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.

Communication

Carissa Fawley is grateful for

Frances Ayala

Wellness Director • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

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

Life Enrichment Director • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

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

Concierge • The Waterford at Corpus Christi

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

Maintenance Director • The Waterford at Levis Commons

You show you care with all you do.

A Team Member Submission
Service

LeRoy Alltop is grateful for

Carmen Bowling

Executive Director • The Harrison

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

RN • The Harrison

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

Custodian • Brookview Meadows

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

Caregiver • Independence Village of East Lansing

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
Accountability

Sandra Creech is grateful for

Dolores Mata

Senior Business Systems Analyst • Dallas Support Center (DSC)

I am sincerely grateful for Dolores’s meticulous approach to resolving system issues. Her dedication ensures our records remain accurate, directly enhancing our ability to provide high-quality service and reliable information to our residents

A Team Member Submission
Responsiveness

Sandra Creech is grateful for

Sylvia Marabell

Corporate Paralegal • Brookview Meadows

I am deeply grateful for Sylvia’s support; her meticulous attention to detail and prompt responsiveness have been invaluable to our team.

A Team Member Submission
Communication

Penny Dominguez is grateful for

Judith Gary

Community Resident • Georgetowne Place

Judith is such a warm and caring neighbor who truly makes our community feel like home. She’s always ready to lend a helping hand or share a friendly smile, making it easy for everyone to connect with her. Her creativity shines through in the adorable finds she shares from the local discount shop. She has such a knack for discovering unique treasures that brighten up her space and ours! Judith’s passion for our community is contagious, and her excitement about living here makes it even more special. When I present my prospects, I can always count on Judith to help showcase the building with her friendly charm and personal touch. We absolutely love having you with us, Judith! Getting to know you over the past five years has been such a joy, and we can't wait for all the wonderful moments ahead!

A Community Resident Submission
Responsiveness

Penny Dominguez is grateful for

Larry Dixon

Maintenance Director • Georgetowne Place

Larry demonstrates a strong commitment to his role as the Maintenance Director. He consistently prioritizes the needs of our community and residents. Upon receiving a work order, he promptly addresses the issue at hand. When notified of a leak, he prioritizes the matter without hesitation. Moreover, he is readily available outside of regular hours to respond to any emergencies. We would like to express our gratitude for his efforts in maintaining our building. Please continue your exceptional work.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Penny Dominguez is grateful for

Hannah Venice

Director of Nursing • Georgetowne Place

Hannah is such a kind and caring person! She always shows compassion towards our residents and their families. We can always count on her to be reliable, and she truly makes our residents the focus of her everyday role as the Director of Nursing.

A Team Member Submission
Responsiveness

Penny Dominguez is grateful for

Farrah Elwood

Assistant Director of Nursing • Georgetowne Place

Farrah is such a fantastic listener! She really takes the time to understand every situation before sharing her thoughts, drawing from her own experiences. What I love most is how fair she is—she never takes just one side. She’s always respectful, honest, and genuinely caring. Even though she’s new to GTP, she’s settled in like she’s been here forever! We’re really lucky to have her on our team, and I know she’s going to make a great impact in our community.

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Penny Dominguez is grateful for

Melissa Bennett

Senior Business Director • Georgetowne Place

Melissa is such a warm and approachable person! With her wealth of knowledge and experience, she’s always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. When you’re faced with a challenge, you can count on her to quickly come up with several creative ideas to help you out. She’s a fantastic listener, genuinely cares about what you have to say, and she’s there to support you when you need it the most. With Melissa by your side, you’ll always feel encouraged and understood!

A Team Member Submission
Service

Penny Dominguez is grateful for

Renee Kreienbrink

Executive Director • Georgetowne Place

Renee truly embodies the spirit of effective leadership, always ensuring that our team performs at its best. Her unwavering focus on our senior living community and the residents is evident every single day. She takes the time to listen to our concerns, holds us accountable for our actions, and encourages us just when we need it most. Her empathetic nature and invaluable input make a significant difference in our work environment. With her infectious laughter and delightful personality, she brings joy to our team. I am deeply grateful for all the support and guidance she provides to our administrative team; it means so much to all of us.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Penny Dominguez is grateful for

Cassidy Nguyen

Activity Director • Georgetowne Place

Cassidy pours her heart into her role as a director, passionately serving our residents through engaging activities. With her strong organizational skills and unwavering reliability, she actively supports her team. Cassidy's commitment inspires our residents to stay engaged, focused, and enjoy every moment.

A Team Member Submission
Service

John Lisi is grateful for

The Team at The Waterford at Fort Worth

The Entire Team! • The Waterford at Fort Worth

I wanted to recognize our team for having a fantastic year at our community. The team has really stepped up to give our residents a fantastic home. I am so proud to work with you!

A Team Member Submission