwine to make a great extended family. I love to see the intergenerational activities and experiences that are created in our community.
Tell us about an employee who embodies one of our core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, professionalism or teamwork.
Patti, our housekeeper, always smiles and is willing to go above and beyond to see that our residents and families are happy. She has brought flowers to brighten up the front porch, helped families move in, rearranged furniture, and about anything else that she can think of to make a brighter, happier atmosphere. Her cheerfulness is felt by all. Another employee, Lily, has been with us 11 years and has become the trusted companion of many residents.