Be The Change at Wellmore of Tega Cay

What is your position at Wellmore of Tega Cay?

Social Director.

How long have you been at Wellmore of Tega Cay?

I have been at Wellmore of Tega Cay almost 5 years. I started as a Life Enrichment Leader primarily in Skilled Nursing and became Social Director November 2018.

What excites you the most about this position and this company?

I love coming up with creative ways to bring smiles, fun, and spread joy to our community. I also enjoy implementing a unique variety of activities because I believe you are never too old to expand your horizons and learn new things. I love that Senior Living Communities has allowed me to grow as a person and a manager.

What is your favorite thing about working for Senior Living Communities?

Senior Living Communities has allowed me to fully start my career as an activities professional. I have met so many wonderful people and have made great connections that will allow me to grow even more. Senior Living Communities is helping me become the best version of myself.

Describe a time that a Member had a positive impact on your day?

Our Members make a positive impact on me day every day, it is hard to narrow it down to just one! To see them so happy and eager to come out to my social programming on a daily basis makes my day. I especially enjoy the times I get to spend just talking with them. They give me great life advice and I look up to them very much. Since I have been at Wellmore, I’ve gotten married, bought a house, and I am currently expecting my first child in April. I feel they have been with me every step of the way encouraging me and I am thankful for that!

Have you utilized the Elevate program? If not, do you know someone who has?

I have not utilized the Elevate program but hope to one day. I know of one person who has gone through the program and a few more that are interested.

How have you grown professionally and personally since joining the Team?

I came to Wellmore of Tega Cay as a Life Enrichment Leader and I always knew I wanted to hold a manager position one day. Since day one, I did everything I could to learn new skills, gain more knowledge, and be there for my team any way I could. With the team’s support, that paid off and I became Social Director. I am still learning and being pushed to grow every day.

What about your position allows you to pursue what makes you feel the most passionate in life?

Being at Wellmore of Tega Cay has made me realize that you can never take life for granted and that you truly must live life to the fullest. I try to bring joy and happiness to everyone everyday no matter their situation.

When it comes to your programming, what is the motivation behind specific activities, events, programs that you do with your Members?

Our Members are my motivation behind everything I do. I try to introduce new ideas and new experiences for them every day. I love pulling from their wonderful memories from the past and reintroducing them to things they thought they could not do anymore or wanted to learn to do.

Your community has a monthly social event called a Signature Experience, what is your favorite part of planning, executing, and experience itself?

My favorite part is collaborating with my social team, wellness, and dining team to get creative to create a one-of-a-kind experience. I love the Signature Experience day itself because it is out of the ordinary and always really fun when the entire community is involved.

Tell us about your favorite Signature Experience from your time at Wellmore of Tega Cay?

My favorite Signature Experience to date was our Oktoberfest in 2019. We had the Foothills Oompah Band join in, and they were so much fun! Everyone sang and danced all night long in their lederhosen and every Member of our community was invited. I am looking forward to making that a yearly tradition!

How does your community come together to work together to provide a vibrant social life for your Members? Dining, Wellness, Social?

My team and I work very closely with the Wellness Director and the dining team to create unique activities and experiences. Without them, our programming would not be where it is today.

A common misconception is that senior living social activities are all bingo all the time. How do you break that stereotype?

That is a big misconception that I definitely try to break here. While our Members do enjoy playing bingo I love to try new games and experiences for them. I try to keep things fun and ever changing so I can keep them interested and coming out to programs. There is something for everyone here whether they are looking to learn a new skill, gain a new hobby, join a club, or be entertained by one of our fabulous singers or groups.

How do you incorporate your Member’s feedback, personal interests, preferences, etc into your daily programming?

I take Member feedback very seriously! If someone has an activity idea or preference, I always tell them I am willing to try anything to see if it sticks. My programming would not be where it is today without incorporating their hobbies, likes, and backgrounds into the monthly calendar. I have a monthly activity committee calendar planning meeting to get that feedback and get them excited about the events planned in the future.

Fun Fact: What are a few of your favorite hobbies? What is something many people don’t know about you?

I love to spend time with my family, my husband, my dog, and love discovering new places. I started dance lessons when I was 5 and continued through college and can also play the violin. One thing you might not know about me – I have an identical twin sister named Katie who currently lives in Texas.