Meet Peggy
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?
I have worked in the industry for 9 years. In my previous career, I worked with seniors for thirty years.
What do you like best about your job?
No two days are ever the same.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I enjoy aerobics and reading.
If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet my great grandfather. He was a blockade runner for the Confederacy.
What’s your favorite movie and why?
Indiana Jones movies—I enjoy the fast paced action and adventure.
What’s your favorite dish or dessert and why?
I was raised in the South, so sit me in front of turnip greens and cornbread and I am a happy camper.
In what ways do your residents inspire you?
They inspire me by living each day to the fullest. Seeing a resident go to exercise even when they are tired, or seeing them listen to another resident who needs to talk puts a smile on my face.
Do you have any memorable experiences with a particular resident you would like to share?
I have so many wonderful memories of residents. One man in particular had throat cancer so he had trouble communicating. He enjoyed going to the local senior center. I had the opportunity a number of times to drive him there on the bus. He told me wonderful stories about his life in the Merchant Marines. Those were special drives for both of us.
How do you honor your residents at your community?
I make sure I give each person the respect they deserve and the time they need to talk with me. My door is always open.
Tell us about a resident with a remarkable life story?
I had a resident who was the first soldier on Normandy Beach. He had a letter signed by Roosevelt recognizing him for his bravery.
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
Several years ago a resident was in the nursing home due to injuries in a car accident. She came for a tour and loved our community. She said that picture was what kept her working hard to improve. When she moved in, she continued her therapy with us and enjoyed every minute of her stay.
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
Our employees love seniors and seeing them go the extra mile for them challenges each of us to do the same.
How do you create a family-like atmosphere at your community?
I enjoy going around and talking to as many residents each day as possible. I also get to know each person and share some of my life with them. We truly are a big family.
Tell us about an employee who embodies one of our core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, professionalism or teamwork.
Mary has worked at Bella Vita for over 20 years. She is always willing to help out staff no matter which department. She is a great example of teamwork, and how it helps residents.