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.
Margaret Gillig is grateful for
Destiny is so very caring of all the residents in memory care. She is very respectful and works hard to make sure the residents, including my Mom, feel safe and at home. She is a real blessing in our lives as my siblings and I were so concerned about placing our Mom in memory care.
A Community Visitor Submission Eileen Drumm Moore is grateful for
Tanya is an incredible nurse! She is responsive, committed, caring, present and is fierce in working for our residents! As a team member, she is the best - stepping in and stepping up wherever and whenever needed. I cannot imagine The Wellington at Springfield without the strong, solid presence of Tanya. And she has a wicked sense of humor, too, which brings lots of laughter to the community! Thank you, Tanya, for being you and for all you do!
A Team Member Submission SHERRY BURNHAM is grateful for
I'd like you to know about the Staff here at the Waterford. We are a team from the top to the rest of us on the ladder. We have been trained to work together. We are all Family here.
A Team Member Submission John McDonald is grateful for
I want to thank the entire nursing team at The Waterford at Virginia Beach. They have all stepped up to the plate to help our community thrive. If it weren't for this team, I don't know how I could have made it as I stepped into a new role with them.
A Team Member Submission Christina Lang is grateful for
John Lisi is a great Executive Director for all employees. His door is always open, and he is willing to listen to every employee. He is calm in all circumstances. He leads by example and is always willing to pitch in where needed! We all really appreciate our leader here at The Waterford At Fort Worth! Thank you, John, for all you do!
A Team Member Submission Evan Baderdeen is grateful for
No matter the issue his team members have, Aaron will work around it. He works very very long hours and does so with no outward signs of stress. He is a great leader who listens to his team, is responsive to any question a teammate has, and takes charge in a respectable way. Never have I had a manager like him, and he deserves all the praise.
A Team Member Submission Doris Drake is grateful for
Shauna is one of the nicest people you come in contact with at The Ashton. She always greets me with a smile and sometimes, if necessary, a hug. She takes the time to listen to your problems if needed. My husband is one of those on the third floor who needs a little TLC sometimes, and she is quick to take care of it as needed. She is a real gem. I nominate her for employee of the month.
A Community Visitor Submission Kari Jawson is grateful for
Jackie has always been there for me. I can go to her about anything that I need help with, and she stops what she is doing to listen, offer a solution or just let me talk. What I respect and appreciate the most is her honesty. Whether if I need to be put back on track or need guidance, she will do it. She has a kindness in her approach, and she knows how to speak to people without talking down to them. Jackie has this way about her, that if she sees me quiet or alone, she comes right over to ask, "Are you OK today?" She calls everyone by their first name in passing to say hello or good-bye. The only thing left to say is "Jackie you are the best and I am glad our paths have crossed."
A Team Member Submission Melody Ackley is grateful for
Jason has moved his schedule around so he can make sure all residents are getting the proper care they need. He has always ensured he is available for staff and residents alike to help, listen and most of all to make sure everyone feels they are important. Thank you, Jason.
A Team Member Submission Emily Bolling is grateful for
I'd like to acknowledge and express appreciation for the leadership Lance has brought while guiding our work as we address ongoing learning management system challenges. The clarity in communication, commitment to transparency, and steady direction being provided have made a meaningful difference during a complex and evolving process. The kindness, professionalism, and thoughtful approach consistently demonstrated have helped foster an environment of trust and collaboration. These qualities strengthen the team’s ability to navigate challenges productively and stay focused on shared goals across multiple departments. Leadership rooted in integrity and care does not go unnoticed. Thank you for the positive impact being made and for the continued commitment to moving this work forward together.
A Team Member Submission Jay Bauer is grateful for
Since moving my wife’s grandmother, Ruth, into the Woodlands of Hamilton, we’ve seen nothing but kindness, compassion, and respect from all employees here. She was not exactly thrilled to make the move, and it hasn’t been easy on her or her closest family. However, the staff here has made the transition as easy as it can be. We are grateful and trust the care from the entire team!
A Community Visitor Submission John Lisi is grateful for
Thank you for all your hard work dedication!
A Team Member Submission Jami Nowak is grateful for
We had a new resident move in, and the transition was hard. Josefina noticed that the team was having a hard time getting this new resident to eat. She took the time to figure out what was going on with the resident. She sat with this resident, talked with the family, talked with the team and came up with a plan that would get this resident to eat. She found that if you use smaller plates, smaller portions, and let the resident know that the food is on her "husband's approved list" the resident would eat. She also discovered that the resident has a huge sweet tooth and will bring her candy to make this resident's day!
A Team Member Submission Valarie Hoff is grateful for
Ashley is always willing to go above and beyond for our residents and our community. She picks up shifts and when the weather was bad, she stayed and helped when other staff was unable to make it in. She is one employee that I know I can always count on!
A Team Member Submission Jacqueline Tilley is grateful for
Roni, I just want to say thank you for the constant support, guidance, and knowledge you share. You have such a calm and steady way of helping that makes even the hardest things feel manageable. Your ability to guide without pressure or stress truly makes a difference, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m really grateful for everything you do.
A Team Member Submission Jacqueline Tilley is grateful for
Laura is a thoughtful and inspiring leader who brings clarity, confidence, and heart to everything she does. She leads with integrity, listens deeply, and empowers the people around her to do their best work. By balancing strategic vision with genuine care for others, Laura builds trust, drives results, and creates an atmosphere that leaves you motivated, supported, and proud of what they accomplish together. She is truly ONE OF A KIND. WE LOVE HER IN BLUFFTON!!!!
A Team Member Submission Emily Skoney is grateful for
Angela joined our team and this industry with an open mind and a true willingness to learn. She is quick to step in, solve new problems, and take initiative to try something different when needed. She has been such a great addition to our small but mighty team, and I am so glad she is here at Sonida.
A Team Member Submission Emily Skoney is grateful for
Rachael brings such a refreshing energy to the team. Her excitement and willingness to jump into new things after returning during a time of change has been truly inspiring. She approaches everything with a positive attitude and a genuine eagerness to learn, which does not go unnoticed. It is especially great to see the accountability she is taking as she helps develop and shape new processes for the team.
A Team Member Submission