CALA News & Views | Issue 46 | Relationships

RECIPIENTS SHARE THEIR TIPS

The Excellence in Services Awards recognizes the heroes among us in CALA member communities who step up and reach beyond the boundaries of their job description to support the care and well-being of residents, help fellow team members, and lead with strength. These unsung heroes inspire and challenge those around them to be and do their best, and their influence is far reaching. CALA is pleased to recognize and shine a light on these outstanding individuals through the Excellence in Service Awards.

The 2022 Award winners included these three impressive individuals: JENNIFER MAURER Outstanding Executive Director in Service Award

Jennifer is Executive Director at WellQuest of Elk Grove , a senior living community that offers independent living, Assisted Living and memory care. She has worked in senior living for more than 15 years, starting as a caregiver and then working in culinary, activities, and business departments before becoming Executive Director. When the pandemic brought staff shortages, Jennifer often worked 12-hour days assisting the maintenance department in cleaning floors, moving furniture or helping housekeeping clean apartments and cottages. She is a leader who goes out of her way to create memorable experiences for both employees and residents, whether that means dressing up in goofy costumes or celebrating the hard work of staff through all kinds of fun days and treats. She is also well known for her positive attitude and contagious laughter heard throughout the community. She greets everyone from residents, staff and guests with a smile and kind word every day. MARIA DUMPIT Outstanding Department Director Award (for non-clinician) Maria is the Executive Chef at Cogir on Napa Road in Sonoma . She began in 2008 as a housekeeping supervisor and, within two years, she supervised dining as well. In addition to being Executive Chef, she also oversees the housekeeping department. Maria is known for doing whatever it takes to support the community. When the community was without a maintenance director for an extended period, she cross-trained her teams and oversaw maintenance and repairs. She is perhaps best known for creating a 12-foot gingerbread house complete with a table for two inside so residents could host a loved one. GERALDINE MOGUEL Outstanding Community Nurse Award Geraldine is a LVN at Carlton Senior Living San Leandro and has been recognized by Carlton Senior Living with their Best of the Best Award multiple times. She is a tireless advocate for the resident’s needs, proactively working with the primary care physicians to ensure that communications lead to correctly updating the resident’s care plan. Under her guidance, care partners, medication technicians, and other nurses have grown in their knowledge and understanding of healthcare and clinical needs.

16 CALIFORNIA ASSISTED LIVING ASSOCIATION