HERO AWARD
Jaimie Harel, Sales Counselor Brookdale Springs Mesa
Last year, Brookdale lost one of their longest-tenured members to cancer. Known throughout Springs Mesa by team members and residents who still share stories of how she made their lives feel special, Jaimie Harel left behind a legacy of caring and kindness.
One resident recalls the reason he and his wife moved to Brookdale Springs Mesa – it was because of Jaimie. She always introduced him to others when giving tours and he has fond memories of her kindness and friendliness in the community. She had a way of making each person in her life feel special.
When facing cancer multiple times, Harel still put others first, and no one knew the battle she was fighting. Dedicated to her mission of serving, she maintained a bright and cheery disposition and carried on for as long as she could continue to work. The day she passed a light went out in senior living but thankfully, the compassion and dedication she radiated continues in the memories of those whose lives she changed. (Award presented posthumously.)
HERO AWARD Janie Whipple, Receptionist Academy Point at Mystic
Janie Whipple has a genuine love of people and is committed to make every personal interaction a positive one. She has transformed the reception area at her community into a concierge hub and goes out of her way to listen to residents and find a solution to meet their every need.
From leading an evening game of Scrabble to ordering books online from her personal account, Whipple has a servant’s heart. She goes out of her way to accompany residents to weddings and other special events, and even arranged a standing weekly dinner reservation at a local restaurant so a new resident could continue an important tradition.
Whipple’s commitment to improving the lives of others goes beyond her community. She has also helped raise funds for several causes including the Benchmark One Company Fund, Argentum’s Silver Pac, the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut and The Terrie Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, all from her hub at reception.
HERO AWARD Johnell Washington, Concierge Victory Centre of Park Forest
At the age of 16, Johnell Washington volunteered with seniors and learned how to communicate with people with Alzheimer’s. “They just need love and care. I knew then that I had the heart to work with older adults and make a real difference in their lives,” said Washington. Today, he embodies that spirit of compassion as a concierge in the senior living industry.
Washington often greets with his signature high- five, known to hand out recognition buttons, which he supplies. Each has an uplifting message such as “I’m a Superhero” or “You’re Awesome.” In addition, his commitment to making a personal connection with residents includes playing music and hosting spontaneous hallway dance parties.
Dedicated to inspiring those around him, he also sends colleagues motivational morning emails with encouraging words such as “Reach your dreams” and “Make a difference.” One message he shared was “It’s Transformation Tuesday, and it’s not about perfection; it’s effort... Team, keep up the amazing leadership.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD Anthony Vaughns, Executive Director, New Perspective Senior Living Waukesha
Anthony Vaughns is the epitome of an empathetic leader. He has a very patient, yet convincing way of explaining to family members that he has the talent and supportive team to help the seniors in his care. This was recently the case for a resident and family making the difficulty decision to move from Independent Living to Memory Care. He focused on the care his team would provide and gave the family emotional support.
Vaughns began his career in the hospitality and hotel industry. He worked and learned by experiencing all aspects of the business from food and beverage, front desk, management and sales. With a red-carpet approach to everything he does, he successfully brought his high caliber of hospitality to the senior living and healthcare environment.
Committed to creating a warm and hospitable atmosphere for both residents and team members, he always thinks about everyone he can help within his scope of influence and is a senior living industry leader.
JULY/AUGUST 2022
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