At Sonida Senior Living, CARES is more than a set of values. It is the way team members show up for one another, communicate with consistency, and take ownership of every moment that shapes a resident’s day. December of Caring honors team members whose reliability and steady presence create communities that feel grounded, safe, and deeply connected. They are the people others count on, the ones who bring calm to a busy day and comfort to a difficult moment.
These honorees remind us that accountability is a form of care. Their dependability, thoughtful communication, and instinct to support others bring stability to their communities. They are the teammates you trust without question, the ones who notice a need before it is spoken. Each was nominated because their actions strengthen the foundation of their community and show what it means to care with intention, consistency, and heart.
Harold Gaines, Kitchen Team Member, serving Georgetown Place residents for 8 years
Harold’s presence at Georgetown Place has become part of the heartbeat of the community. He arrives every day by bus or on foot, no matter the weather, and his Executive Director, Renee, shared, “He is always here. Rain or snow, he shows up.” After nearly eight years, he is the familiar face residents expect to see, the one who keeps things moving behind the scenes while still making time to connect in the dining room.
What inspires Harold is simple. The residents. He listens to their stories, learns their histories, and builds relationships through consistent, everyday interactions. His nomination highlighted how he helps anyone he sees in need, whether that is maintenance, housekeeping, or a fellow team member, and how his attitude sets the tone for the entire community. When Harold talks about residents like Mabel, who lived to be 105, he describes the privilege of hearing her life story from childhood to her years at Georgetown. Those conversations, filled with both joy and hardship, are what keep him coming back.
Harold’s commitment is steady and deeply felt. He steps out from the dish room to greet residents by name, joins in special events, and offers encouragement to anyone who needs it. He rarely calls off, has to be reminded to take vacation, and shows up with the same positivity day after day. Georgetown Place is stronger because Harold shows up fully every single day, and his reliability is a grounding force for residents and team members alike.
John Nichols, Maintenance Director, serving Summit Point and Summit Corners residents since 2024
John’s work spans not one, but two communities, and his sense of responsibility stretches just as far. As Maintenance Director for Summit Point and Summit Corners, he splits his time to ensure both buildings are safe, functional, and welcoming. His military background shaped a mindset of “do it right and get it done,” and he brings that same standard to every task, whether it is a repair, an emergency, or a quiet check in with a resident.
His Executive Director, Dawn, shared that John is the person they can count on no matter what the day holds. “Whatever we ask of John, he makes sure he is able to deliver that request,” she said. “He is definitely accountable, and everybody likes him.” His nomination highlighted how he supports both communities without hesitation, leads calmly during crises, and treats residents, families, and staff with respect. When a sprinkler line froze and flooded the first floor of Summit Corners, including the kitchen and memory care, John worked more than twenty-three hours straight, coordinating with community leaders and vendors while keeping operations going so residents still had meals and care.
He puts himself in the shoes of both residents and families, asking what he would want for his own loved ones. Whether he is checking a work order, walking a worried family member through a plan, or simply stopping to listen to a story from a veteran, John brings accountability, and calm to everything he does. His steady presence creates trust, and his follow-through ensures people feel supported. John shows what it looks like to lead quietly, consistently, and with purpose.
Norma Miller, Med Tech, serving Crown Pointe residents for 1.5 years
Norma brings a rare blend of compassion, intuition, and reliability to Crown Pointe. Her upbringing in foster care shaped how deeply she now understands the importance of feeling cared for and supported. She shared that she loves ensuring residents are treated the way she would want her own loved ones cared for, especially those living in Magnolia Trails. Her Executive Director, Todd, shared that on weekends, “She always adds a fun activity in,” and that her selflessness and work ethic stand out across the entire community.
Her nomination and interview revealed how often she steps beyond her formal responsibilities. Norma not only administers medications with care and accuracy, she also provides program ideas and leads activities, fills gaps when assisted living needs help, and leans into residents who are harder to reach. She shared stories of residents who had become resistant to showers, and how she tried new approaches, different times, and gentle reassurance until they felt comfortable again. Families noticed, later telling the team how much better their loved ones looked and how clear it was that someone had taken the time to truly care.
Norma is someone residents and team members rely on. She is calm in emotional moments, quick to respond to concerns, and firm in her belief that residents deserve to feel loved and included, especially in what may be their final home. Todd summed it up simply, saying he wishes he could “have 100 Normas” on the team. Her consistency helps residents feel grounded, and her communication with families and colleagues builds trust that extends far beyond her job title.
Quennesha “Que” Crumble, QMA, serving The Waterford at Hartford residents for 1 year
Que’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and a deep sense of calling. Strong in her faith, she describes herself as a “vessel for others,” shaped by the loss of her mother at twenty-one and her own serious health challenges. She has battled breast cancer twice, endured long hospital stays, and temporarily lost her independence. Those experiences gave her a first-hand understanding of what it feels like to need help, to rely on others to be your voice and your advocate. That perspective guides everything she does at The Waterford at Hartford.
Her Executive Director, Andrea, shared that the team is “very blessed to have her” and that Que “helps the days go on.” Her nomination highlighted her leadership within the team, her ability to de-escalate challenging expressions from residents, and her instinct to stand in the gap for families during emotional moments. Que described the community as “one community that celebrates with love,” and she lives that out daily, whether she is caring for residents in their final hours, comforting families at the bedside, or making sure someone’s hair is brushed and nails are painted so they can leave this world with dignity.
Que’s accountability shows up in quiet, powerful ways. She is proactive with families, making herself available for calls, meetings, and conversations so they never feel alone in the process. She teaches newer staff how to understand dementia, reminding them that expressions often come from fear or confusion, not defiance. She also shared the “14-40 effect,” her personal reminder that there are 1,440 minutes in each day and every one of them is an opportunity to lift spirits, engage, and be present. Andrea described their team as holding “each other’s hands and walking with grace,” and Que is often the one leading that walk, steady, kind, and unwavering.
Danielle Power, Concierge, serving The Addison of Port Orange residents since April 2024
Danielle may be newer to Sonida, but her heart for senior living was shaped years ago. At sixteen, she began caring for her mom’s best friend’s parents after they relocated and received early Alzheimer’s diagnoses. What started as a part time job turned into an eight year journey, one that ended with her holding both of their hands as they passed. Even when she tried other careers, she knew she would not feel fulfilled until she found her way back to this work. At The Addison of Port Orange, she now serves as concierge, often jumping in to support multiple departments, while pursuing her degree in health administration with the goal of becoming an Executive Director.
Her Executive Director, DJ, and the operations team recognized early on that Danielle brings steadiness, empathy, and clear communication to every situation. They supported her growth by introducing her to broader front office responsibilities and helping her build new skills. That same steadiness showed when a spouse arrived overwhelmed, believing her husband was cheating due to dementia related confusion. Danielle listened, reassured her gently, and explained that what she was seeing was part of the disease, not a reflection of him. “This is our normal. We will take it from here so you can go back to being his wife.” That kind of grounded, honest communication is what families remember long after move in
Danielle’s relationships with residents and families go far beyond the front desk. She speaks with warmth about Wayne, a resident and her last move in during her time in sales. He stayed only a few months before passing, but his son shared that he had not seen his father smile or sing that much in years until he came to The Addison. Danielle and the Magnolia Trails Director attended his funeral and were asked to speak, a reflection of how fully the family saw them as part of their story. In moments like that, her steady presence, empathy, and willingness to show up beyond her job description are exactly what make her such an important part of the community.
William “Will” Ross, Transportation Driver, serving The Remington at Valley Ranch residents for 2 years
Will is known throughout The Remington as the person who brings light into the room simply by walking in. After working next door at the post office for thirty four years, he already knew many residents before he ever joined Sonida. A friend encouraged him to apply, convinced the role would suit his personality. Will said it plainly, it would not feel like a job, it would feel like coming to “hang out with friends” every day. That mindset still guides him.
His Executive Director, Connie, shared that Will is the person who never says no. When the community found itself without kitchen staff one Sunday, he stayed the entire day, serving meals, cleaning, putting everything away, and even driving out to pick up extra meals when they ran short. “No matter what I ask, he will do it, and he will go the extra mile,” she said. “He will be there until the very last crumb is off the floor.” Families tell him constantly how much their loved ones enjoy him and how his humor and kindness brighten their day.
Will’s accountability is woven into everything he does. He learns residents’ stories, remembers who might be quietly struggling, and uses every bus ride or hallway interaction as a chance to listen and encourage. When residents share serious news, like a new diagnosis or a hard appointment, he sits with them, lets them talk, and reminds them they are not alone. He notices who is missing from an event, brings celebrations to those who cannot join, and makes sure birthdays feel special, even for someone who rarely leaves their room. His reliability and presence make the community feel not just well run, but truly cared for.
These are the people who show up fully, keep their word, and help our communities thrive
These honorees embody CARES through accountability, reliable communication, and unwavering presence. They keep their commitments to residents, to their teams, and to themselves. Their actions may seem simple, but their consistency brings comfort, stability, and belonging to the people who call our communities home.
They are the teammates who lift the energy of a room, the people residents ask for by name, and the steady hands leaders trust without hesitation. Their reliability is not routine. It is a form of care that builds safe, connected communities.
We are proud to honor Harold, John, Norma, Que, Danielle, and Will. Their commitment supports our communities and strengthens them.
During December of Caring, we invite everyone to help spread the joy. Visit our Gratitude Wall to share a note of appreciation for a team member or community team. Nominations are open all month long.