Meet Don
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?
The opportunity to interact with so many different people who have a broad knowledge of history and experience is very rewarding.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I like to garden. It is very relaxing and you see the results of your work.
If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Abraham Lincoln. His ability to lead our nation through the difficult period of the Civil War was amazing. He made difficult decisions and stood by his principles.
What’s your favorite movie and why?
“To Kill a Mockingbird”, it’s a beautiful story with great acting. It has lessons for all of us.
What’s your favorite dish or dessert and why?
I like pasta with a tasty red sauce, a good salad, garlic bread and a nice glass of red wine. For dessert, I’ll take lemon meringue pie. It’s my favorite.
In what ways do your residents inspire you?
Every resident has a story to tell. There are so many who have lived through the Great Depression, World War II, good times and bad. They are an inspiration to all.
Do you have any memorable experiences with a particular resident you would like to share?
Through the years I have worked with many residents who were very active and involved in our community. I think of three gentlemen who were passionate about their arts and crafts. One was a painter, one a gardener and one made stained glass. Each of them contributed something to our community to make it unique. I will always remember their joy in their work and life.
How do you honor your residents at your community?
We honor our residents by encouraging all of our employees to take the time to get to know them and the things that make them happy. We expect everyone to take the time to listen and learn from our residents.
Tell us about a resident with a remarkable life story?
I remember a resident who was a librarian for the state. During the Depression she drove around the state visiting libraries in an old jalopy. After the war, she and her husband were diplomats in Africa. Her apartment was decorated with African sculpture and masks that she had collected. She organized and supervised the resident library at our community. She made sure that everyone followed the rules. She loved reading and she loved books.
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
I think of a lady who moved to our community after living alone for several years. Her family told us that she was a bit of a recluse and she wouldn’t participate in our community’s programs. On the day after her move she told me that she had the best night of sleep in many years. She said that she finally felt safe and secure. She quickly joined in activities and I soon learned she was a great dancer. She had the most joyous look on her face when dancing. I will never forget her smile.
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
I am amazed at the way they juggle and balance their home life and family with their busy work schedules. They are so kind and respectful to our residents. They do so many things to help our residents maintain their independence. They like the work that they do and it shows.
How do you create a family-like atmosphere at your community?
It’s wonderful to see the relationships that grow between our team members, our residents and their families. When you see the friendships and bonding that occur, you get a true feeling of family. Residents and staff truly care for and about each other.
Tell us about an employee who embodies one of our core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, professionalism or teamwork.
There are two ladies who work together most every morning in the dining room. The way they greet the residents each morning and serve them breakfast show the respect they have for the residents and the responsibility they take to be there for them. They work together as a team to accomplish the work while making a pleasant, friendly atmosphere for the residents.