www. C A a s s i s t e d l i v i n g . o r g
11
OUTSTANDING TEAM
MEMBER
Candice Nutting, Eskaton Village
Grass Valley
Residents and staff describe Candice
Nutting, lead housekeeper at Eskaton
Village Grass Valley, as quiet and
unassuming, yet her contributions
to residents’ quality of life and her
community are significant. As captain
of the wellness committee, she helps
residents, family members, and staff
to get involved in healthy activities,
and she is an active participant in area
fundraisers.
But her biggest impact is on the
lives of her residents. When Candice
first started at the community, one
resident would become nervous when
she arrived to clean. "The first time
this happened, I gave him a hug just
to reassure him. Thereafter, I always
greeted him with a hug when I came
to clean his room just so he’d know
all was well.”This resident taught her
how to care for the Koi fish in a pond
near his apartment. Ten years later, she
continues to take care of the fish in his
honor.
OUTSTANDING
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR
PennyWilliams, Quail Park
Memory Care
In her role as Life Enhancement
Director, Penny Williams organizes
events and activities that are fun,
carefully planned, and above all,
purposeful. Residents participate
in fundraisers for local shelters and
organizations, while a smaller group
makes blankets year-round for those
in need. As a former caregiver, she
is also willing to help fellow staff
members at a moment's notice.
According to Theresa Egurrola,
executive director at Quail Park
Memory Care, "Penny’s strength is
her WOW factor."
Penny had 20-plus years of
experience in early childhood
development before deciding
to dedicate herself to caring for
individuals with dementia. She says,
“Big events are fun, but the day-to-
day is what counts. It’s what we do
with our residents and their families,
how we interact, keeping them
engaged and stimulated, and giving
them a purpose every day – that is
what matters most.”
celebrating
and
elevating
Excellence
2017 Northern California Excellence in Service Awards
At the 2017 Spring Conference & Trade Show, these three exceptional employees will receive the
Excellence in Service Award. We hope you join us in congratulating these four deserving individuals
who have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to provide outstanding care and service to
their residents.
OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Emily Poon, Aegis Gardens
Emily Poon began working at Aegis
Gardens 14 years ago as a resident
services director. In her first two
years, she became known as a
mentor to other care directors before
being promoted to general manager.
Employees see her as an advocate
and appreciate her fun approach
to team building. Because of this,
employee turnover at Aegis Gardens
is the lowest in the company.
Emily is extremely dedicated to
promoting Aegis Gardens’ unique
focus on Asian culture. Residents
and family members appreciate
how Emily and her team honor
their traditions in culture, cuisine,
and medicine. The activity program
includes favorites such as afternoon
tea, calligraphy, and Chinese chess.
The Tai Chi exercise program has
led to almost non-existent resident
falls and is now promoted company-
wide. Under Emily’s leadership, Aegis
Gardens has become a model for
success.
C A L A N E W S & V I E W S
I
S P R I N G 2 0 1 7
