Koelsch Spotlight - Spring 2020

People on the Move
El Rio:
Resident Assistant promoted to Physical Plant Director
Jose
Garcia
Aspiring history teacher, Jose Garcia, found a satisfying career in
the senior care industry. A few years prior to his time in senior
care he attended Modesto Junior College and studied Theater and
Music. After receiving his Associate’s Degree he questioned his trajectory
and priorities shifted from continuing education to the pursuit of a career.
This pursuit led him to find work that would support a family. His friend,
Maria Castillo-Padilla, LVN and DRS at El Rio, encouraged him in his
pursuit of a career to work for her and recommended him as a Resident
Assistant. “I fell in love with caregiving,” Jose started to say, “I love being
here for these residents, hearing their stories and the adventures they
had, while helping them continue to live their best life.” Thank you, Jose,
for the work you have done and are continuing to do for our residents.
Riverside Inn:
Active Living Coordinator to Active Living Director
Natasha
Spencer
When Natasha Spencer started her career with in-home
caregiving, she had no idea that her career path would take
her into the world of activity coordination. Interviewed by
Shauna Ball, who was the Active Living Director of Riverside Inn at the
time, now Executive Director in Training, hired Natasha as her assistant
because she saw the potential that Natasha had to offer throughout the
interview process. Natasha was encouraged by this next step in her
career path and has now been promoted to the Active Living Director
position and is almost finished with her certification as an activities
professional. “I love interacting with the residents and hearing their
stories. I get to see a whole other side of the resident working with them
in activities,” Natasha said. She also wanted to make sure to thank Shauna
who gave her that first step into active living by believing in her.
People on the MOVE
Ladonna
Songer
The Park at Modesto:
Housekeeping at El Rio promoted to Concierge at The Park
at Modesto
Looking for a change in her environment after 15 years at the same
retirement home, Mary Keaton, Executive Director at El Rio,
encouraged Ladonna Songer to come work for her. Now, 3 years later,
Ladonna reflected back to this change saying, “I don’t even know how to
describe it, the feeling of being a part of a team that treats each other like
family makes a world of difference.” In her current position, Ladonna takes
food to the resident’s rooms, escorts them to doctor appointments, checks
in on them, and so much more. Her role simply boils down to creating
space for each resident to live their best life. Ladonna absolutely loves her
work and is thankful to Sherry Gillette for the wonderful environment
she creates for all the employees and residents who work and live at The
Park at Modesto. The joy Ladonna brings to the community every day is
contagious. Thank you for your hard work and sincere smile, Ladonna.
SPRING 2020
10
KOELSCH COMMUNITIES

People on the Move
Saddle Brook:
Receptionist promoted to Business Office Manager
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Kimilee grew up in a single mom household
with the dream to become a nurse. The story of her premature birth,
with the prediction she would be stillborn or mentally disabled,
motivated her further to pursue a career in care. Now, at 23 years old she
has graduated from school and received her associate’s degree in science.
The philosophy that kept her positive and motivated to never give up
said, “If you want to move, you pack.” Her philosophy was always filled
with optimism and determination, “if you want to do something you
have to do something about it,” she told me. “Starting as a caregiver and
moving up within the community to the current position as Business
Office Manager,” she continued, “has taught me the ins and outs of this
building and how it operates. Most importantly the time has ingrained
in me the foundation that Koelsch Communities is built on, caring for
seniors and treating them as ladies and gentlemen.” Today you can find her
around Saddle Brook encouraging her fellow employees with the phrase,
“Teamwork makes the dream work.” Kimilee is a born encourager and
motivated to find greatness in her life. Thank you, Kimilee for allowing
Koelsch to be a part of your ever-growing and motivational story.
Kimilee
Salmon
“Teamwork makes the dream work.”
Copper Creek Inn:
Caregiver promoted to Med Tech
Mervin grew up in the Philippines, pursued an MBA, worked as a
VP for marketing and sales in the family business, then married
his wife, a nurse, and moved to the states. After the move, Mervin
decided to pursue a career that would provide care to others. Mervin was
also motivated by his wife’s example to enter into a career of Healthcare.
Mervin went to school to become a Med Tech and graduated as a Certified
Caregiver. At that time, roughly 8 years ago, he started working for Copper
Creek Inn when they first opened. When he started there were only 3
residents. Even though he pursued another position at another company
for a few years, Mervin came back to the community of families he had
grown so fond of at Copper Creek Inn. “I love seeing the smiles I bring
the employees, residents, and families every day. Especially the ones I
knew from before who welcomed me back to the community with open
arms.” Mervin now assists licensed nurses with passing out meds and
he knows each resident’s med preferences. Some like them crushed and/
or in their food, others may request a coffee. Mervin knows how to serve
these ladies and gentlemen to ensure they are treated with the dignity
and respect they deserve. Thank you, Mervin, for being such a gift to the
Copper Creek Inn Community and an extension of the heart of Koelsch
Communities who strive to provide the finest living experiences anywhere.
Without people such as yourself, our communities would not be the same.
Mervin
Ronsayro
People on the MOVE
KOELSCH COMMUNITIES
SPRING 2020
11

People on the Move
Riverside Inn:
Active Living Director to Executive Director in Training
Shauna
Ball
Motivated and determined to find greatness in her life, Shauna, raised
by a single mom, put her head down and began racing towards
her goal of managing a senior community. Her work towards this
goal began her Junior year of her high school career when she received her
CNA certificate. In her senior year, she worked after school in the evenings
while making sure to get her homework done on lunch breaks and in
between classes. Throughout her college career, she worked at Koelsch to gain
experience and knowledge so that after graduation she would be positioned
for leadership within senior living. As an Active Living Coordinator at
Meadowbrook Memory Care, Shauna was well on her way to obtaining her
goal of managing her own community. When the Active Living Director
position opened up at Riverside Inn, she seized the opportunity to apply
for the role. After a tenure as the Active Living Director, the Executive
Director in Training position became available. Once again, Shauna seized
the moment and applied. “God kept placing me in the right place at the
right time with the right people who believed in me,” Shauna shared. She
continues to share her story to show her staff that she has been where they
have been in their career. “I want to help each employee who works with
me, to grow in the way others encouraged me to grow,” Shauna emphasized.
Thank you, Shauna, for the encouragement you share with each of our
Koelsch Employees. With that attitude and sharing nature, you will go far!
The Park at Modesto:
Koelsch Construction Assistant promoted to
The Park at Modesto Night Concierge
People on the MOVE
Shawn
Kennedy
Shawn Kennedy, born in the beautiful state of Maine, moved to Fresno
with his family at the age of 7 and by the age of 12, he started his first
job delivering newspapers with his mom and sister. At that young
age, his mother taught him how important it was to find joy in the work
he did. They would laugh and play throughout the paper route, while they
wore rollerblades, skated down the road as they went. Now, years later,
Shawn worked as a Koelsch Construction Assistant on the Park at Modesto
community. When the project wrapped up, Becky Stokesbary, Regional
Director of Operations at Koelsch and Sherry Gilette, Executive Director of
The Park at Modesto knew they wanted Shawn on their team as they opened
the building. Shawn was offered a job on The Park at Modesto security
team and currently works as the night shift security guard. “I got my trusty
Maglite,” Shawn chimed in, “and I do my part housecleaning, and the list of
chores that are requested of me, but most importantly I make sure everything
is closed and that the residents are safe.” Shawn went on to say how grateful
he is to be a part of a team that is so joyful and happy to be at work. “This is
where I want to be,” Shawn said gratefully, “Becky and Sherry are awesome.
They are a pleasure to be around and I know [The Park at Modesto] is going
to go far with them behind it. I am very proud to work here.” Well done
Shawn! We look forward to many more years with great success at Koelsch.
SPRING 2020
12
KOELSCH COMMUNITIES

People on the Move
Silver Creek Inn:
Receptionist at Copper Creek Inn promoted to Business
Office Manager at Silver Creek
Kelly
Ciccone
Looking to move closer to her son living on the west coast,
Kelly decided to move from Florida to Arizona. After her
move, Kelly sought out a company to land for the long term.
Interviewing with a few memory care communities, including
Copper Creek Inn, she was impressed with what she saw and
learned from her interactions with the Koelsch organization. She
looked forward to working for an organization that would provide
opportunities for promotion and growth while focused on genuine
care for residents. “My favorite part about working with seniors is
hearing their stories. There is so much history and bravery there,”
Kelly shared. Kelly has always had a passion to care for seniors and it
shows in her contributions. Koelsch thanks you for helping provide
the finest living experiences anywhere, simply by being you.
There is
so much
history and
bravery
there.”
The Park at Modesto:
Housekeeping at El Rio promoted to Victory Bistro
Attendant at The Park at Modesto
Blanca’s Millan’s desire to work in the food industry began with
her first job, working at a restaurant salad bar. Since October
2017, Blanca worked diligently as a housekeeper at El Rio with
a strong desire to get back to foodservice. Upon Blanca’s start with
Koelsch she comments, “it was a beautiful experience working with
people living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia for the
first time. I am [also] very happy with the way this company works
because they are very grateful to their employees.” With the opening of
the latest Koelsch Community, The Park at Modesto, an opportunity
became available in the Bistro. Upon learning about the opportunity,
which required food preparation and engaging residents, she inquired
about the possibility of a transfer. On December 30th, 2019 Blanca’s
dream of working with food again came true as she had her first day
as The Victory Bistro host. “I love food preparation and listening to
the resident’s stories,” Blanca started saying, “I like making soup every
day and I have a good team who teaches me new things.” Blanca has
also been able to practice her new skills at home. “I recreated a creamy
potato and bacon soup the other day for my husband’s birthday and the
whole family loved it! Learning skills in the kitchen has brought me joy
and I am very very happy with my job,” Blanca chimed on positively.
Blanca
Millan
People on the MOVE
KOELSCH COMMUNITIES
SPRING 2020
13

ANNIVERSARIES
Wayne Nelson
Canterbury Inn
Wayne Nelson is best described as “a man with
a heart of gold,” according to the Executive
Director of Canterbury Inn. Having been
around people from all walks of life through
his experience as a former Kelso sheriff,
Wayne knows how to listen well and respond
with wisdom. People who get to know him or
work with him know “he’s been around the
block.” He remains calm and attentive, and
he collects his thoughts prior to responding
10 YEARS
to others’ inquiries. Because he works without
complaint, responds to others with wisdom,
and smiles and laughs throughout his day,
he effectively “rallies the troops.” His team
members look up to him and join him in
caring for one another as well as the residents
they serve. Thank you, Wayne, for serving
ten years for Koelsch Communities as the
Transportation Manager and giving joy and
wisdom to many in your community.
Kent Rhoten
Koelsch Construction
Kent and his wife Connie are responsible
for the “final check” on every detail of a new
building. Since they are a part of a newlyopened
community for the first few weeks,
they get to know the residents well. Kent
Rhoten is celebrating his 10th anniversary
with Koelsch Communities, but he has known
Koelsch Communities President and CEO
Aaron Koelsch for quite some time, building
homes for Aaron and Judy Koelsch.
In giving of their warm and friendly
personalities, Kent and Connie assure all
residents of any possible questions through
wonderful customer relations and quality
service. Kent and Connie are loved by both
staff and residents in the buildings they serve
because they are generous and exceptional
representatives of Koelsch Communities.
Christina Delgado, LVN
Sterling Commons
Christina Delgado is “a rock” at Sterling
Commons. She compassionately interacts
with families and residents and builds trust in
the Sterling Commons staff. She practices the
“art” of communication as she calms resident
apprehension about what staff members might
do and patiently leads them to understand.
Between her solid nursing skills and her
relationships with her families, Christina helps
families feel comfortable. Christina enjoys a
wonderful rapport with all staff and residents
alike and delivers remarkable customer
service. Thank you for an outstanding 10 years
of service. We look forward to many more!
SPRING 2020
16
KOELSCH COMMUNITIES

10 YEARS
Shari Cooper, LVN
Sterling Inn
When Don Barber, Executive Director at Sterling Inn
thought about who to fill the Director of Resident
Services position when it opened up, “Shari Cooper,
LVN, was the first person that came to mind.” She
first started her journey with Koelsch Communities
at Sterling Inn as a Floor Nurse in 2009, and she
celebrated her new role as Director of Resident Services
(DRS) in May 2017. According to Don Barber, she “zips
5 YEARS
Kari Jarvis, LPN
Dick Netzer
Sharon O’Keefe
Rebecca Klupp
around” all the time, and “doesn’t let any stone remain
unturned.” Having recently become a grandmother,
now, more than ever, Shari’s love and passion for her
family spill into her work as she shares her stories about
them and passionately loves her staff, families, and
residents. We honor your ten years of passionate work
for Koelsch Communities, Shari, and we hope you will
“shine” for many years to come.
Copper Creek Inn
Home Office
Home Office
Solana at the Park
Anniversaries
Hermela Desta
Pamela Hodgson, LPN
Thomas Reed
Solana at the Park
Spring Creek Inn
The Hampton at Salmon Creek
KOELSCH COMMUNITIES
SPRING 2020
17