Service
Emily Shaughnessy is grateful for
Joy Tawah-Manguele
Joy helped train me, and she does really well at her job!
A Team Member Submission
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
Jennifer Fitzgerald is grateful for
Victoria Colby
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
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
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 Accountability
Michelle McClure is grateful for
Jay Reed
Jay consistently approaches every IT-related concern with kindness, professionalism, and a true commitment to service. No matter the situation, he treats each issue with a strong sense of urgency, ensuring that staff and residents experience minimal disruption and feel supported every step of the way. His calm demeanor, thoughtful communication, and dedication to timely solutions make a meaningful impact on our daily operations and overall resident experience. We are grateful for his leadership, responsiveness, and the care he brings to every interaction.
A Team Member Submission Communication
Michelle McClure is grateful for
Brian Holditch
Brian's responsiveness, professionalism, and genuine care consistently support both our residents and team members. Whether addressing facility needs, answering questions, or providing guidance, he is always available and ready to help. Brian's patience is evident in every situation that we have had to involve him in. His level of commitment and reliability plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for environment for everyone who calls our community home. We are truly grateful for his hard work and the positive impact he makes every day.
A Team Member Submission Responsiveness
Penny Dominugez is grateful for
Jennifer Freimuth
Jennifer is a remarkable addition to our Magnolia Trails community. Her gentle and patient nature embodies the care our residents deserve. By focusing on their needs and understanding them deeply, she fosters meaningful connections. It's inspiring to witness the strong bond she forms with each resident.
A Team Member Submission Service
Penny Dominguez is grateful for
Mike James
Mike is exceptionally reliable. He willingly comes in on his days off to cover for call-offs, demonstrating his commitment to the team. He consistently takes pride in his work.
A Team Member Submission Service
Carissa Fawley is grateful for
Eboni Gorman
I am proud to recognize someone whose talent, compassion, and unique professional journey make her truly one‑of‑a‑kind. Today, we honor Eboni Gorman, our exceptional Dining Services Director. How incredible is it to have a chef who once served as a nurse? Eboni brings to the table something rare and deeply valuable in our industry: a perfect blend of clinical understanding and culinary passion. Her past life in nursing gives her an unmatched perspective on resident well‑being. She doesn’t just cook — she cares, she observes, and she understands. Eboni sees everything. She notices who is eating well and who isn’t. She pays attention to appetite changes, hydration, food textures, swallowing concerns, dietary restrictions, and the subtle cues that many might overlook. Her clinical instinct allows her to identify issues early, communicate effectively with wellness teams, and ensure that every resident receives not just a meal, but truly supportive nourishment. This dual skill set makes her an invaluable advocate for resident health. At the same time, Eboni follows her passion with heart. Her food brings comfort, joy, and familiarity to our residents. She is serious about her work — focused, committed, and determined to get things right. But she also knows how to laugh at herself. And at me. She laughs at me a lot. Her sense of humor adds warmth and connection, reminding us that even in a fast‑paced environment, joy belongs at the table. Eboni’s combination of clinical expertise, culinary excellence, and genuine care is rare. Residents benefit from her attentiveness. Families find comfort in her awareness. Thank you, Eboni, for bringing your whole self — your skill, your passion, your seriousness, and your laughter — to our community. You make a difference every single day.
A Team Member Submission Responsiveness
Carissa Fawley is grateful for
Ray Orona
Today, I honor Ray Orona, our Maintenance Director, for the responsiveness, reliability, and genuine care he brings to his role every day. Ray is the kind of person who listens—truly listens. When a concern is shared, he hears it fully. When a need arises, he responds quickly, thoughtfully, and with complete respect. His follow‑through is exceptional; he not only completes the task but circles back, checks in, and makes sure everything is exactly as it should be. His presence brings reassurance, and his support is steady and dependable. In a short period of time, Ray has earned a level of trust that speaks volumes about his character. There is a rare comfort in knowing that when something needs attention, Ray has it under control. It is the kind of trust a child has in their father, or a wife in her husband—deep, instinctive, and calming. His reliability creates a sense of safety for our team and peace of mind for our community. And beyond his skill and professionalism, Ray brings humor and warmth. He’s a pretty funny guy, and his personality adds a welcome lightness to even the busiest days. His good nature, paired with his dedication, makes him an incredible addition to our team. We are grateful not only for the work Ray does but for the way he does it—with attentiveness, timeliness, respect, and heart. Thank you, Ray, for stepping into your role with such commitment and care. We are fortunate to have you on our team, and our community is stronger because of you.
A Team Member Submission Communication
Carissa Fawley is grateful for
Frances Ayala
Today, I honor Frances Ayala, our exceptional Wellness Director. Frances is the very definition of a true leader. What she has accomplished during her tenure is nothing short of extraordinary. She brings structure, consistency, and clarity to one of the most complex and demanding areas of our community—and she does it with grace, professionalism, and unwavering resolve. Her communication skills are phenomenal. Frances has a rare ability to speak with honesty and empathy, creating an atmosphere where residents, families, and team members feel informed, respected, and truly heard. She fosters trust through clear information, transparency, and thoughtful updates—ensuring that everyone involved always understands what is happening and why. This clarity brings comfort, stability, and confidence to those she serves. Within her team, Frances leads with high expectations and a steady presence. She runs a tight ship and meets every deadline, no matter how challenging the workload may be. She stays organized, forward‑thinking, and attentive to every detail. And even when the demands are heavy—and even when she is undeniably tired—she continues to give her very best. Her commitment never wavers. Residents trust her. Families rely on her. Teammates admire her. Frances sets a standard of excellence and compassion that elevates our entire community. We are deeply grateful that she has “no quit” in her. Her leadership is strong. Her heart is steady. Her work matters every single day. Thank you, Frances, for leading with integrity, clarity, and care. You are truly appreciated, and our community is better because of you.
A Team Member Submission Empathy
Carissa Fawley is grateful for
Rossana Griffiths
Today, I shine a well‑deserved spotlight on someone whose passion, creativity, and love for our residents radiate through everything she does: Rossana Griffiths, our remarkable Life Enrichment Director. Rossana has a gift—she creates an environment that isn’t just active, but alive. With her vision and dedication, our residents experience a full and vibrant life every single day. From joyful shopping trips to fascinating museum outings to peaceful afternoons at the beach, she brings adventure, enrichment, and meaning to our community. She is constantly dreaming, planning, and elevating experiences so that our residents continue to feel engaged, inspired, and connected. Her heart is immeasurable. Rossana pours every ounce of herself into her work, giving without hesitation and caring without limits. She moves non‑stop, ensuring that each resident feels valued, included, and truly seen. Her compassion extends far beyond scheduled activities—she stays in touch with families, checks in even while on vacation, and carries her residents with her everywhere she goes. That kind of dedication is rare, and it is deeply felt. Residents adore her. Families trust her. Teammates admire her. Rossana is one of those one‑of‑a‑kind individuals whose presence transforms a community and whose love leaves a lasting imprint. We are truly blessed to have Rossana in our lives. Her spirit embodies compassion, empathy, service, and joy—and our community is better, brighter, and fuller because of her. Thank you, Rossana, for the heart you give and the life you bring to everyone around you.
A Team Member Submission Service
Carissa Fawley is grateful for
Criselda Rodriguez
Today, I am proud to recognize someone whose dedication, warmth, and unstoppable positivity make an extraordinary difference every single day: Criselda, our amazing concierge. Criselda is the heartbeat of our community’s front desk—always in motion, always attentive, always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed. Whether she’s greeting families with her signature bright smile, answering calls with calm professionalism, or leading a resident craft with contagious enthusiasm, she approaches every task with a spirit of service that inspires everyone around her. What truly sets Criselda apart is her initiative. She doesn’t wait to be asked; she simply sees what needs to be done and does it—whether that means washing windows, making copies, completing administrative tasks, or supporting residents in ways big and small. She is, in every sense, an administrative assistant extraordinaire. But beyond her skills, it’s her presence that makes the difference. Her attitude lifts spirits. Her energy elevates the room. Her compassion helps residents feel seen, known, and cared for. She goes above and beyond not because it’s required, but because it’s who she is. I am incredibly grateful to have Criselda on our team. She embodies compassion, accountability, empathy, communication, responsiveness, and service with every interaction—and our community is brighter because of her. Thank you, Criselda, for the joy you bring, the effort you give, and the heart you share. You are truly appreciated.
A Team Member Submission Responsiveness
Sherry Burham is grateful for
Jon Bilski
You show you care with all you do.
A Team Member Submission Service
LeRoy Alltop is grateful for
Carmen Bowling
Carmen leads by example. Hard work and dedication. Firm but fair. Sets a standard for others to strive to achieve.
A Community Resident Submission Responsiveness
LeRoy Alltop is grateful for
Latrice Shaw
Latrice does her job and assists others in doing their jobs. Very much needed.
A Community Resident Submission Responsiveness
Cheri Robinson is grateful for
Jackie McMahon
I asked her to help explain to my mother garbage concerns, and she spoke with my mom and walked her down to show her how to do it. She has helped us multiple times with other concerns.
A Community Visitor Submission Service
Spencer Leonard is grateful for
Tina S
Amazing and kind person and coworker. Not only for her service and kindness to others but also her empathy. No matter what she's going through, she never fails to put smiles on people's faces whether a resident or worker.
A Team Member Submission