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

Christina Lang is grateful for

John Lisi

Executive Director • The Waterford at Fort Worth

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
Empathy

Evan Baderdeen is grateful for

Aaron Brooks

Kitchen lead • The Waterford at Ironbridge

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
Service

Doris Drake is grateful for

Shauna Glover

Medical Person • The Ashton on the Plaza

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
Responsiveness

Kari Jawson is grateful for

Jackie Cassel

Wellness Director • The Waterford at Wisconsin Rapids

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
Service

Melody Ackley is grateful for

Jason Whittington

Executive Director • The Waterford at Wisconsin Rapids

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
Communication

Emily Bolling is grateful for

Lance Kobza

Chief Digital Officer • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

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
Service

Jay Bauer is grateful for

Everyone

The Woodlands of Hamilton

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
Service

John Lisi is grateful for

Christina Lang

Business Director • The Waterford at Fort Worth

Thank you for all your hard work dedication!

A Team Member Submission
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