WALLINGFORD, Pa. – At Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford, strong relationships are built over time. Team members have served residents at the IntegraCare senior living community for years, developing meaningful connections that help make each day more comfortable, engaging and enjoyable for the seniors who call it home.
“When team members build strong relationships with residents and families, they develop a deeper understanding of our community and what makes it special,” said Selena Cheng, Executive Operations Officer. “We want to recognize that dedication and give people opportunities to grow, take on new responsibilities and continue making a difference here.”
Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford has a track record of promoting team members from within, allowing employees to build careers while continuing to serve residents and families in a familiar setting.
Three recent leadership advancements reflect that commitment.
Erika Taylor, who previously served as Housekeeping Director, was promoted to LifeStages Director. Tchnavia McClain advanced from Community Relations Associate to Administrative Services Director. Kierah Gillis also moved into a leadership position as LifeStories Director after previously serving as Activities Director, Activities Assistant Director and a caregiver.
Their career paths demonstrate how team members can gain experience, take on additional responsibilities and develop professionally without leaving the organization they know.
Cheng said the community’s culture and the dedication of its employees make those advancements possible.
“I feel like I know everyone so well and spend so much time with them, I can see why we promote from within,” Cheng said. “The hard work. The dedication. This is a great place to live because it’s also a great place to work. That’s why we have developed a great reputation, and I’m thankful for that.”
The stability is reflected in the tenure of several team members who have dedicated much of their careers to caring for residents.
Tasha Thomas, a Medication Technician, and Keiyuania Foreman, a Resident Wellness Coordinator, each have spent 23 years at Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford. Welleh Taire, a Resident Wellness Associate, has been part of the team for five years.
“Their longevity provides continuity for residents, who become familiar with the people assisting them with daily needs, wellness and activities,” Cheng said. “Those relationships extend beyond the responsibilities of individual positions, creating a sense of connection and familiarity throughout the community.”
Cheng said she sees that connection in the way residents interact with team members and leadership.
“Walking in every day, the residents talk to me,” she said. “We have an open-door policy and it’s more about talking about the good things. We have resident-council meetings every month and we hear a lot about the good things.”
That positive atmosphere also is reflected in the community’s activities, which give residents opportunities to socialize, express their creativity and enjoy time with family members.
Happy Hour featuring live music has become a popular gathering, with families frequently joining residents for the entertainment and social interaction.
Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford also hosts a bake-and-taste activity every Monday, giving residents an opportunity to participate in preparing and sampling treats. Arts and crafts programs provide additional outlets for creativity and engagement.
Those experiences help strengthen relationships among residents, team members and families while creating opportunities for everyone to share in the community’s daily life.
“For residents, seeing familiar faces, building friendships with team members and having activities to anticipate can make a meaningful difference in their daily experiences,” Cheng said. “Families have opportunities to participate in events and see firsthand the relationships that develop.”
The same environment that encourages team members to stay and grow professionally also helps foster a welcoming atmosphere for residents, she said.
“It is a reflection of an organizational culture that values experience, recognizes dedication and gives people opportunities to build their futures while continuing to make a difference in the lives of residents,” Cheng said.
For more information, contact Selena Cheng, Executive Operations Officer, Chestnut Ridge at Wallingford, at [email protected] or call 610.447.0710.
