We are celebrating National Activity Professionals Week (January 19-25) by spotlighting our recreational therapy team of activity directors and assistants at Virginia Health Services’ senior living communities and nursing and rehabilitation centers.
The team coordinates recreation programs that are resident-focused. Events and activities cater to residents’ tastes and activity directors receive residents’ input. The programs help residents exercise their cognitive, sensory and motor skills, and provide social settings for engagement multiple times a day. Participation helps prevent isolation and loneliness as well.
The activities team also drives VHS team member engagement within their communities, helping with team-centered events and activities to bolster morale and provide stress relief.
It’s not just fun and games! As our team describes in their Q&As below, they are an integral part of care planning for residents, with charting and assessments as part of their daily duties.
Get to know our team:
The Hamilton Assisted Living
Kirstie Saunders, Activity Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 3 years in March.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? As a teen I attended church camp in Lynchburg. We had to choose somewhere to volunteer in the community and I chose the nursing home and loved it! I also have family in healthcare who helped guide me along the way and support me in my career.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I like to help make it feel like home. I listen to resident and team ideas and brainstorm to make things come to life. The motto “Love where you live and love where you work” is what I strive for, both for the residents and our team.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? That I drive the bus!
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? First and foremost, the residents. They enjoy trying new things so I enjoy brainstorming with other professionals, finding ideas from Pinterest and Instagram, and implementing them into our community.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? Themed tea parties, entertainment, trips, Quilting class and wine tasting.
Personal details: I have been married for 20 years and have a son and two Australian Shepard dogs. I enjoy boating, beaching and fishing with my family.
The Huntington Assisted Living
Bonnie Fitz, Activity Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 4 months.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I realized it was for me when I did activities with my grandfather, who was at The Newport the last two years of his life.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I see myself as the “Happy Coordinator” and bring positive energy. I assist any of my team members in any way that I can, listen and assist residents — not just with activities — and invite them to join socials, bring in treats to co-workers on special occasions or as a special reward when I notice they went above and beyond, and share fun rewards for the residents.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? There are many hats to this job and I think the one that would surprise others is how we assist residents with needs outside of actual activities, and the volunteers we need.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? I pull from 30 years of experience in public recreation, in addition to Pinterest and other resources on the internet. We also revisit activities that make the residents happy when they participate, as I am firm believer in resident-focused activities.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? Live entertainment, cardio drumming, chair Zumba, Bingo and crafts.
Personal details: The most important items to me personally are my faith, my large family and my genuine relationships with people in general. I love the beach and ocean. I am blessed to have a daughter and a son.
The Arbors Independent Living
Marranda Hansford, Life Enrichment Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 2 months, but I am familiar with the company from my work in senior living.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? Participating in activities with my great-grandmother as a kid led me down the path of studying recreational therapy and the impact that the use of activities has on seniors.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I have supported the team members in the same way that they have supported me. We lend a helping hand to each other and have an open communication with one another. I also bring the cheer and a bubbly personality.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The amount of planning that it takes to have a successful event. Many people think that an event can be planned the day before or day of, which is far from the truth. Not only do you need to plan for decor and catering, but also the benefits of the event and the flow it needs to follow.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? I find a lot of inspiration from my colleagues; we share things that worked well for us and things that didn’t. But most of my inspiration comes from the residents. They talk to me about what they like, what other residents like, and I use the feedback to formulate an enjoyable calendar.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? My residents enjoy arts and crafts as well as card games above all other activities. Happy Hour does take the cake for the most attended and enjoyed activity on the calendar.
Personal details: As a 24-year-old with a degree in Recreational Therapy, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), I am amazed at how much I learn from my residents daily. They teach me compassion, the importance of learning from your mistakes, and they’re always sharing small chapters of their life with me.
Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers
James River
Chasity Paul, Assistant Activity Director
Chasity Paul joined the team at James River as assistant activity director about a year ago. She is overseeing the daily activities and planning events, such as the Halloween trick-or-treat with local preschools and a family Thanksgiving dinner.
Coliseum
Shawntez Hill, Activity Director
I have worked for Coliseum since April 2022. I really like what I do because seeing smiles on the residents’ faces is priceless. It turns a hard day into a good one when you see residents doing the best they can and still carry a smile.
I love to think out of the box. Being creative is part of my daily life — I started making “cakes” when I was 5 years old with anything I could find to stack, and with my apron on, I knew I was a cake master. I love being over top! If you’re not going to do it right, why do it?
I’ve learned residents’ likes and dislikes over the past three years in this role, and figured out how to navigate my way around the room to make everyone happy. You have to be attentive and have an open mind. To know your residents, you must know their favorite activity, which has to be Bingo, and they love parties because they come for the snacks every time.
I love helping people and if I can help someone reach their goal, I don’t mind helping. Whatever you do, do it from the heart.
Aida Davila, Assistant Activity Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 2 years.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I have done recreation for six years, from Maryland to Virginia, and enjoy every moment of it.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I help my peers with whatever tasks they have to finish the job, and enjoy helping our residents with their tasks, too.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? Our job is full of surprises — any given day, we’re doing something different with residents and our team.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? Most of our ideas spring out of brainstorm sessions between our activity director Shawn and myself. We also draw from resources on Activity Connection. What gives me inspiration to get up every morning and come into the work are the different activities we do with our residents and seeing joy on their faces.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? Our residents like parties with food, prize Bingo and our Pokeno game they play with money so can buy snacks.
Personal details: I’m a mother to five grown children and have two grandsons. I also enjoy spending time with my family and love traveling to different places of the country.
Lancashire
Tearsa Arntz, Activity Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 2 months.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I knew I always wanted to be in a career where I could make a difference in someone’s life and make them happy each and every day. My background is in physical therapy. When I was still in school, I had a clinical rotation in a nursing home and fell in love with being there.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? By being there for my residents and team members in any way that I can.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? How much paperwork and documentation you must do daily.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? My residents are always bringing new ideas to my attention. I also get ideas from Pinterest and other team members.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? My residents enjoy Bingo, crafts and anything food related.
Personal details: I recently got married this past June. I am a dog mama to a Great Dane named Tucker. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, shopping, and Junk Journaling.
Tiffany Frazier, Assistant Activity Director (Memory Care)
Time with Virginia Health Services: 1.5 months.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I worked as a resident care aide for a while and doing activities with the residents, helping them to smile and just enjoy their day was my favorite part. Being the memory care activities assistant director is everything I loved about nursing.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? As the assistant activity director for the memory care unit, I am dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of our residents and foster a sense of connection and purpose. I work closely with the community’s team to develop engaging programs tailored to our residents’ abilities and interests, focusing on promoting cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being and physical activity. By organizing activities that spark joy, evoke cherished memories and encourage social interaction, I strive to provide a comforting and supportive environment. Whether it’s through music, art, themed events, or sensory activities, my goal is to enhance our residents’ quality of life while collaborating with the team to meet their unique needs with care and compassion.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? One aspect of the job that might surprise others is how much the small, seemingly simple moments can have a profound impact on our residents. Whether it’s seeing their face light up when a familiar song sparks a memory or hearing them laugh during a group activity, those moments remind me how deeply meaningful connection can be.
It might also surprise people how creative and adaptable we need to be. Each day is different, and we often adjust activities on the spot to match the mood, energy or needs of the residents. It’s a dynamic role that requires not just planning but also patience, empathy and a genuine love for creating joy.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? I find inspiration for activities in several ways. I spend time with our residents, getting to know them on a personal level, which helps me understand their interests, passions and what brings them joy. Talking with their families also provides valuable insights into their past hobbies, careers and favorite memories, which I incorporate into our programming to make activities more meaningful and familiar
Additionally, I research ideas online, staying up-to-date on new trends and creative approaches to memory care activities. I love finding ways to adapt popular concepts into something that suits the abilities and preferences of our residents, ensuring every activity is both engaging and accessible.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? Our residents especially enjoy activities that are interactive and sensory-rich. Music is a favorite, whether it’s listening to familiar songs, singing along or participating in music therapy sessions. Creative activities like painting and coloring are also very popular, as they allow residents to express themselves while fostering a sense of calm and focus.
Games like puzzles and ring toss are also big hits, as they encourage both mental and physical engagement in a fun, low-pressure way. Ultimately, the activities they enjoy most are those that bring them joy, spark memories, and create opportunities for social connection.
Personal details: I’m blessed to have two wonderful boys who keep life fun and exciting. My fiancé and I recently moved into a house we’re proud to call our own, and we’re building beautiful memories together as a family. My boys both attend Northumberland, and family time is incredibly important to me — I love doing activities with them that bring us closer together.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about my faith and enjoy having meaningful conversations about God and participating in Bible study. Music is another big part of my life, and I find joy in helping others, whether it’s at work or in my personal life, develop a deeper relationship with God. These values keep me grounded and inspire me to bring the same sense of connection and care to my role here.
The Newport
Aldeen Stupart, Activity Director
Aldeen Stupart transitioned to activity director about six months ago. She joined the Virginia Health Services team as a member of the apprenticeship program and was a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) at The Newport before moving into activities. She oversees daily activities with the residents and events such as a holiday program that welcomed families and live musical entertainment.
Northampton
Erica Donaldson, Activity Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 24 years.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? This is something different after my years as a CNA and an opportunity to challenge myself. Working with this population for 24 years has brought me great experience and joy. When I thought about what to pursue next within this field, and continue to bring joy to the residents, I thought ‘this is for me’ when the position opened up.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I am always available to them and continue to brainstorm creative activities.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? You build relationships with the residents and they look forward to any and all planned activities. It is one of their highlights of the day.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? Of course I use my “phone a friend” option and reach out to former activity director Charlene, who held the position before me and is now our Resident Navigator. I also use resources such as Pinterest and ideas from the VHS recreational therapy team.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? Bingo is their showstopper. They also love Get Fit class and church.
Personal details: I am the proud mother of two sons (one who lives in Pittsburgh). I have four beautiful grandchildren and a new special person in my life. I enjoy being happy, staying positive and just enjoying life for what it is. To save the best for last, I am proud to say I am a diehard Steelers fan!
Walter Reed
Julie Boothe, Activity Director
I have been in the activity field for 30 years and had the pleasure of spending those years with Virginia Health Services. I accepted a job offer with VHS after spending three years volunteering with a local elementary school. Thanks to having a caring soul, I fit right in to this career.
I love outdoor activities, and taking care of my animals and pets at home. I am truly blessed to have my husband for 43 and a half years, sons, a daughter, mother, sisters, grandchildren and friends. They all mean the world to me.
Walter Reed has a fantastic volunteer base and community that helps meet the needs of our residents through the activity department. We provide daily activities for the residents and make sure they have the materials they need for independent activities. We take our residents’ suggestions about the types of activities they would like to do and the activity team makes it happen. This includes entertainment coming into the facility and us going out in the community. We love all our volunteers. They are very special people.
Activity directors work 24/7. Many times, we have to drop what they are doing to attend to something else and pick up where we left off later. We definitely have to multitask and be very organized. A big part of the job is finding activities (which can pop in your head any time of the day), scheduling activities, individualizing programs for each resident and being there to listen when need be. A big thanks to my assistants for all their hard work and dedication.
Activity ideas come from a lot of places. The residents’ requests are the first, then we use the internet, TV, magazines and our imagination. Activities are provided to give our residents the opportunity to have fun, laugh, feel good and fill their social needs. They love Bingo, pet therapy, Wii games, church, Bible studies, crafts, music, being in the kitchen, outings and more.
On a personal note, I wish to thank my activity staff, other staff, volunteers, and VHS growing with me from year to year. It takes a team to meet the needs of over 100 people. A thank you to God leading to this opportunity and for guiding me all the way through.
Jennifer Caldwell, Assistant Activity Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 2 years.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I’ve always enjoyed planning events, so planning activities for seniors seemed like something that would be fun and rewarding.
How do you support the community’s team and Residents? By always being attentive to my residents and team, and creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where residents feel valued and connected.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The relationships between the residents and our team, which can put a smile on a resident’s face or make them laugh even if they are having an off day.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? Pinterest and other internet resources, and resident suggestions. It might be something we have done before that they enjoyed or something new they want to do.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? They enjoy Bingo, music and any food activity.
Personal details: I enjoy being with family, friends and my dog Luna. I love cruising and exploring different places.
Edith Walters, Assistant Activity Director (Memory Care)
Years with Virginia Health Services: 2 years in June.
What drew you to a career in the recreation services in senior living? During my time as a Care Assistant, my heart went out to our residents in Memory Care. I just wanted to let them know that they are loved! When I was approached about the position, I prayed about it and I accepted it.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I respect my team and the residents. I’m willing to help out wherever needed and I show joy, love and friendship with my residents.
What aspect (s) of the job would surprise others? That I’m really happy to come to work and the heartfelt closeness I have with my residents.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for active? Team members, Pinterest and I ask the residents what they like.
What type of activities do your residents enjoy most? Bingo and Balloon Bop.
Personal details: I’ve been with my husband for 34 years, and between us we have five children, 11 grandchildren and a great-grandchild on the way. We love animals and have three cats, a dog and two parakeets. We love camping and fishing, and I love working on my seasonal crafts. I absolutely LOVE my job!
York
Mary Garrity, Activity Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 8 years (in March).
What drew you to a career in recreation services in long-term care? The elderly always had a place in my heart. I started my career at a senior center 20-plus years ago and have worked in several long-term facilities. I love to see the Residents happy and smiling, I love to challenge the residents with word games and trivia, and I love to see the residents dancing and singing.
How do you support the center’s team and residents? I support the team by helping wherever I can, having dress-down days, games and contests for the staff and Residents. We have become family and do whatever they need or want.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? Of all the many hats we wear, we help by serving meals, getting water for the residents, being a good listener … all the little things that residents need, including decorating for Christmas and other holidays.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? From the residents’ likes and dislikes. Every facility is different and has different cultures. I use online resources like Activity Connection and share ideas with other activity professionals.
Personal details: I love going to the beach, reading, interior decorating and furniture restoration.
Join our team
We have positions available on our recreational therapy team. Our activities professionals engage residents with cognitive and physical activities, provide opportunities to sociallze and get the whole team involved. Visit vahs.com/careers to learn more and apply.
