Meet Karen
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 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?
Our seniors have endured so many trials in their lives. The stories are incredible, but the ending is always the same…never give up!
Do you have any memorable experiences with a particular resident you would like to share?
Early in my career I met a resident that had very few friends and constantly complained with a very angry demeanor. Through the years I would listen to her many complaints, attempting to counteract them with a positive thought. Surprisingly, she asked for me as she was in her final moments. I was the only one there to hold her hand at the end, and this meant the world to both of us! I never realized I had impacted her life in such a way.
How do you honor your residents at your community?
Most importantly we treat each resident as an individual with dignity and respect always!
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
A 62-year-old gentleman moved in with his mother. He had a stroke and was very depressed. They have lived here close to a year and his mother tells me every day how much he loves Pinecrest Place – the camaraderie, acceptance and love that he feels from everyone! You will even see him dancing!
How long have you worked in the retirement industry?
Twenty-three years.
What do you like best about your job?
That I have the ability to make a positive difference in many peoples lives… residents, staff, families and prospective residents.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
Since I was two years old I loved to sing…I also attempt to play guitar to accompany myself!
If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Joe Maddon, the manager of the Rays. He has a quiet demeanor and leadership style and knows the importance and impact of a strong team. His efforts have been very successful!
What’s your favorite movie and why?
I love the movie "Pay it Forward." If we all did this, the world would be a better place!
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
Seeing how much the team really cares about our residents through their actions. The family feeling that you experience at Pinecrest Place is due to this genuine concern by employees.
Tell us about an employee who embodies one of our core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, professionalism or teamwork.
An employee that comes to mind quickly is my transportation dispatcher, Sharon. She has a tough job, which involves our residents #2 amenity (#1 is food) – providing transportation services on a daily basis while managing the financial side. Sharon has patience with each resident and spends individual time to ensure she satisfies his or her needs. She also finds time to assist with resident-focused parties, decorating and assisting with answering calls at the lobby desk. The icing on the cake was that on her own time she refinished the bottom of our grandfather clock. She is a gem and sets an example for us all to follow!
We understand that deciding where to live is a big decision that deserves careful thought. I invite you to visit us, stop by for lunch or be a guest at one of our special events or classes. I look forward to meeting you.