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.

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
Accountability

Michelle McClure is grateful for

Jay Reed

Chief Technology Officer • Autumn Glen

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

Director of Facilities Management • Autumn Glen

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

Activities Assistant-Magnolia Trails • Georgetowne Place

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

Kitchen Director • Georgetowne Place

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

Dining Service Director • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

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

Maintenance Director • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

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