IntegraCare CEO Larry Rouvelas, left, and Director of Talent Acquisition & Development Butch Cassiday, right, recognize Magnolias of Chambersburg’s Michele Mondi as Dining Experience Director of the Year during IntegraCare’s Leadership Conference.
Award-Winning Dining Experience Director’s 40 Years of Culinary Expertise Elevates Menu at Magnolias of Chambersburg
CHAMERSBURG, Pa. – Michele Mondi understands the value of a delicious, well-balanced diet. Her 42 years in meal planning, provision and service – including nearly 12 years as the Dining Experience Director at Magnolias of Chambersburg – has instilled a deep commitment to culinary excellence.
Mondi, 58, recently earned Dining Experience Director of the Year honors at IntegraCare’s Leadership Conference. IntegraCare operates 17 senior living communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, including Magnolias of Chambersburg.
“I never expected this recognition,” Mondi said. “I would have been just as happy for any of my fellow directors because they all do a great job throughout our IntegraCare communities. It’s nice to know that IntegraCare and our team at Magnolias appreciates the job I do. This gives you an extra boost and makes you feel better about yourself and the job that you do.”
Mondi got an early start in the food industry, accepting her first job as a teenager and eventually working 30 years for the Ponderosa Steakhouse chain. She spent 16 years at Ponderosa in her hometown of Johnstown, Pa., approximately 95 miles West of Chambersburg.
A promotion in the popular restaurant chain brought her to Chambersburg, where she worked 14 years until the local Ponderosa closed in 2012. One opportunity ended, and another began as she landed at Magnolias of Chambersburg.
“Michele keeps us all very content with the delicious food that is served to our residents,” said Kristine Wenrick, Executive Operations Officer at Magnolias of Chambersburg. “Michele is dedicated to always going above and beyond to make sure all dietary guidelines and special diets are maintained.”
“She is a great mentor to her fabulous team and offers continued training and techniques to assure all our meals are nutritious and delicious,” Wenrick added. “Michele has served Magnolias for nearly 12 years and has contributed her vast knowledge to assisting our other departments in any time of need.”
Mondi shared credit for her IntegraCare-wide honor with her dining experience team of Cuisineurs Linda Geer, Phillis Sanni and Anna Mizak.
“Our Magnolias team is a family,” Mondi said. “Our relationship is special in all ways. We all care about each other and the job that we do. Our residents are our main focus. We stress, ‘Teamwork. Teamwork.’ The IntegraCare management team is the best around we all get along so well and work together.”
Geer, Sani and Mondi have been together at Magnolias of Chambersburg throughout Mondi’s entire tenure. Geer also spent 14 years working with Mondi at Ponderosa Steakhouse, adding even more familiarity.
“Working with them is like a well-oiled machine,” Mondi said. “Linda and I have been together 25 years. Phyllis has been with me for more than 11 years. We added Anna to the team two years ago and she fit right in.”
The Magnolias of Chambersburg dining experience team has a special bond. They know the residents’ preferences. Systems are in place to make meal time a positive experience.
“It’s all about working with your team, side-by-side, and setting up a good system to make your day and the residents’ day go smoothly,” Mondi said. “You know your residents’ likes and dislikes. It’s all about making them happy in all ways. They say good food leads to a happy heart.”
For more information, contact Alyssa Kisner, Community Relations Director, at akisner@integracare.com or 717.264.6000.