Be The Change at Osprey Village

What is your position at Osprey Village?

Wellness Director.

How long have you been at Osprey Village?

I have been at Osprey Village for the last two and a half years.

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

There is no doubt that this company is what draws me to Osprey Village. Throughout my time here, I have moved through care services, working as a CNA, and on to wellness, where I stepped into the position I’m in now. I am so grateful to work in both Assisted Living and Independent Living because I get to reach the whole community. Forming relationships with all the wonderful people that call Osprey Village home, as well as our wonderful staff that keep this community running.

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

The population I have the honor of working for, are the most welcoming, encouraging people I have ever met.

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

Every day I work here, I have a positive moment with a Member. There is a sweet lady in care services that I make sure to visit daily and there have been numerous moments where she holds my hand and tells me how much I mean to her. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing your work and time invested in the Members is being reciprocated and validated.

Have you utilized the Elevate program?

My associate and I have both enrolled in the Elevate program to earn more certifications for our department.

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

Before starting at Osprey Village, I was timid and liked to be a follower, as opposed to leading. Since I have started my time at Osprey, I think I have been able to shift into a leadership role and learn how to speak more eloquently in front of crowds, as well as transform my department into a more exciting, participatory program.

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

I can express myself creatively through the programs we create and the variety we offer. This is through our exercise classes, all while taking care of the well-being of others, which is what drives me daily.

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

As our classes grow, we get more inspired to keep things fresh to inspire more Members to attend. Our Members are always eager to try something new and challenge themselves to achieve a Weller Life.

Your community has a monthly social event called a Signature Experience, how does wellness play a role in these themed days?

Through wellness, we are able to create exciting events for the Members that enhance their lives: body, mind and soul!

Wellness programming has won three Argentum Best of the Best Awards over the last few years. What was that feeling like and how does it motivate you moving forward?

Anytime an accomplishment is achieved, I see it as a new floor, a new baseline. Achievements are made to propel you into the next goal, and to be the push that makes you better than you were before.

Tell us about WAVES, C.L.I.M.B, or Purpose-Based Wellness. How does it benefit the Members, what does the program look like, and how did it come to be?

I love high heels, but prefer wedge heels so that I can still walk quickly and be stable on my feet; I can even run in high heels. I have loved high heels since I was a little girl and “played dress-up”. Also, I am a total person of habit and can eat the same thing every day, and have the same routine every day. I eat celery, cucumbers, and jalapeno pimento cheese, and wasabi almonds for lunch! Why mess with perfection?

How has COVID-19 impacted your programming? Why are activities important during this time?

Our most popular class that we offer is our circuit class. My associate Nura, and I set up stations around the room, and our Members perform each station’s exercise for 1.5 minutes. Nura, who used to be a coach, along with myself, a former cheerleader of 13 years, have a ball motivating our Members throughout the whole class to keep pushing themselves! The class came up when we noticed that we had a set group of Members who like the higher intensities and love a challenge. We knew that a circuit class would be perfect for them. We offer such a wide variety of classes and have such an energetic, lively community, that it’s impossible not to have a great time in class!

Talk about the impact your wellness program has had on the Members at your community, big wins, maintaining independence, and more.

Throughout the last 8 months, I have seen significant improvements in the function, mood, and health of our Members. We have had testimonies from Members saying their balance has improved, their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) have become easier, and they believe our wellness programming is the best part of Osprey Village.

Personal question: What is your favorite fitness activity?

I personally enjoy going on a run when it’s brisk outside, or going to the gym with my fiancé.