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

Dana Milner is grateful for

Deanna Reid

Interim ED • Greenbriar Village

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

She grease people at the front door and make sure they get checked in and also let everyone out when they’re finished visiting. She’s always. • The Ashton on the Plaza

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

Senior Business Director • Georgetowne Place

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

Executive Director • Rose Arbor

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

Cook • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

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

Dining service assistant • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

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

Dining Service Assistant • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

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

Dining Services Director • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

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

Concierge • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

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

Dining Service Chef • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

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
Responsiveness

Rachael Hassinger is grateful for

Luis Moran

Facilities Director • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Luis is truly a pillar of our community. He consistently provides reliable support to our staff, responds promptly to resident needs, and goes above and beyond to ensure new residents experience a smooth and welcoming move-in. His dedication and attention to detail make a meaningful difference for everyone, and I am incredibly grateful for all that he does.

A Team Member Submission
Accountability

Rachael Hassinger is grateful for

Karina Thomas

Maintenance • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Karina started her role as concierge but has since become an enormous help to our maintenance director. Over the past several months, Karina has learned countless maintenance skills and has gone well above and beyond expectations. Karina is always willing to help with anything that is asked of her and goes out of her way to make sure our residents' needs are consistently met.

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Rachael Hassinger is grateful for

Corey Jones

Driver • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Corey brings an incredible sense of kindness and joy to our community. He goes out of his way to brighten the days of both residents and staff, always offering a welcoming smile and a kind word. His positive spirit and genuine care make a lasting impression, and he is truly adored by our residents.

A Team Member Submission
Service

Rachael Hassinger is grateful for

Sara Ring

Business Office Coordinator • The Lodge at White Bear – Sky Active Living

Sara has been with our community for just under two months, and in that short time, she has gone above and beyond to get to know both our residents and staff. She is always willing to help in any way she can and has seamlessly stepped into multiple roles when needed. Sara has done an amazing job, and I am truly grateful for her dedication, flexibility, and positive impact on our community!

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Rachael Hassinger is grateful for

Angie Lovejoy

Life Enrichment Director • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Angie consistently brings a positive and uplifting energy to our community. She has a natural ability to put others at ease and makes a genuine effort to get to know our residents on a personal level. Angie shows her care through thoughtful actions and kind words, creating meaningful connections and a warm, welcoming environment for everyone!

A Team Member Submission
Responsiveness

Sara Ring is grateful for

Luis Moran

Facilities Director • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Luis is always moving quickly to respond to community needs from residents or staff. Although he seems to be needed in a hundred places at once, he still takes time to listen and respond carefully. Our residents appreciate his timeliness and the care that goes into his work. He pitches in wherever needed on any given day, and is always willing to help get the job done well. Luis is such an asset to The Lodge.

A Team Member Submission
Empathy

Sara Ring is grateful for

Rachael Hassinger

Executive Director • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Rachael puts her heart into everything she does for our residents, and they love her for it. She is quick to offer a kind word, a listening ear, and a helping hand to anyone who asks: residents, visitors, staff, etc. Her sunny personality lights up The Lodge, and she sets the tone for the whole team. I'm so grateful that she has been incredibly patient with me as I'm slowly learning my role here. We are very fortunate to have Rachael at the helm!

A Team Member Submission
Responsiveness

Sara Ring is grateful for

Karina Thomas

Facilities assistant • The Lodge at White Bear–Sky Active Living

Karina works quietly and efficiently to support our facilities director. She has shown a natural affinity for problem solving and handling issues when they come up. Things can change rapidly in terms of what work needs to be done from day to day, but she maintains a positive spirit and is consistently willing to pitch in and help wherever needed. She can work well independently and collaborate well with others.

A Team Member Submission