Employee Testimonials

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LaVonda Patterson
Resident Care Assistant/Medication Assistant

I've been an employee of Magnolias of Chambersburg since 2006 and work in Memory Care. I enjoy working under the Leadership Team and managers because they've been supportive, they treat me with respect and I can trust their leadership abilities. They also do fun things like have trivia contests for lottery tickets and give gift certificates for special occasions like working overtime, etc.

Carol Stover
Housekeeping

As an employee of Magnolias of Chambersburg I do many things that impact the daily lives of our residents from cleaning their rooms to providing their medications. I feel the most important thing I do for our residents each day is being there for them by listening to their stories, keeping them active and making them feel special. I hope that I make the same impact on the resident's lives that they have in mine.

Eric Baughman
Director of Environmental & Food Services

In 2005 I began my career at Magnolias of Lancaster as a cook, with dreams of someday filling much bigger shoes. At the time my journey first started, Magnolias of Lancaster was under different management. Although I enjoyed the residents and preparing and serving them their meals, I chose to leave my position. The decision was tough but in the end decided to leave because I felt that the current ownership didn't value or appreciate all that I had to offer. Shortly after I left the company, IntegraCare took over ownership. The previous Executive Director agreed to stay on as part of the team and remained with Magnolias, even under the transitioning of the new management. With her staying on and most of the team leaving, she had some rebuilding to do, and she wanted me to be a part of the rebuilding process. She called and said she was so impressed with my leadership, passion and knowledge of the building that not only did she want me to come back she wanted me as the new Food Services Director.

On May 22, 2006 I was offered the Food Services Director position, thus starting my journey with ICC. With hard work and determination I started to change the way things were previously run and began adhering to all of the ICC standards. This allowed me to improve the life of the employees and in return improving the lives of the residents on a daily basis. With all of the positive changes and direction I was implementing ICC felt I was ready to take on a dual role. ICC then offered the position of Environmental Services Director, adding to my responsibility as Food Services Director. I was really proud of all that I had accomplished and my contributions in helping with the rebuilding of Magnolias of Lancaster, as part of the ICC team. Although I was proud of all I had done, I was unaware how proud everyone else was of me.

One of the greatest honors, that I am overjoyed to say I have received, is the ICC Leadership Award. This award is given to one person who, as determined by their peers, exemplifies exceptional contributions in the area of leadership. At the Leadership Conference in 2008 I got the chance to hear testimonials written by my fellow team at Magnolias and my team within ICC stating why I should receive this award. For me, hearing what kind words they had to say about me was the biggest reward. To know how much I was appreciated and looked up to really made me feel like I was doing all I hoped I was doing, and perhaps even more. In the three years that I have worked for ICC there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about how proud I am for all I have accomplished, through hard work and determination, and for the great memories that I have received. I am also very thankful for the opportunity that ICC has given to me and my family.

Kelly Rice
Resident Care Assistant

Working at Magnolias of Lancaster was the best choice I have made. Working with our residents is so much fun and rewarding. If I had to pick a time that made my day I would have to say it was when I decided to have a dance party for our residents. There was one resident that absolutely made my day! She got up and started dancing all over the place and had all the other residents dancing too. We all had an awesome time and I will never forget that moment!

Suzanne Reese
Activities Assistant

We had a resident who was very reluctant to socialize with other residents. Even her communication with the employees was minimal. I started with short visits on her terms and gradually worked up to longer visits that included Benny, our loving community dog. She gradually warmed up to me and felt secure enough in my presence to come to some activities. Eventually she tried some bus trips to the grocery store and mall. We formed a bond that included Benny, who I think became her security blanket. She became more self-reliant and trusting and moved to an apartment close to our community. She wrote me a thank you note expressing her gratitude for easing her back into society. Having Benny by my side helped me to help her feel loved and validated!

Nadean Stitt
Resident Care Assistant

The gratitude and appreciation I get from the residents and staff of Newhaven Court is great! There is no better feeling in the world than knowing you put a smile on someone's face or brightened their day.

Patty McCall-Boden
Cook Assistant

One of my favorite events at Newhaven Court at Clearview is the Big Band Dance. Watching our residents enjoying the music and dances of their era is priceless. I also had the opportunity to share this event with my mother which was very special to me.

Melinda Mansfield
Cook

At Newhaven Court I feel appreciated. Things I do are noticed. I am thanked and told I do a good job. My comments and suggestions are used. The incentives are great! I love visiting with the residents daily. I could not have dreamt the day would come that I would enjoy coming to work . . . I've found the perfect job!

Pam Racan
Receptionist

I've always loved geriatrics. I'm so fortunate to be able to work at Newhaven Court as one of the receptionists. I enjoy listening to years of memories and life lessons and consider myself lucky to have become part of our resident's lives. I'm impressed with Newhaven Court's administration and department managers, the employees and residents are top priority! We have a caring, nurturing staff that provides a safe and stimulating environment for the residents.

Newhaven Court is a beautiful community; I've already told my daughter that I have my room picked out, close to the receptionist's desk!

Rene Williams
Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA

The impact that I've made on a resident's life is simply the same impact they've made on my life; that is treating them with the greatest care and respect. In showing them my efforts towards learning my job and their individual needs, they have shown me patience. The relationships that have been built are unimaginable, timeless and irreplaceable.

Carolyn Muir
Executive Housekeeper

I recently moved here from England. Coming to work at Rexford Place has been a great experience for me. During my first few weeks of work, I was invited to a lovely Valentine's Day party for the staff. The food was excellent, and it gave me a feeling of really belonging here. Because I work the evening shift I did not have the opportunity to meet everyone. Having a time to meet the managers and other staff made me feel like a part of the community.

Tevo Carter
Chef

One of the most memorable experiences I have had here at Rexford Place was two years ago. We had a fashion show to honor Black History Month. Residents and staff both participated. We had wonderful food, a runway to walk down, pictures taken and lots of excitement! It was a great moment to see all the residents dressed up and walking down the runway! Everyone had a great time and the interaction between staff and residents was truly memorable. We work really hard here at Rexford Place to honor and make life fun for our residents.

Darlene Harrison
Waitstaff

One of the things that our community does is thank our staff for their hard work and dedication. Last Christmas we had a staff Christmas Party that included a trivia game about the safety standards here at Rexford Place. There were prizes auctioned off for those of us that got the answers correct. At the end of the party we had a "grand prize" drawing for a flat screen television. Much to my surprise and joy, I won! I was able to give my dad a great Christmas present!!

Gerri O'Rourke
Medication Assistant

I joined The Pines almost two years ago. I had been working in a restaurant for 20 years along with working at some pharmacies for 16 years. I thought it was time for a change. I actually came here with the intention of working in the Dining Room or Kitchen. Fortunately for me those positions were taken but there was an opening for a Resident Care Assistant. I had previously only taken care of family members so I was a little unsure if I would like this job. Well, what can I say? I'm still here! I have been promoted to a Medication Assistant. The training we receive is always up to date with the latest policies and procedures from both the state and corporate levels. The staff here is great! Someone is always available to help, no matter what department they work, when needed. This is not a workplace where you hear “That's not my job”. This includes the management as well. It's nice to be part of a team that works together. It makes for a good atmosphere for the residents also. It's a pleasure to be able to get to really know the residents. I really feel connected. I do tend to share a lot of stories about what goes on in my life too. It keeps the lines of communication open between the residents and me. It's only natural to become close to our residents, so on the rare occurrence that one should become ill or pass away it is only natural to feel as if a member of your own family is suffering. Again, that is where The Pines staff becomes outstanding and supportive. I talk about where I work continually. The Activity Department does a wonderful job of creating new things for our residents to do. There are also a lot of things that The Pines does for the staff. Our motto is “It's the Little Things” and as I am writing this I see how true it really is. A simple smile or “hello” is all someone may have to look forward too. Lucky for them they're here at The Pines where they receive so much more!

Rasheedah Bey
Resident Care Assistant

I came here last year to be a part of the Resident Care staff. I have no prior experience other than being a mother of many and the people skills I have acquired from other various jobs. Gaining trust was an issue at first for me because of my inexperience and my care free attitude. Although some may find me different, the staff at The Pines has given me their trust, love and appreciation. The Pines is my home away from home. I've made many friends within The Pines community.

Tracy Lester
Waitstaff

Last March I received an ABCD Award, which was a special moment for me. A walk-in tour came in and the Marketing Director was unavailable. While they were waiting for the Marketing Director, I provided them with coffee, tea and danishes. They were on a strict time schedule and could not wait for the Marketing Director but really wanted to see our community. I took them on a tour of our community. The ABCD Award is to recognize employees who go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

Linda Sparks
Activities Director

A resident of Willow Lane and I became close friends. We discovered that we had graduated from the same high school, Hickory. The high school was having a mass reunion for all of the “senior citizens” who had gone there. It was on a Saturday night and all of his old pals were going to be there. He wanted to attend but his biggest concern was transportation to get there. I came in on my day off and took him to the reunion in our community van. He asked that I pick him up after the dinner/dance at 10:30 pm that evening. When I arrived to pick him up, I could not find him. Concerned, I went to the Fire Hall next door and found him still partying with his high school friends. We didn't end up leaving for a while after that.

After that evening he couldn't thank me enough because he knew that he might not have had a chance to see all of his friends again. It really meant the world to him. I knew that I had made one man very happy and really fulfilled a dream for him.

Jeannina Woodward
Resident Care Assistant

One day a resident was having a very bad time. She was tearful and frustrated with a situation with her sons. She was supposed to go out to lunch and for whatever reason they couldn't come. I offered to come up to her room and have lunch with her. We sat and talked about her sons, her husband and how wonderful he was. By the time I left the room she felt so much better that she was hugging me. Ever since then she always says hello and remembers my name. When a resident remembers your name, you know you are doing something right. I knew that day that I was needed and what I did with the residents was very important. I have been here ever since. I never thought that I would be in this field but I love what I do! It is those little things that really do matter to the residents.

Jul Kautzman
Lead Waitstaff

A couple of years ago a few members of the kitchen staff and I decided to have a New Year's Eve Party for the residents in the Country Kitchen. We prepared lots of snacks and punch and everyone wore hats and had horns. Of course we celebrated a little early since we all go to bed early. We did a count down just like we were watching the real thing and shouted and hugged each other and blew our horns in celebration of the New Year!

Serafina DiNunno
Activities Assistant & Cook

The Memorial and Veteran's Day programs that we have are the most memorable. During the programs we honor the men and women who live here that participated in the wars and their families come in and share in the event too. For our residents it's really important that they are acknowledged for their service and to know that what they did means so much to all of us.

Guilary Riveria
Housekeeping

I enjoy cleaning their apartment and making it smell nice for our residents. I love putting smiles on their faces.

Jeremy Fry
Food Service Director

My most memorable event at The Woods at Cedar Run was our First Annual Ball. I enjoyed it so much because all of the residents were together in one space and were having such a great time dancing and talking. The best part was when one of the local high school students asked one of our male residents to dance. Seeing the generations interact made it a wonderful event.

Julie Seifried, Activities Director

When I first considered interviewing with IntegraCare for a position at The Woods, I was a bit apprehensive. I had developed a good rapport with the residents at my previous facility, but didn't feel as if my employer was as dedicated to their staff and they could have been. Even during the interview process, I sensed that IntegraCare was a company who valued their employees.

Since assuming the role of Activities Director at The Woods, I have experienced first-hand the care and concern of my employers. The cards and calls I received after my mother's passing last year and during my illness and hospital stay were overwhelming. I am impressed with IntegraCare's mission "to create an environment where its primary customer, the employee, experiences respect, dignity and personal development". The second half of the mission statement is true as well, "by providing this environment for our employees, the quality of life of our residents and their families is improved as well".

At The Woods, the employees, residents and family members work together to create a unique, caring and homey environment. Establishing the activities and programs at this community has given me a chance to get to know, not only the residents, but my co-workers as well. It is exciting to see the enthusiasm of our residents as we work together to build a better community. My hope is that our residents will sense my devotion to my job and their lives in the programming and events that are offered to them. Working at The Woods has shown me the real meaning of "teamwork" and the passion to do my job to the best of my ability!

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Employee Testimonials