Service
Lisa Fite is grateful for
Jay Smith
Jay Smith is the BEST! He is always helpful and responsive to any request or help you might need. His dedication to SERVICE is amazing.
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
Melusine McDaniel is grateful for
LeRoy Alltop
Where to begin? LeRoy and I linked arms last summer when I was filling in as the Executive Director at The Harrison. We met weekly on Tuesdays to discuss hot topics and how we could make improvements. LeRoy leads our Welcome Wagon at The Harrison. He tours all new residents to acclimate them to the community and to make them feel welcomed. He also is a vital part of our orientation with new team members. LeRoy is an amazing human being. He's funny, empathetic, communicative, and to top it off, he's a diehard IU fan! I don't know where we would be without LeRoy, and I cannot thank him enough for everything he does for our residents and team members.
A Community Resident Submission Service
Melusine McDaniel is grateful for
Michelle McClure
Michelle is a phenomenal Executive Director. Her leadership at Autumn Glen is marked by genuine kindness and a deep sense of purpose. The way she shows up each day creates a safe, caring, and dignified environment for our residents and a supportive culture for our staff. Michelle juggles multiple tasks with grace. She leads with heart and purpose. Her kindness and consistency make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves and those who serve alongside her. We are so lucky to have Michelle leading the way at Autumn Glen!
A Team Member Submission Responsiveness
Erika Swille is grateful for
Laura Smits
Laura is always on top of all the little details in our community and helps a lot of others in the region. She takes her job very seriously and has a heavy workload at times. Her high quality of work and dedication to the residents' well-being is unmatched. She meets residents where their capabilities lie, helps them through all the changes that come with moving to a new facility, and being happy there long term. She has worked here over 11 years and holds all staff to a high standard while treating them with compassion. Sonida is lucky to have her!
A Team Member Submission Responsiveness
Colby Thompson is grateful for
Turner Thompson
Turner always goes above and beyond his own workload and schedule to check in and show support for others with whatever life or work throws at them. When deadlines start stacking up, and I can feel myself getting overwhelmed, Turner has a sixth-sense to make himself available to both listen and encourage me. I see him do it with everyone he interacts with as well. Thank you for being a great example and a great friend.
A Team Member Submission Service
Tauni Koch is grateful for
Danielle Hoskin
Dani is always stepping out and up to help our team be successful! She's a problem solver with a positive attitude and a great personality. She is great with all our visitor tours and makes sure to be a great customer service ambassador! She is a true leader, and we are lucky to have her!
A Team Member Submission Responsiveness
Karolyn Sorenson is grateful for
Jay Smith
Jay is always available, and if not, he will be! Earlier this year, I was supporting a community where flooring refresh for the entire community was in progress. Jay and I were in constant communication, and I mentioned that we were having some communication issues with the vendor. I was in the community around 11:30 pm, monitoring the work and had spoken to Jay earlier that day. He lives a good distance from the community and told me he would be visiting in a few hours, which I was not expecting. Around 11:30 pm, Jay arrived, and as I walked down the hallway, he was coming in the side door. This is just one example of the many ways Jay provides support. I am always amazed at his continued positive attitude, the service focus for all of our communities, and his willingness to jump in and help with anything needed. Thank you, Jay, for being exceptional in every way.
A Team Member Submission Communication
Dana Milner is grateful for
Melusine McDaniel
Thank you, Mel, for being such a supportive leader who is always willing to listen and offer thoughtful advice. Your organization and attention to detail ensure your team is always informed and prepared, and your support on the tough days never goes unnoticed. You balance professionalism with fun so effortlessly, always putting residents and staff first. You also make it a priority to truly get to know each communities' team members, which makes everyone feel valued and seen. Approachable, caring, and genuinely enjoyable to work with—thank you, Mel, for being an incredible boss and leader!
A Team Member Submission Service
Dana Milner is grateful for
Deanna Reid
Dee Reid has truly stepped up while I’ve been out assisting another community, taking on the role of Interim Executive Director while still excelling in her sales role. She leads with grace and has proven to be an integral part of the Greenbriar Village team. Whether she’s creating an exceptional experience for a potential new admission, coaching new team members, putting out daily “fires,” handling staff concerns, or planning meaningful events, Dee remains calm under pressure and consistently brings a positive, can-do attitude. Thank you, Dee, for your leadership, dedication, and steady presence—you make a difference every day!
A Team Member Submission Service
Doris Drake is grateful for
Jane Zamora
Jane always opens the door for you with a smile and a hug if necessary. She’s very good at helping if you get stuck checking in. She has a great personality, and I don’t know what Ashton would do without her at that front door.
A Community Visitor Submission Communication
Sara Ring is grateful for
Melissa Bennett
Melissa graciously agreed to provide training for me in my new role as business office coordinator, even though it wasn't her responsibility. She had a training checklist that we worked through and has been incredibly responsive on additional questions as they have come up. I'm so grateful for her patient and thorough explanations of the Sonida systems and processes. She's an outstanding leader and trainer.
A Team Member Submission Empathy
Rachael Hassinger is grateful for
Kelly Mccue-Hansen
Kelly served as Executive Director at The Lodge for nearly a year before transferring to Rose Arbor. During her time with us, she went out of her way to mentor and support me, teaching me invaluable skills that I continue to use every day in my role as Executive Director. She made a lasting impression on our community, and not a day goes by that she isn’t missed by both staff and residents, which is a true testament to the positive and meaningful impact she had on all of us.
A Team Member Submission Responsiveness
Sara Ring is grateful for
Joey Doty
Joey has been incredibly welcoming to me as a new employee. He regularly checks in with me and expresses gratitude for anything we do to help him and the kitchen staff out. His attitude is consistently upbeat and positive no matter the circumstances. Joey is so pleasant to work with, and we are fortunate to have him here at The Lodge.
A Team Member Submission Service
Rachael Hassinger is grateful for
Emily Shaughnessy
Emily has been a dedicated server with our community for just under two years and has recently transitioned into her role in dining services. She has become a vital member of our team, working diligently each day to ensure our residents enjoy a pleasant and welcoming dining experience. Emily’s kindness and warm smile are constants, and she brings a positive presence to everyone she helps!
A Team Member Submission Service
Rachael Hassinger is grateful for
Alfredo Mazariegos
Alfredo is truly adored by both staff and residents alike. Having been part of The Lodge for nearly 11 years, he began his journey as a server while in high school and has grown into an invaluable member of the kitchen team. Alfredo is always willing to step in wherever he is needed and never hesitates to lend a helping hand. His kindness, caring nature, and consistently positive attitude make him a joy to work with and a treasured part of our community!
A Team Member Submission Accountability
Rachael Hassinger is grateful for
Dan Stephenson
Dan works very hard to ensure his department runs smoothly and efficiently each day. He takes great pride not only in the quality of the food he prepares, but also in maintaining a clean and well-organized kitchen. Dan leads his team with genuine care and dedication, and his commitment is truly appreciated!
A Team Member Submission Empathy
Rachael Hassinger is grateful for
Melissa Cobb
Melissa is truly a jack of all trades who works tirelessly to ensure our residents are happy and well cared for. As the first person most people see when they enter our community, she goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcomed and at home from the very first moment. Her dedication, versatility, and genuine care set the tone for our entire community, and we are so grateful for all that she does.
A Team Member Submission Service
Rachael Hassinger is grateful for
Joey Doty
Joey consistently brings a positive, uplifting energy that is contagious to everyone around him. He carries himself with kindness and authenticity, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for staff. Joey is an incredibly dedicated and hardworking team member and gives his all to everything he does!
A Team Member Submission