Celebrating Everyday Joy

This Gratitude Wall features messages submitted by team members, residents, and family members to recognize the individuals who make our communities exceptional. All submissions are reviewed by Sonida’s Marketing team before being shared publicly. Submit your own note of gratitude.

Service

Maggie Nobbe is grateful for

Brad Allison

Maintenance Director • Chateau of Batesville

During the recent severe weather, Brad took every moment to make sure our community was safe in every possible way. Brad did this without a second thought. He made sure our sidewalks were shoveled and safe, and he took great care to offer assistance to any staff member who had difficulty getting to and from work. This is just one instance of how caring Brad is. Brad has a big heart, and it shows in his work with both residents and staff alike. We appreciate Brad more than he knows!

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Diane Harris is grateful for

Andrea

Med Tech • The Addison of Oakleaf

Andrea is so kind, caring, and fun! Thanks for being a bright spot in my mom’s life at The Addison and always getting a smile from mom. We love and appreciate you!  

A Community Visitor Submission
Communication

Laura Smits is grateful for

Sarah Lopez

AR Specialist • Brookview Meadows

I chose the CARES value, "Communication", but honestly, all the values fit when you are talking about Sarah. I have met a lot of great people over the years here at Sonida, but Sarah is one-of-a-kind. Her willingness to help, to teach, to brainstorm with you, is actually COMFORTING. That might sound odd, but you will never feel alone when you have Sarah in your corner, especially if it's a smile or a good laugh you need. Thank you, Sarah!

A Team Member Submission
Accountability

LeRoy Alltop is grateful for

Myeshia Stafford

Housekeeping Director • The Harrison

Myeshia is a seemingly tireless worker. Her organizational skills are commendable.

A Community Resident Submission
Service

LeRoy Alltop is grateful for

Leah Bridgewater

Dining Director • The Harrison

Leah has transformed the dining experience at The Harrison into something very special. I for one am grateful.

A Community Resident Submission
Service

Emily Shaughnessy is grateful for

Joy Tawah-Manguele

Server • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Joy helped train me, and she does really well at her job!

A Team Member Submission
Service

Jennifer Fitzgerald is grateful for

Victoria Colby

Clinical Coordinator • The Amberleigh

Vicki works hard in her role doing her job as well as helping on the floor assisting the nursing staff. She covers a lot of shifts when the nursing department is short staffed. She is on call frequently and never hesitates when she is called to assist the staff.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Melinda Toribio is grateful for

Tisha Alexander

Lead Med Tech • The Waterford at College Station

Tisha has a wonderful attitude and cares for the staff and residents with love and appreciation. She is a joy to work with.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Benjamin Hansmann is grateful for

Joy Tawah-Manguele

Server • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Joy helped train me in a new position with politeness, care, and respect. She helped with service, as well as leading with empathy.

A Team Member Submission
Accountability

Michelle McClure is grateful for

Jay Reed

Chief Technology Officer • Autumn Glen

Jay consistently approaches every IT-related concern with kindness, professionalism, and a true commitment to service. No matter the situation, he treats each issue with a strong sense of urgency, ensuring that staff and residents experience minimal disruption and feel supported every step of the way. His calm demeanor, thoughtful communication, and dedication to timely solutions make a meaningful impact on our daily operations and overall resident experience. We are grateful for his leadership, responsiveness, and the care he brings to every interaction.

A Team Member Submission
Communication

Michelle McClure is grateful for

Brian Holditch

Director of Facilities Management • Autumn Glen

Brian's responsiveness, professionalism, and genuine care consistently support both our residents and team members. Whether addressing facility needs, answering questions, or providing guidance, he is always available and ready to help. Brian's patience is evident in every situation that we have had to involve him in. His level of commitment and reliability plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for environment for everyone who calls our community home. We are truly grateful for his hard work and the positive impact he makes every day.

A Team Member Submission
Responsiveness

Penny Dominugez is grateful for

Jennifer Freimuth

Activities Assistant-Magnolia Trails • Georgetowne Place

Jennifer is a remarkable addition to our Magnolia Trails community. Her gentle and patient nature embodies the care our residents deserve. By focusing on their needs and understanding them deeply, she fosters meaningful connections. It's inspiring to witness the strong bond she forms with each resident.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Penny Dominguez is grateful for

Mike James

Kitchen Director • Georgetowne Place

Mike is exceptionally reliable. He willingly comes in on his days off to cover for call-offs, demonstrating his commitment to the team. He consistently takes pride in his work.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Carissa Fawley is grateful for

Eboni Gorman

Dining Service Director • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

I am proud to recognize someone whose talent, compassion, and unique professional journey make her truly one‑of‑a‑kind. Today, we honor Eboni Gorman, our exceptional Dining Services Director. How incredible is it to have a chef who once served as a nurse? Eboni brings to the table something rare and deeply valuable in our industry: a perfect blend of clinical understanding and culinary passion. Her past life in nursing gives her an unmatched perspective on resident well‑being. She doesn’t just cook — she cares, she observes, and she understands. Eboni sees everything. She notices who is eating well and who isn’t. She pays attention to appetite changes, hydration, food textures, swallowing concerns, dietary restrictions, and the subtle cues that many might overlook. Her clinical instinct allows her to identify issues early, communicate effectively with wellness teams, and ensure that every resident receives not just a meal, but truly supportive nourishment. This dual skill set makes her an invaluable advocate for resident health. At the same time, Eboni follows her passion with heart. Her food brings comfort, joy, and familiarity to our residents. She is serious about her work — focused, committed, and determined to get things right. But she also knows how to laugh at herself. And at me. She laughs at me a lot. Her sense of humor adds warmth and connection, reminding us that even in a fast‑paced environment, joy belongs at the table. Eboni’s combination of clinical expertise, culinary excellence, and genuine care is rare. Residents benefit from her attentiveness. Families find comfort in her awareness. Thank you, Eboni, for bringing your whole self — your skill, your passion, your seriousness, and your laughter — to our community. You make a difference every single day.

A Team Member Submission
Responsiveness

Carissa Fawley is grateful for

Ray Orona

Maintenance Director • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

Today, I honor Ray Orona, our Maintenance Director, for the responsiveness, reliability, and genuine care he brings to his role every day. Ray is the kind of person who listens—truly listens. When a concern is shared, he hears it fully. When a need arises, he responds quickly, thoughtfully, and with complete respect. His follow‑through is exceptional; he not only completes the task but circles back, checks in, and makes sure everything is exactly as it should be. His presence brings reassurance, and his support is steady and dependable. In a short period of time, Ray has earned a level of trust that speaks volumes about his character. There is a rare comfort in knowing that when something needs attention, Ray has it under control. It is the kind of trust a child has in their father, or a wife in her husband—deep, instinctive, and calming. His reliability creates a sense of safety for our team and peace of mind for our community. And beyond his skill and professionalism, Ray brings humor and warmth. He’s a pretty funny guy, and his personality adds a welcome lightness to even the busiest days. His good nature, paired with his dedication, makes him an incredible addition to our team. We are grateful not only for the work Ray does but for the way he does it—with attentiveness, timeliness, respect, and heart. Thank you, Ray, for stepping into your role with such commitment and care. We are fortunate to have you on our team, and our community is stronger because of you.

A Team Member Submission
Communication

Carissa Fawley is grateful for

Frances Ayala

Wellness Director • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

Today, I honor Frances Ayala, our exceptional Wellness Director. Frances is the very definition of a true leader. What she has accomplished during her tenure is nothing short of extraordinary. She brings structure, consistency, and clarity to one of the most complex and demanding areas of our community—and she does it with grace, professionalism, and unwavering resolve. Her communication skills are phenomenal. Frances has a rare ability to speak with honesty and empathy, creating an atmosphere where residents, families, and team members feel informed, respected, and truly heard. She fosters trust through clear information, transparency, and thoughtful updates—ensuring that everyone involved always understands what is happening and why. This clarity brings comfort, stability, and confidence to those she serves. Within her team, Frances leads with high expectations and a steady presence. She runs a tight ship and meets every deadline, no matter how challenging the workload may be. She stays organized, forward‑thinking, and attentive to every detail. And even when the demands are heavy—and even when she is undeniably tired—she continues to give her very best. Her commitment never wavers. Residents trust her. Families rely on her. Teammates admire her. Frances sets a standard of excellence and compassion that elevates our entire community. We are deeply grateful that she has “no quit” in her. Her leadership is strong. Her heart is steady. Her work matters every single day. Thank you, Frances, for leading with integrity, clarity, and care. You are truly appreciated, and our community is better because of you.

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Carissa Fawley is grateful for

Rossana Griffiths

Life Enrichment Director • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

Today, I shine a well‑deserved spotlight on someone whose passion, creativity, and love for our residents radiate through everything she does: Rossana Griffiths, our remarkable Life Enrichment Director. Rossana has a gift—she creates an environment that isn’t just active, but alive. With her vision and dedication, our residents experience a full and vibrant life every single day. From joyful shopping trips to fascinating museum outings to peaceful afternoons at the beach, she brings adventure, enrichment, and meaning to our community. She is constantly dreaming, planning, and elevating experiences so that our residents continue to feel engaged, inspired, and connected. Her heart is immeasurable. Rossana pours every ounce of herself into her work, giving without hesitation and caring without limits. She moves non‑stop, ensuring that each resident feels valued, included, and truly seen. Her compassion extends far beyond scheduled activities—she stays in touch with families, checks in even while on vacation, and carries her residents with her everywhere she goes. That kind of dedication is rare, and it is deeply felt. Residents adore her. Families trust her. Teammates admire her. Rossana is one of those one‑of‑a‑kind individuals whose presence transforms a community and whose love leaves a lasting imprint. We are truly blessed to have Rossana in our lives. Her spirit embodies compassion, empathy, service, and joy—and our community is better, brighter, and fuller because of her. Thank you, Rossana, for the heart you give and the life you bring to everyone around you.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Carissa Fawley is grateful for

Criselda Rodriguez

Concierge • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

Today, I am proud to recognize someone whose dedication, warmth, and unstoppable positivity make an extraordinary difference every single day: Criselda, our amazing concierge. Criselda is the heartbeat of our community’s front desk—always in motion, always attentive, always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed. Whether she’s greeting families with her signature bright smile, answering calls with calm professionalism, or leading a resident craft with contagious enthusiasm, she approaches every task with a spirit of service that inspires everyone around her. What truly sets Criselda apart is her initiative. She doesn’t wait to be asked; she simply sees what needs to be done and does it—whether that means washing windows, making copies, completing administrative tasks, or supporting residents in ways big and small. She is, in every sense, an administrative assistant extraordinaire. But beyond her skills, it’s her presence that makes the difference. Her attitude lifts spirits. Her energy elevates the room. Her compassion helps residents feel seen, known, and cared for. She goes above and beyond not because it’s required, but because it’s who she is. I am incredibly grateful to have Criselda on our team. She embodies compassion, accountability, empathy, communication, responsiveness, and service with every interaction—and our community is brighter because of her. Thank you, Criselda, for the joy you bring, the effort you give, and the heart you share. You are truly appreciated.

A Team Member Submission