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.

Empathy

Jami Nowak is grateful for

Josefina Owen

Wellness Director • The Waterford at Plymouth

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
Service

Valarie Hoff is grateful for

Ashley Sallee

QMA • Chateau of Batesville

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
Responsiveness

Jacqueline Tilley is grateful for

Roni Stewart

Senior Regional Clinical Manager • The Addison of Bluffton

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
Service

Jacqueline Tilley is grateful for

Laura Hicks

Operations Specialist • The Addison of Bluffton

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
Responsiveness

Emily Skoney is grateful for

Angela Jett

Creative Manager • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

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
Accountability

Emily Skoney is grateful for

Rachael Renz

Marking Coordinator • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

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
Responsiveness

Emily Skoney is grateful for

Cam Elliot

Director of Marketing • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

Cam is an exceptional leader, and I feel lucky to work alongside him. He is always quick to support his team and generous with his time, whether he is teaching, guiding, or simply offering encouragement. I have learned so much from him already and genuinely appreciate the way he leads with patience and care. I am excited to see how our team continues to grow and thrive under his leadership.

A Team Member Submission
Responsiveness

Kati Carlin is grateful for

KoKo, Lindsay and Kimaya Front Desk

Concierge • Greenbriar Village

I am so grateful for these three ladies! They are the first faces and voices that guests, family and residents see and hear which is nothing short of amazing. They come to work each day with a smile ready to assist anyone that comes to them. They also take on the role of just being a listening ear when residents want someone to chat with. They do the work with love in their hearts. Greenbriar is lucky to have them on the team! YOU ROCK!

A Team Member Submission
Service

Kati Carlin is grateful for

Kesha, Anna and Melachi - Activities

Life Enrichment Director, Magnolia Trails Director and Aegis Coordinator • Greenbriar Village

These three go above and beyond to create laughter, fun and excitement in the community! They spend quality time with our residents ensuring that they have enjoyment each day while keeping them up and moving. This means that they work hard to meet and match each personality which can be a difficult task, but they do it effortlessly. Thank you three so much!!!

A Team Member Submission
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