Traditions Management communities practice our core values daily to maximize the quality of life for our residents and provide the highest level of care and service. Our team members honor our values by recognizing important versus necessary actions, serving with dignity and building lasting and meaningful relationships with residents and families.

With these core attributes in mind, we proudly highlight the following members of our Traditions sales team who have been promoted from within.  Each of them focuses on being a trusted resource to potential residents and families at every stage of the decision-making process and creating a seamless, positive and personal move-in experience.

Congratulations Kelly Schwartz, Mandy Dryer, Davonna Saier, Kelsie Hulett, Max Kirby, Allison Brown, Stephanie Brannon and Kate Ford! We are grateful and blessed to work alongside you.

Kelly Schwartz
Community Relations Director/Middleton Senior Living

Kelly has been an LPN serving the geriatric population for more than 25 years. She has been awarded the Hospice of Central Ohio Compassionate Care Partner Award and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She began with Middleton first as a floor nurse, then was promoted over the last several years to Memory Care Director, Move-in Coordinator and, most recently, to Community Relations Director.

“I understand and empathize with families when they need to make difficult decisions. You have questions and often need reassurance that you are making the right choice. I am honored to be in the position to help families learn all of their options and ways we can support them and their loved one.”

Mandy Dryer
Move-in Coordinator/Highgrove at Tates Creek

Mandy is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and is pursuing a degree in business at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. She began her career at Highgrove as a CNA and was promoted after a year to Move-in Coordinator.

“I think communication is one of the most important things when it comes to our residents and families being comfortable at Highgrove. It’s important to me that families are aware what is going on with their loved ones. I love being one more person they can count on.”

Davonna Saier
Executive Director/Ashton Grove Senior Living

Davonna earned her BA in Communications from Georgetown College and her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health. She serves on the Board of Directors for Women Leading Kentucky, the Lexington Forum and the Georgetown United Fine Arts Academy and is a graduate of Leadership Lexington. She has also co-chaired an Adult Children of Aging Parents support group for a large Lexington hospital and founded a geriatric care consulting business called Eldercare Ease.

“I began my career as a Patient Advocate for a large hospital and that’s when I realized I could make a difference for patients and families. I joined Traditions as a Community Relations Director at Highgrove at Tates Creek and was promoted to Executive Director at Ashton Grove Senior Living earlier this year. I consider it an honor to support seniors and their families in any way I can.”

Kelsie Hulett
Independent Living Director/Highgrove at Tates Creek

Kelsie graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and Bluegrass Community and Technical College and grew up in a neighborhood close to Highgrove. She began with Highgrove as a part-time receptionist and was promoted to Move-in Coordinator shortly after. She was recently promoted to the community’s first Independent Living Director role.

“I’ve traveled and lived in different places, but I’m always drawn back to my Kentucky home. I have been blessed with a caring heart, and am happy to encourage, uplift and bring joy to seniors as they take courageous steps to a better quality of life. Traditions has helped me every step of the way, giving me tools and resources to be successful, and for that I am forever grateful.”

Max Kirby
Independent Living Director/Middleton Senior Living

Max was born and raised in the Philippines where she earned her BA in Communications from the University of the Philippines and her MBA from the De La Salle University Graduate School of Business. She joined Middleton as a Community Relations Director and in 2017 was awarded the Honoring Excellence Award by the Ohio Assisted Living Association. She recently accepted the position of Independent Living Director.

“This is a close-knit community. And it’s a great honor to be introduced by residents and family members as a friend. We are here to make everyone feel welcome and special.”

Allison Brown
Community Relations Director/Traditions at North Willow

Allison is a graduate of IU Bloomington with a major in Healthcare Management and Policy, minor in Human Resource Management and she is a Licensed Residential Care Administrator. She was promoted earlier this year from Move-in Coordinator to Community Relations Director at North Willow.

“I am constantly interacting with residents and families—their feedback is what makes us better at our jobs. I know how important it is for residents to feel comfortable and well cared for. I am here to make sure the generations before us feel that care, love and respect.”

Stephanie Brannon
Executive Director/Traditions of Beavercreek

Stephanie was born and raised in Dayton where she graduated from Wright State University with a BA in Psychology. She was promoted this summer from Community Relations Director to Executive Director.

“I can truly empathize with families who visit Beavercreek and will do whatever I can to help them, whether they choose to live in our community or not. When we see someone struggling at home thrive in our community, surrounded by support and care, it feels good. And it gives their loved ones peace of mind.”

Kate Ford
Sales Specialist/Traditions Management

Kate has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science Education from Wright State University. She began with Traditions as a Community Relations Director, was promoted to Executive Director and earlier this year was promoted to the role of Sales Specialist.

“I decided I wanted to pursue a meaningful career, and Traditions took a shot with me back in 2017. I’m so thankful because this career path has provided fulfillment like none other. In this role, I have the opportunity to train and coach Community Relations Directors through the Sherpa sales process, a process I believe in wholeheartedly because I’ve seen how personalized and effective it can be. It’s great to see CRDs connect the dots when a resident moves in with us and their life improves dramatically.”

 

 

We are proud to announce the winners of the COVID Front Line Recognition Award, sponsored by MHA/Navigator and created to honor two front-line individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond in providing extraordinary care to our residents.

Congratulations to the Park Place Memory Care Team and to caregiver, Kamari Claybrook from Traditions at Reagan Park. Please take a moment to find out a bit more about our winners and join us in congratulating them on their hard work and recognition.

PARK PLACE MEMORY CARE TEAM

Nominated by Kristin Townsley, Executive Director
Park Place Senior Living

From the beginning of the pandemic, our staff has been exceptional in making sure our residents are social distancing. Our team goes above and beyond to make sure all the residents feel loved and cared for, and they take great pride in how the residents look and are cared for every day.

Even in light of ever-changing regulations or protocols, this team has handled themselves with grace and love, and never let frustration get the best of them in the midst of daily changes.

I know we have the right team in place to ensure our residents are taken care of and that their health and safety is the top priority. Everyone continues to go above and beyond daily for our most vulnerable population. And for that I will be forever grateful and proud. Thank you Park Place Memory Care Team!

KAMARI CLAYBROOK, CAREGIVER

Nominated by Angela Martinez, Executive Director
Traditions at Reagan Park

Kamari joined Reagan Park in June 2019 as a high school student. She has since graduated and recently started nursing school. She provides care to our residents who participate in our specialized Memory Care program, Varietas.

During the Covid pandemic, Kamari supported our community and residents by faithfully committing to her scheduled shifts, working overtime when needed, following all safety protocols and demonstrating a willingness to do whatever required for the greater good of the residents, team and community.

Kamari truly knows each resident personally and she is invested in using this knowledge to provide the best in care. Through this pandemic, she has been able to support the residents on a deeper, more individualized level. She has become family to our residents, showering them with love and affection in the absence of their own family members.

When co-workers were asked to describe Kamari, two words often came up: calm and willing. Calmness during the storm, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get us through— valuable attributes, especially in this time.

We are so proud to have Kamari on our team. She is a blessing to our residents and to all who know her.

Congratulations, once again to our winners who will be recognized for their achievements as part of a virtual celebration. They will also be awarded a $200 gift card to a Laundry’s restaurant of choice, as well as an award certificate commemorating this distinction.

Our thanks to MHA/Navigator for recognizing the sacrifice and service of our essential front-line team members.

 

 

Traditions Management communities practice our core values daily to maximize the quality of life for our residents and provide the highest level of care and service. Our team members honor our values by recognizing important versus necessary actions, serving with dignity and building lasting and meaningful relationships with residents and families.

With these core attributes in mind, we proudly highlight the following members of our Traditions medical team who have been promoted from within.  Each of them makes it possible for our residents to receive expert care.

Congratulations Kathy McCracken, Jody Hall, Sereen Ahmad, Lynn Eitel, Robin Mackintosh, Nicole Miller, and Michael Loyala! We are grateful and blessed to work alongside you.

Kathy McCracken
Activities Director/Ashton Grove Senior Living

Kathy began with Traditions at High Grove at Tates Creek in 2017 and was a member of the Care and Concierge team. She came to Traditions with an Associate’s degree in Business and Medical Administration, was a certified Administrative Medical Assistant (AMA), State Registered Nurses Aid (SRNA) and Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities trained Activity Director.

Kathy was promoted to Activities Director at Ashton Grove Senior Living by Executive Director, Davonna Saier.

“My upbringing instilled a sense of respect for my elders. I have taken care of my Mother who had cancer and my Father who had Alzheimer’s disease. So I understand how important it is to get to know my residents on a personal level, to listen and make them feel special.”

Jody Hall
Wellness Director/Traditions of Camargo

After graduating from Miami University and the Hondros College of Nursing with her nursing degree and certification as a dementia trainer, Jody started her career as a floor nurse, something that has given her a keen insight into both the process and personal side of delivering care.

Jody started with Traditions in 2019 as a Memory Care Director at Traditions of Deerfield and was recently promoted to Wellness Director at Traditions of Camargo. “I love working with my residents and families and have a huge passion for providing care. I could not ask for a better company and family-like atmosphere where everyone works hard to fulfill their vision for the community.”

Sereen Ahmad
Wellness Director/Cherry Blossom Senior Living

Shortly after getting her undergrad, Sereen attended the University of Akron Nursing School and graduated with her BSN in 2015. She began as a PCA, then floor nurse at Middleton in 2011 and fell in love with the geriatric population. Sereen was then promoted to Wellness Director at Cherry Blossom Senior Living.

“This is the place and time to assist residents with daily tasks, to gently and expertly care for them. But it’s also the time to build relationships, to learn what our residents like/dislike, more about their upbringing, loved ones and history. This is who they are and we are here to appreciate them.”

Lynn Eitel
Wellness Director/Middleton Senior Living  

Lynn received her LPN-IV from Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) and is Wound Care Certified. She chose Middleton because she believes in the strong leadership of Executive Director, Debbie Hartshorn and the Traditions philosophy of promoting from within. Lynn began with Middleton as a floor nurse and was promoted to Wellness Director in 2016.

“Middleton is one big, extended family. I find some of my most rewarding moments to be in my connection with residents, holding a hand, speaking with compassion and sharing fun or quiet moments.”

Robin Mackintosh
Wellness Director/Traditions of Beavercreek

Robin has a degree in nursing from Hondros College and began with Beavercreek as the Assisted Living Nurse Supervisor until her recent promotion.

“I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember, providing life-changing care for patients and their families. And I’m bringing this practical care and commitment to my new role as Wellness Director.”

Nicole Miller
Memory Care Director/Traditions of Beavercreek

After completing her STNA in 2014, Nicole received her Phlebotomy license in 2017 and is currently attending school for her RN. She’s been in the healthcare field for 10 years, with a wide range of experience in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabs and assisted living facilities. Nicole started at Beavercreek as a PRN and was quickly promoted to Memory Care Director.

“I’ve been blessed over the years to have great teachers, co-workers, mentors and bosses who have given me the knowledge and opportunity to look beyond the job and reach for how to be better. I love everything about my job, including the people I work with and the people I care for.”

Michael Julius Loyola
Activities Assistant/Traditions of Deerfield

Michael began with Traditions of Deerfield as a dining server. His enthusiasm and genuine care for his elders led to his recent promotion to Activities Assistant.

“I treat our residents the way I treat my grandparents, which makes them feel comfortable and at home. I love spending time in their presence, listening to their memorable stories and laughing with them.”

 

 

Traditions Management communities practice our core values daily to maximize the quality of life for our residents and provide the highest level of care and service. Our team members honor our values by recognizing important versus necessary actions, serving with dignity and building lasting and meaningful relationships with residents and families.

With these core attributes in mind, we proudly highlight the following members of our Traditions Dining team who have been promoted from within.  Each of them makes it possible for our residents to share delicious home-cooked meals with friends and family, one of the simple pleasures of life.

Congratulations Lorenzo Wynn, Stephanie Sabin, Kelcey Worley, Brian Sauerland, Ericka Holman, James Krebs and Stephen Spyrou! We are grateful and blessed to work alongside you.

Lorenzo Wynn
Executive Chef / Traditions at Solana

Lorenzo started with Traditions at Solana two years ago as Lead Cook and has always taken the initiative and great pride in his job. He was promoted to Executive Chef at Solana last November.

“I wanted to show James and Fred, our Regional Support Chef and Regional Executive Chef, what I could do! I’ve received a lot of support from James along the way.”

Lorenzo is family oriented, hardworking and has a passion for serving seniors. His favorite meal is steak and potatoes, but he is experienced at creating a delicious variety of meals for his residents.

Stephanie Sabin
Executive Chef / Middleton Senior Living

After graduating from The Culinary Institute at Bradford, Stephanie started at Middleton as a night cook. Through additional training, education and experience, she worked her way up to Executive Chef.

“I’ve always loved to cook, and Traditions feels like a family. We all encourage each other to be our best. I’m really proud of my promotion, knowing I’ve grown and that this community trusts me to take on new challenges. I like knowing that I’m cooking for an important audience and a higher purpose.”

Kelcey Worley
Culinary Director / Traditions at North Willow

Kelcey has worked in restaurants most of her career. She was recruited by a former chef as a line cook, and less than two years later was promoted to Culinary Director.

“I’m extremely appreciative that someone saw potential in my work ethic and was willing to teach me and help me grow as a chef, but also as a person.

Moving into a new community can be tough. I want to reassure them and make them feel cared for in a personal and dignified manner. I also love to bake from scratch, something my residents really enjoy and appreciate.”

Brian Sauerland
Executive Chef / North Bend Senior Living

Brian has an Associate’s degree in Culinary Management from the Art Institute of Ohio. Chef John, one of his instructors and mentors, was responsible for recruiting Brian to Traditions of Deerfield as a cook.

“When Chef John asked me to come work for him it was with the hope I could move into the position of Executive Chef. Today, I’m Executive Chef at North Bend and I love the way the residents feel like family.

I’ve made it a policy with my staff that they sit with a resident in the dining room or after room trays are delivered to have a conversation. This kind of connection and attention is so important in showing how much we care.”

Ericka Holman
Executive Chef / Park Place Senior Living

Ericka has more than 15 years of food service experience, is ServSafe certified and began as a prep cook at Park Place. Shortly after, she was promoted to Dietary Manager, a promotion she credits to an environment of learning.

“People are surprised to learn I am also a Certified Nursing Assistant, something that gives me a unique perspective. Creating delicious meals is caregiving. I’m tuned into my residents’ personal preferences and I want to communicate thoughtfully with choices that keep them in good spirits.”

In addition to her promotion to Executive Chef, Ericka is also pursuing her Dietary Manager Certification and continues online classes.

James Krebs
Regional Support Chef  

James began cooking at a young age while helping his mom in the kitchen, and practiced the art at a local, upscale restaurant. He graduated with a Food and Beverage Business degree from Baker College/Culinary Institute of Michigan.

His restaurant experience includes the opening of a new restaurant in Muskegon, Michigan and serving as Chef de Cuisine at the historic Canterbury Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, where he created meals for distinguished guests like the Chicago Bulls, Danica Patrick, Peyton Manning and many more.

“Since then I have opened two Traditions assisted living communities and was promoted in 2017 to travel alongside our Executive Regional Chef to 12 of our communities. It is a privilege to provide the same hands-on, community-based support and mentoring that helped me advance in my career. It’s also a privilege to see our chefs interact with residents and make them happy.”

Stephen Spyrou
Regional Support Chef

Stephen earned his Culinary Arts degree from the Midwest Culinary Institute in Cincinnati. He was a finalist for the International Caterers Association CAITIE Best New Food Concept award in 2014, won the Victor Augutant Chef Professionalism Award in 2014 from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) of Greater Cincinnati and was the 2016 ACF Chef of the Year.

“Our chefs take the time to really listen to their residents and take their feedback, both in daily interactions and through our regular Resident Food Council. One of my favorite things to do is to take a resident’s recipe and prepare it for everyone.

We work together to share our passion for the culinary arts, learning from each other and encouraging personal touches to our menus. Our residents deserve exceptional service, choice and the connection that comes with sharing delicious meals.”