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.

Accountability

Sarah Lopez is grateful for

Penny Clark

Executive Director • The Waterford at Baytown

Before Penny, Baytown was stagnant. We were doing ok with census, but there was just “something missing.” It was Penny Clark. Her ability to bring a team together and laugh with you so you feel comfortable, but also get things done, is remarkable! I will truly miss working side by side with her, but thankful that I got to witness the beginnings of Baytown’s incredible growth. Penny — you are amazing at what you do, keep being who you are, and don’t let the small things weigh you down. You have made incredible strides. Keep pushing, and like I always told you, I got your back!

A Team Member Submission
Communication

Sarah Lopez is grateful for

Stephanie Overshiner

Accounts Receivable Specialist • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

When I first started in AR, Stephanie always made herself available to help me with my many questions. I never felt like I was bothering her or felt bad for shooting her a quick chat when an issue arose. She would check in with me to see if everything was going ok and even sends things that she finds out so we can learn together. Stephanie is like that one warm sunny spot on a cold day, the cool side of the pillow when you’re a little hot. Seriously the easiest person to get along with and so incredibly sweet and helpful!

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Sarah Lopez is grateful for

Natasha Raynor

Regional Wellness Specialist • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

Natasha makes everyone around her feel at ease. Whether that be the residents she is visiting for a pre-assessment, a family member that is visiting a sick loved one, a team member that has a concern or even the mailman making his rounds. There has never been a moment when I was in her presence that she made anyone feel like she wasn't listening or that she didn't care. Natasha embodies what it is to be a nurse, and she is such an invaluable addition to the nursing department. Thankful for you Tasha!

A Team Member Submission
Service

Sarah Lopez is grateful for

Sonida Senior Living

Company • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

Sonida Senior Living has given my life purpose. They took a chance on me becoming the Business Director for The Waterford at Baytown and recognized my worth on several occasions. I have since been able to move to AR where I get to help numerous locations and provide service to the communities. I am so thankful for this company and the people in it!

A Team Member Submission
Service

Ricki Elston is grateful for

Patti Hardin

Life Enrichment Coordinator • Riverbend

Deep appreciation for Patti, whose dedication to enriching the lives of our residents is unmatched. Patti, your warmth and above-and-beyond efforts make a lasting impact on both residents and their families.

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Ricki Elston is grateful for

Brittany Browning

Sales Director • Riverbend

Grateful for our Sales Director, who leads with heart every single day. Your genuine care for our residents and their families shines through in everything you do, and your willingness to go above and beyond makes a true difference in our community.

A Team Member Submission
Accountability

Amy Freeman is grateful for

Shelli Green

Dining Service Director • Vintage Gardens

Shelli is on top of everything we throw at her. With minimal training, she has jumped in and transformed our kitchens to ensure our residents are happy with their meals. Even with short staffing, she will offer assistance with any department she can, taking extra tasks off their plates and ensuring the tasks get completed timely. She has been a great addition to our team.

A Team Member Submission
Communication

Mellissa Carpenter is grateful for

Sarah Lopez

Accounting • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

I would like to express my gratitude to Sarah Lopez for her positive, clear, and helpful communication. The notifications she sends out to our teams are always upbeat and encouraging. She always shares great information that makes everyone's jobs easier. She sends friendly, helpful reminders to keep us all on track. Thank you, Sarah! You've been the best addition to the accounting team!

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Amanda Harris is grateful for

Krystal Toney

Sales Director • LaurelHurst and LaurelWoods

To wear their heart on their sleeve is what Krystal Toney offers, but with clear understanding of potential residents’ needs. She knows we can’t always take all leads that come to her, but she will help in any way she can to get them other contacts if it’s a skilled need or a Medicaid need. Krystal listens, offers thoughts, and is available when needed. She has been our Sales Director for a little over 8 years. Building a rapport with our local community and families of our residents is what has made LaurelHurst and LaurelWoods successful.

A Team Member Submission
Accountability

Amanda Harris is grateful for

Ann Watts

ED • LaurelHurst and LaurelWoods

Ann Watts is the perfect example of what accountability means. She listens to the residents and staff and provides follow up on situations. She thinks of how decisions impact the overall outcome. Ann is one to go way above and beyond for our community. On a side note, her decorative envisions are something that would be straight out of a "home" magazine (gorgeous). LaurelHurst and LaurelWoods are lucky to have such an amazing leader.

A Team Member Submission
Communication

Carmen Bowling is grateful for

Leah Bridgewater

Dining Service Director • The Harrison

Leah's strong leadership for our Dining Team at The Harrison is inspirational. Her commitment to accountability and to leading by example for high-quality results, and ensuring that her team understands her commitment to them for the betterment of our Community, is remarkable. Leah truly leads by example, and we appreciate all that she brings to The Harrison!

A Team Member Submission
Accountability

Kevin Detz is grateful for

Amy Jacobsen

Director of Strategic Initiatives • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

Amy makes juggling multiple significant priorities look easy, like a duck cruising on a lake. Her role in the integration activities has been invaluable, tying together multiple workstreams and personalities across TWO companies! All the while, she continues to execute on her day to day responsibilities, supporting the rest of our functional department initiatives. Amy does it all with a great attitude, an open ear for feedback, and an exacting sense of detail to keep all of us chickens straight! THANK YOU AMY!

A Team Member Submission
Service

Joseph Young is grateful for

Amy Jacobsen

Director Strategic Initiatives • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

You don’t have to read far down the gratitude wall to understand the character and impact Amy brings to the organization. Her compassion for her teammates and ability to bring people together from diverse backgrounds and interests into multiple competing projects is truly a marvel.

A Team Member Submission
Communication

Joseph Young is grateful for

Dolores Mata

Senior Business Systems Analyst • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

Dolores is a problem solver who deeply appreciates making things better for anyone who faces a challenge. Her ability to listen and gain an understanding of a teammate’s needs to complete their jobs effectively is exceptional.

A Team Member Submission
Communication

Joseph Young is grateful for

Sandra Creech

Executive Director • Brookview Meadows

Sandy shows true dedication to teammates and residents in the community and has been a reliable and trusted ally on new projects, always giving clear feedback and taking the time necessary to make things better.

A Team Member Submission
Responsiveness

Joseph Young is grateful for

Alex Llibre

Director Community Accounting • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

Alex always brings a positive attitude, responds quickly, and follows up effectively when tackling tough questions that typically require time investment to answer fully.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Beth Mcgruder is grateful for

Kathy Howard

unofficial Remington Community Ambassador • The Remington at Valley Ranch

I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Kathy Howard, whose dedication, kindness, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on our community. Though her role as an ambassador is unofficial, her presence, advocacy, and genuine care embody the very spirit of what a true ambassador represents. Through her actions, she consistently builds bridges, uplifts others, and represents our community with integrity and heart. We are deeply thankful for her service, her compassion, and the pride she brings to our community each day.

A Community Resident Submission
Accountability

Carmen Bowling is grateful for

Vanessa Owens

Clinical Coordinator • The Harrison

Vanessa has risen to the occasion since stepping in to her role as Clinical Coordinator at The Harrison. Her proactive approach is commendable, and she’s the glue that keeps our staffing smooth and efficient!

A Team Member Submission