Meet Rebecca
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?
They inspire me to make smart financial decisions so that my future can be spent in a wonderful setting like Wyndham Lakes.
How do you honor your residents at your community?
We listen closely to what really matters to them and then make it happen. We honor their voice and vision as well as their independence.
Tell us about a resident with a remarkable life story?
Silvia, one of our beloved residents was deafened four times throughout her life. The first time she lost her hearing was due to a 10-inch firecracker exploding behind her, the second time was due to Scarlet Fever that put her in a coma. The third time she went deaf due to a severe case of bronchitis. The fourth time was in Reno, Nev., while she was driving down a mountain in her car her eardrums were affected by the change in altitude. She hears perfectly now!
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
Geraldine moved to Florida from California. Her son lives in Jacksonville and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law live at Wyndham Lakes. She arrived late on a Tuesday night. The only thing that had arrived from the moving van was her brown recliner. When I went down to her room to welcome her she said hello with a meek smile and a weak handshake. She looked incredibly sad. The next day I mentioned to our staff our new resident’s arrival and that she seemed very sad. The community really embraced our new resident. And this level of compassion really made a difference in her life her. She is now one of the most outgoing residents at our community. In fact, she now jokes that she has become so popular that she is late for meals because people always want to stop and chat with her. In fact, she recently shared with me a recording of her singing at the age of 78, and it was a beautiful piece of music. Once I finished listening she grabbed my hand and said, “I do not ever want to leave here. Where else would anyone want to hear a 78-year-old woman sing?” I laughed and hugged her and told her she was meant to be with us, Wyndham Lakes, with her forever Florida family.
How long have you worked in the retirement industry?
For 19 years.
What do you like best about your job?
I love working with different personalities, ages and cultures. Finding the common ground is extremely rewarding.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
Play with my 3-year-old son Coleman, shop on eBay and go to the beach fun spots with my husband Jeff.
If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Jesus. I want to thank him for giving me his heart and peace in my life.
What’s your favorite movie and why?
“Best in Show,” it is classic dry humor that only a dog person would understand.
What’s your favorite dish or dessert and why?
Applebee’s maple brownie because the sauce is incredible.
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
They inspire me to listen more and talk less. Their feedback is priceless and keeps me humble so that I can continue to grow as a person and leader.
How do you create a family-like atmosphere at your community?
My role as the executive director is to serve all at Wyndham Lakes to the best of my ability. We all have positions that are equally important. Mutual respect for each other is our common ground. It allows us to trust one another.
Tell us about an employee who embodies one of our core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, professionalism or teamwork.
Jorja is our housekeeping supervisor. She is one among many of Wyndham Lakes’ amazing staff that goes above and beyond. When it comes to serving our residents, Jorja’s favorite word is “yes.” She has been an employee at Wyndham Lakes for 16 years and is one of the residents’ favorite faces to see. The staff thinks she is great too!
At Wyndham Lakes, 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.