Meet Peter
Executive Director
How long have you worked in the retirement industry?
I have enjoyed working in the long-term care industry since graduation from college in 1979. The initial 10 years were in the skilled nursing industry and the following 19 years have been in communities that have a combination of independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.
What do you like best about your job?
As a social worker/counselor by education, I feel the ability to combine the administrative/management portion of my role with my clinical skills has made it most enjoyable. It gives me the opportunity to offer my special talents to the residents and employees hopefully helping to maintain a seamless management style. I most enjoy being out of the office engaging residents and staff.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I am an avid athlete. My passions are cycling, running, rollerblading and kayaking. These areas have allowed me to stay healthy and challenge myself physically, but they also offer time to be alone, process through issues and be out of doors, seeing the countryside. I generally make my vacations incorporate some form of these activities. I also have been in community theater for most of my life. This is a wonderful opportunity to express through dance, music and acting.
If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I have a very strong identification with St. Francis. Having spent some years in a Franciscan monastery in New York, I would enjoy sitting and discussing his journey into becoming such a strong symbol for peace and caring and respecting nature and animals.
What’s your favorite movie and why?
I enjoy several types of movies and it’s difficult to pick one but I favor “Dances With Wolves.” This movie depicted the beautiful landscape, music and culture of the American Indian. It elicited a feeling of the struggles to maintain a way of life that had meaning and beauty. The American Indian culture is quite fascinating and should be remembered.
What’s your favorite dish or dessert and why?
Being a relatively low-maintenance person, I am very content and happy with cookies. Any kind, any flavor. It’s the only dessert I have in the house and enjoy two or three at dinner. I have always maintained that when I enter a retirement community, they’d better have cookies or they will hear it from me. J
In what ways do your residents inspire you?
Residents have a wealth of information and experiences. I enjoy listening to their stories and life experiences. They can offer a great deal of insight as to handling situations, and hearing of their work life is inspiring. It’s also enjoyable to have fun with them. They appreciate the interaction, especially as their support systems dwindle.
How do you honor your residents at your community?
There are many ways to honor residents. You have your more formal methods, such as parties, gatherings, birthdays etc. but I like to honor them with the individual respect they deserve. I like to lead by example in hopes that all will follow the lead that the residents will respond beautifully when treated with dignity and respect.
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
There are countless examples and it’s difficult to bring just one up. I believe that we become the extended support system, family and friend and when the pieces fit right the resident has the chance to flourish. In some instances it is a matter of reducing isolation and increasing the opportunities to engage in meaningful situations.
Employees
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
When you can create a strong team of employees, the sky is the limit. You then have a chance to see how they can shine. Employees can do remarkable things individually but when a group can achieve this, the community family is strengthened significantly.
How do you create a family-like atmosphere at your community?
I attempt to maintain a very positive, cheerful atmosphere. Even temperament is crucial so employees are never second-guessing what may happen. Getting out there and helping shows that we can make life easier when we’re all helping each other.