Meet Shannon
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:
In what ways do your residents inspire you?
Since I was 8 years old I have wanted to work with seniors. I find them intriguing, motivating and it inspires me to learn and improve their lifestyle.
Do you have any memorable experiences with a particular resident you would like to share?
I love to learn about residents and what they did for a living, what made them happy in the past. I have a special friend named Phyllis and we clicked from the day we first met. Every day she gave me advice about when she ran a business and we had great conversations of current events, past and present issues. She was a mentor to me.
How do you honor your residents at your community?
Every day we honor them by providing the best customer service we can. I come to work every day not knowing what to expect but I hope to improve and bring joy to my residents’ days.
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
I had a resident named Ruby. Ruby remained in bed for about two months, very depressed coming to Michigan from Florida. She started getting therapy and involved with programs such as crafts. She became friends with Shirley and really started feeling good about herself. That’s all it took. She then was the life of the party and really started feeling good about herself.
How long have you worked in the retirement industry?
Five years.
What do you like best about your job?
Building relationships with my staff and residents.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I love to travel with my family, spend time with friends and entertain.
If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Jesus because he made an impact on our lives, past and present.
What’s your favorite movie and why?
“The Notebook.” Total chick flick.
What’s your favorite dish or dessert and why?
Coffee ice cream.
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
Every department is important in this building and it takes special people to work day after day to do the job they do here. I have many employees here that have worked here over 10 years. That is total dedication. When one team member is gone it totally affects the whole community.
How do you create a family-like atmosphere at your community?
Since I have been executive director I have really tried to learn about the personal side of the employee, their family, their hobbies and to encourage them if they are going to school to continue. I always have an open door policy and employees know if they are have a problem inside or outside of work they can come talk to me.
Tell us about an employee who embodies one of our core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, professionalism or teamwork.
I can’t really name one. But I have many employees that everyday bring that TEAM attitude to work. No matter what needs to be done or whose job it is they are in it together. I love that!
At The Park at Trowbridge, we understand that deciding where to live is a big decision that deserves careful thought. We invite you to visit us, stop by for lunch or be a guest at one of our special events or classes. We look forward to meeting you.