Check out your Company Bowl for anonymous work chats.
Meet Shauna Sanford, director of nursing at Morning Pointe of Danville, KY, Senior Living. She has worked for Morning Pointe for more than 13 years and served at four different communities in Kentucky. She originally planned to be a pediatric nurse, but when she did a clinical rotation at a nursing home, she fell in love with serving seniors. Today, she loves working at Morning Pointe. "I love making a difference in the lives of people – that’s the main reason I went to nursing school, and at Morning Pointe I feel like you can do that, whether that be their mental wellbeing, their physical wellbeing, or even the social aspect of it," Shauna said. "Morning Pointe does a fantastic job of taking mental, physical, social all in one model and really looking at the resident as a whole and being able to take care of them to the best of our ability."
In honor of Maintenance Directors Day this week, meet John Hempel, facility services manager for Morning Pointe’s Appalachian Region. He was recently promoted from maintenance director at Morning Pointe of Collegedale, TN, at Greenbriar Cove and has worked for Morning Pointe for 3 years. “Coming in and helping [the residents] comes from my heart,” John said, “It’s just part of me. Having the knowledge base I do from plumbing to electrical to hanging pictures on [the] walls, putting up [a] TV in just the right spot... it means a lot to me."
Meet Paula Goins, LPN, executive director at Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley in Knoxville, Tennessee. Paula recently joined Morning Pointe with a background in nursing. She has worked in gastroenterology, oncology, and geriatrics, and she is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving four years in South Korea and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. “I am thankful to be a part of the Morning Pointe Hardin Valley team, and I pray that I can always serve our residents, families, and staff to the best of my ability,” said Goins. “Seeing the residents smiling and happy is what makes me love my job, and the residents allowing me and my family to be a part of their family is the best feeling.”
Meet Kathy Tarter, a resident assistant (RA) at Morning Pointe of Lenoir City, Tennessee, Assisted Living. At her community, she is well known for sharing her gospel singing and exuding a positive spirit. She has worked in senior care/living since 1993 and is a former gospel music singer and drummer. “When I was little, everyone was Mamaw or Papaw,” she shared. “I’ve always loved old people sharing their stories. I feel that God made me this way – not to be a nurse or a doctor but to be a CNA/RA because that’s what I’m good at."
Meet Tammy Roberts, director of nursing (DON) at The Lantern Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence in Frankfort, Kentucky. Tammy has been working with seniors since she was 15. Her career has included being a night shift nurse, MDS coordinator, and infection control nurse, as well as DON. Tammy joined Morning Pointe in 2022 and has gained the respect and admiration of her team. “I love our residents, and I live to see them have meaningful days,” Tammy said. "Finding something they enjoy that makes them smile and have a sense of purpose is what is most important. I enjoy our care plan meetings and building relationships with the families as well. I appreciate them entrusting us to care for their precious loved ones.”
Morning Pointe Senior Living loves to help associates grow their careers. Congratulations to the 3 newest Certified Nursing Assistants at Morning Pointe of Athens - Assisted Living in Tennessee: Amber Hill, Jill Watson, and Bethany Perry. They recently graduated from their CNA training with the assistance of the Morning Pointe team. Amber shared: "I wanted to continue my education to become a CNA to make a difference in people's lives. Furthering my education and understanding during the CNA course has elevated the quality care of not just residents but even for coworkers, friends, and family. People may forget my name, but they will never forget how I made them feel."
January 22-28, 2024, is National Activity Professionals Week, recognizing those who provide activities and life enrichment in senior living communities, from bingo to outings to exercise classes. Michaela Rawdon, life enrichment director at Morning Pointe of Collegedale (Tennessee)) at Greenbriar Cove, shared: “I loved working with seniors and quickly realized working in activities was something I wanted to turn into a career! It means so much to me to connect with residents and to be part of their days."
During the winter storm that dropped snow and ice across the Southeast in mid-January, many Morning Pointe Senior Living associates across the region voluntarily stayed overnight at their campuses to ensure they would be available to serve the residents. Pictured here are team members who stayed overnight at Morning Pointe of Franklin, Tennessee. Thank you to each associate who put our residents' comfort above their own!
Did you know even part-time staff can find fulfillment at Morning Pointe Senior Living? For Brenda Fox, a part-time cook at Morning Pointe of Lenoir City - Assisted Living in Tennessee, cooking for residents is a ministry. She is a former police chaplain and takes time to visit with the residents before her shifts. “We laugh and cut up," Brenda said. "The Bible says, ‘A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,’ and it’s true. There’s so much here that’s in me that I can minister through.”
Morning Pointe Senior Living recently presented its annual Exceeding Expectations Awards, recognizing associates who have gone above and beyond to serve residents, their families, and fellow coworkers. John Hempel, Maintenance Director at Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove, Tennessee, won for Maintenance/Housekeeping. John has worked at Morning Pointe of Greenbriar Cove for three years. His expertise and ability to handle drywall, plumbing, mechanical and electrical issues has allowed the community to take care of these areas in-house. His friendly smile and disposition endear him to the residents. “I like working with people," he said. "That’s the enjoyment here, getting up every morning to come to work and seeing the residents. It’s like a family at this building.”
