Andi Petrini, Author at Virginia Health Services

VHS celebrates our long-term care administrators

Andi Petrini on March 16, 2022

It’s Long-Term Care Administrators Week!

The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) established the week to recognize the “key players in the care team.” Administrators “are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the care of our loved ones. They touch the lives of residents and families, and, most importantly, ensure that their staff provides the highest level of quality care to a vulnerable population.”

Virginia Health Services celebrates our Administrators at our nursing and rehabilitation centers! They dedicate their time and attention to their Residents and team members. They multi-task and do whatever they can to make their centers feel like home, all while providing leadership and support to their entire team.

Please join us in thanking our long-term care Administrators and Assistant Administrators and get to know them in their Q&As below.

Coliseum Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Dudley Haas, Administrator

Years with Virginia Health Services: 9 years.

What drew you to a career in long-term care? I started as a QA (Quality Assurance) nurse for the hours and ended up in the Administrator-in-Training program.

How would you describe your job in 3 to 5 words? Every day is different.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? Some of the issues and concerns that we deal with daily.

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? Quilting.

Haley Holland was promoted to Assistant Administrator last week. She served as Activity Director as Coliseum prior to her promotion.

James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Stephen Berczek, Assistant Administrator

Years with Virginia Health Services: About 3.

What drew you to a career in long-term care? Started out in physical therapy as a tech for VHS and then branched off into the administrative roles.

How would you describe your job in 3 to 5 words? Rewarding, challenging, fast-paced.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The extensive workload.

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? Snowboarding, riding motorcycles, traveling and golfing.

Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Our Northern Neck facility is in search of an administrator. Learn more about the position.

The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Suzanne Williams, Administrator

Years with Virginia Health Services: 24 years.

What drew you to a career in long-term care? In life, people close to me struggled with early onset dementia including my mom and my grandpa. It was important to me to have a career that would allow me to assist in providing support for residents as well as their families. Creating an environment that assists individuals to live their later years with happiness and dignity celebrating who they were as well as who they are now.

How would you describe your job in 3 to 5 words? So incredibly rewarding!

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? I think people would be surprised at how much fun we have. There are components that are very difficult but we find ways to laugh every single day.

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? I am a photographer.

Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Nikki Clements is coming up on a year as Administrator. This is her second turn with Virginia Health Services. She says her true passion is serving the Residents and staff in our long-term care communities and believes that to be successful is understanding that “what you do is far greater than what you say” from Stephen Covey. In her spare time, Nikki enjoys traveling and spending time on the water with her family and their rainbow of rescued labs.

Erin Mathis is the Assistant Administrator. She wore many hats in several roles at Northampton prior to her promotion.

Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Bryant Hudgins, Administrator

Years with Virginia Health Services: 25 years.

What drew you to a career in long-term care? I was drawn to long-term care because I enjoy helping people and I’ve felt that at times our older, wiser community has been underserved and sometimes forgotten.

How would you describe your job in 3 to 5 words? Rewarding, fast-paced, unique.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The ever-changing needs of each day. There is not much of a constant. The job and its duties evolve daily.

On a different note, it can be surprising to others how upbeat and active our Residents are. Long-term care at times is looked at as an end-of-life setting, but our Residents in the facility lead very active lives, maintaining social groups, engaging in activities, etc.

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? I am a board member on the Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts and work to bring all types of fine arts performances, even internationally, to the Northern Neck of Virginia. Expectedly, I enjoy coaching youth sports. I have been doing this for the last 11 years.

Nicole Beck, Assistant Administrator

Years with Virginia Health Services: Less than a year.

What drew you to a career in long-term care? I had a family member who was in a state facility and saw what happens when an administrator has control but doesn’t have passion. I wanted to change that.

How would you describe your job in 3 to 5 words? Juggler at a circus.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? How much time I don’t spend in my office. And that I can easily make my 10,000 steps a day in heels.

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? Driving in the snow, when we had those couple days last month. I was loving it. Being outdoors, snow sports or mudding with the family.

York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Elizabeth Cabusora, Administrator

Years with Virginia Health Services: Started as administrator June 2021; was LPN at James River from 2008-2009.

What drew you to a career in long-term care? Caring for others — family, people of authority, peers, elderly – was part of my upbringing.

How would you describe your job in 3 to 5 words? Compassion is required.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? You can utilize your talents in your workplace — we all appreciate the effort!

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? Karaoke 😊

Jordan Kay, Assistant Administrator

Years with Virginia Health Services: Almost a year and a half.

What drew you to a career in long-term care? I was drawn to working in long-term care for many reasons. The main reason is that I wanted to help those who have shaped all of us and the world into what we are today. I love being the reason one of my Resident’s smiles.

How would you describe your job in 3 to 5 words? Rewarding, fun, and a reason to smile.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? One moment I could be fixing a TV then the next moment I could be playing checkers with a Resident.

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? I love spending my time off outside, whether that is hiking in the summer or snowboarding in the winter.

Outside of the office, York Assistant Administrator Jordan Kay enjoys hiking and snowboarding.

VHS celebrates Healthcare Human Resources Week

Andi Petrini on March 16, 2022

Virginia Health Services celebrates its human resources department for Healthcare Human Resource Week (March 14-18).

The American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration uses the week to highlight the behind-the-scenes department, which manages the individuals who work for VHS and its HR processes.

The two-person team at Virginia Health Services help manage onboarding new employees, benefits, employee relationships and more. Meet our team:

Shaleena Brown, Human Resources Manager

Time with Virginia Health Services: 1 year.

What drew you to a position in healthcare human resources? HR is my passion. Coming in to ensure the company gets to the place they desire to be is a challenge that I am always up for!

How do you support team members at VHS? Listening. I help us work together to improve processes and promote empowerment, while staying compliant.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? Being a counselor.

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? Karaoke.

Personal tidbits: I am a homebody.

Michael Smith, HR Associate

Time with Virginia Health Services: 6 months.

What drew you to a position in healthcare human resources? To be a part of an ever-growing industry and make a difference in the employee experience.

How do you support team members at VHS? We help our team members in multiple areas such as administering health benefits and affirmative action reporting. We also work closely with other departments to ensure the onboarding process for newly hired employees flows smoothly and that they are accurately entered into the system.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? I think what is surprising about HR is how many functions we are responsible for. The few I mentioned above are just a small fraction of the overall responsibility of an HR department.

What is something you like to do outside of the facility that is unexpected? I was a Security Forces K9 Handler for the U.S. Air Force and I love spending time with my German Sheppard, Piper.

Personal tidbits: Playing golf and spending time with family.

New chef energizes kitchen at The Arbors

Andi Petrini on February 23, 2022

The new chef at The Arbors Independent Living vibrates energy.

She’ll be the first to tell you she can’t sit still – she is either moving or asleep. There is no turning it off.

Chef Akira Johnston brings that energy into the kitchen at The Arbors every day, creating daily specials to enhance the month’s regular menu items. She brings that energy to working with the team in the kitchen, perfecting systems, plating and consistency.

She brings that energy to the dining room, chatting with the Residents about what they like, dislike and what they would like to see coming from the kitchen.

“I am always full of energy,” she said. “I don’t stop.”

Work in senior living

Chef Akira Johnston spent five years at Williamsburg Landing before leading the team at The Arbors Independent Living.

Before joining The Arbors in January, Johnston spent five years at Williamsburg Landing.

She has experience in independent living, assisted living and helped prepare meals for the nursing home at The Landing by pureeing or chopping food, whatever needed to be done to meet a Resident’s feeding and dietary needs.

Johnston is health conscious, and not just because of the environments she has worked in.

“In my free time, I’m very conscious about what I eat, about what I put in my body,” she said. “I try to eat clean and healthy. I want to give fresh fish, fresh vegetables. … I weave (nutritional factors) in by considering my personal diet too. I wouldn’t serve (the Residents) something I wouldn’t eat.”

She also is conscious of portion control, and keeping the menus high quality and appealing.

“At the end of the day, they’re ordering from this menu, not me,” she said.

She has to offer healthy, tasty options. Some well-received menu items so far have been fresh fish, coconut Thai curry and a salmon cake.

Johnston said she gets ideas from the Residents.

“I like to come out to talk to the Residents,” she said. “This has been my favorite crowd of people. I like building these relationships (and hearing their stories).”

Chef’s palate

Johnston said she doesn’t spend her off time cooking – “I am much better at mass production than a meal for two” – but loves to dine out.

Close up of the curry dish with a plateau of rice in the middle of the sauce. — One of Chef Akira’s new menu items is a Thai Chicken Coconut Curry that has been well-received by Residents at The Arbors.

“I like going out to eat,” she said. “I like trying new restaurants to see what’s out there: concepts, menu names, flavor profiles.”

Her favorite cuisine is Japanese.

“I love sushi,” she said. She may incorporate hibachi-style vegetables or chicken in a menu for The Arbors.

She also said she loves fine dining, eating at restaurants such as Ruth Chris. And sandwiches. She’s a big fan of a Wawa sandwich or a meal at Paul’s Deli in the New Town area of Williamsburg.

One of her favorite spots in Newport News is down the street from The Arbors at Thaijindesu Thai and Sushi Bar.

She travels for food. Johnston said she took a trip to Philadelphia just to compare cheesesteaks. She travels frequently to San Francisco to visit family and eat.

She compiles her ideas on a whiteboard in her office at The Arbors, taking menu inspiration from the board often.

“When it hits me, it gets added to the board,” she said.

She also stays active in her spare time, running, exercising and going to hear live music.

A few new daily specials and menu items in February at The Arbors included a fried seafood platter, Honey Old Bay salmon and a winter salad with shrimp.

Getting her start

Chef Akira Johnston and her team showcase the March specials in the lobby of The Arbors.

Johnston, 29, didn’t grow up wanting to be a chef. Growing up in Newport News, she attended Heritage High School, played sports and considered joining the military.

Life events took her in a different direction.

“I knew I liked food,” she said.

Johnston enrolled in the Culinary Institute of Virginia, earning her associate’s degree before joining the College Program at Walt Disney World.

What was supposed to be a three-month stint turned into several extensions that had her experience the culinary programs at Disney for a year.

She spent time at The Wave restaurant in The Contemporary Resort, the Coral Reef in EPCOT and working stations during the Food & Wine Festival.

The tasks were a little too repetitious for her – “I was too creative,” she said, to feel comfortable in the structure.

“I either had to take a full-time job there or come back home,” she said. “I wanted more. I didn’t want to stop myself right there. I came back here to finish school.”

She completed her bachelor’s degree with the Culinary Institute of Virginia.

Virginia Health Services launches redesigned vahs.com

Andi Petrini on February 22, 2022

Virginia Health Services launched a website redesign and we couldn’t be prouder and more excited to share it with you!

Your best life is our mission, and the redesigned vahs.com reflects how we can help you live your best life. The navigation is easy and the site can be accessed from any device. You will have an improved user experience when you visit vahs.com.

The redesigned site provides resources and guidance at your fingertips. Your introduction to the VHS spectrum of healthcare offerings begins on the homepage and provides you with the details you need to inform your decisions as you – or your loved ones – age.

Navigate the site easily, with every line of service and community Virginia Health Services offers in one place.

You can access details on all of our lines of service, from senior living options to nursing and rehabilitation centers to home health care, outpatient rehab and hospice.

We also clearly define our mission, vision and values that shape Virginia Health Services’ daily approach to being a provider of choice in southeastern Virginia.

We have made it easier to share your findings with others or to save the information for yourself. And you can contact us from any page.

Anchor of the FAQ and share buttons at the bottom of every page on the website. — Anchored at the bottom of every page, you’ll find a link to our FAQ and the ability to print or share by emailing the page to friends, family or yourself.

Jobseekers will find the process more streamlined on our Careers page, with easy access to our job opportunities and ways to apply.

To keep up with the continual changes in healthcare, our Blog will serve as an ongoing, updated resource. You’ll find employee and patient spotlights, tips on living your best life and a showcase of Virginia Health Services’ innovative approaches to its lines of service.

Virginia Health Services has specialized in senior healthcare in southeastern Virginia for nearly 60 years. It’s time our website reflected our growth in the community. Let us know how we can serve you by filling out a contact form on any page.

Virginia Health Services launches redesigned website

Andi Petrini on February 18, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Newport News, VA. – Virginia Health Services launched a redesign of its website in February. The site, vahs.com, is now easier to navigate and showcases the company’s lines of service. It can be accessed from any device. The website redesign comes at the same time as a brand refresh for VHS.

The company shared its new tagline – “Your best life is our mission” – and updated its logo across lines of service. Virginia Health Services, based in Newport News, Va., specializes in a spectrum of senior healthcare services, including senior living, nursing and rehabilitation, home health care, hospice, and outpatient rehabilitation.

The new site also makes it easier for recruits to access open job opportunities and apply.

The website was a joint effort between the Virginia Health Services marketing team and the team at WB Marketing, based in Norfolk, Va.

About VHS

Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional senior living and health care services. We specialize in the continuum of care from active lifestyle independent and assisted senior living communities, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our 1,200+ employees are passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents. Beyond our thoughtfully maintained communities located throughout the Virginia Peninsula, we offer a full range of personalized skilled health care, outpatient therapy, home care and hospice services by specially trained staff in the comfort and privacy of your home. To learn more, please visit our website at www.vahs.com.

Memory Care unit opens at Walter Reed Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Andi Petrini on February 17, 2022

Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal. Published Feb. 16, 2022.

Walter Reed Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to mark the opening of its newly-established 28-bed Memory Care Unit.

Read the Gazette Journal’s coverage: https://www.gazettejournal.net/memory-care-unit-opened-at-wrcc/

Walter Reed expands Memory Care to 51 beds

Andi Petrini on February 14, 2022

Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center celebrated the opening of its second unit for Memory Care with a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday.

The unit adds 28 beds to its existing Memory Care services. The expansion brings Walter Reed’s capacity for Memory Care Residents to 51 beds.

What is Memory Care?

Memory Care is provided in a special secure unit to protect memory-impaired Residents. The new unit was spruced up to include a lounge area, private dining room and a Snoezelen Room. It is designed specifically for memory-impaired Residents, including individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Walter Reed’s Snoezelen Room has adjustable music and light settings for relaxation.

The Snoezelen Room gives Residents a place to relax, offers privacy for family visits, and also can have its lighting and music adjusted to help Residents decompress.

Expanding at Walter Reed

The expanding service offerings are in response to the needs of the community, Administrator Bryant Hudgins said during the ceremony.

DON Lana Ketch cuts the red ribbon to open the Memory Care unit expansion — Walter Reed Director of Nursing Lana Ketch cuts the ribbon with Administrator Bryant Hudgins to open the Memory Care unit expansion Feb. 14. 2022.

“We’ve had to navigate a lot of challenges during COVID. … We’ve had to adapt over the past two years and part of that adaptation has been to be more in tune with our community,” Hudgins said.

“We have to be able to sustain ourselves and be strong and recognize our community needs. … First thing that came to mind was Memory Care. Sometimes those residents are forgotten in the community. What our staff has been able to do here on our existing Memory Care unit is take those Residents and give them a sense of home and a great quality of life. It’s something we’ve been successful with, and with the space that we have, something we wanted to expand upon.”

Walter Reed’s Director of Nursing Lana Ketch did the honor of cutting the ribbon to open the unit. The rollout to move in Residents begins Tuesday, paced to give individuals the chance to get used to the space and the Walter Reed team.

Moving in Residents

There is more open space in the unit, and there is a porch connected to it and a garden on the other side. The Memory Care units have secured doors and a smaller staff-to-patient ratio.

“We’ll do a slow ramp up of admissions to get community members adjusted to the space,” Hudgins said.

Walter Reed is one of the only nursing and rehabilitation centers in the area to accept Medicaid patients in addition to those using Medicare and private pay.

The team in Walter Reed’s Memory Care units will have dedicated recreational services staff and a nursing team trained in dementia care.

“We want them to be engaged in the world they knew,” Hudgins said of providing programming and space suited for Memory Care Residents.

The expanded Memory Care unit at Walter Reed includes a private dining room, with spaced tables and chairs, and an open space with a couch, chairs and a television for lounging. — The expanded Memory Care unit at Walter Reed includes a private dining room and open spaces for alone time or lounging.

‘All levels of care’

Several members of the Virginia Health Services ‘corporate team joined members of Walter Reed’s team for the ceremony.

“We didn’t do this in the easiest of times,” VHS President and CEO Mark Klyczek said. “Thanks to the whole team for ensuring people in this facility are cared for. This is a great resource for the community,”

Walter Reed celebrated the re-opening of the Page unit in the fall. The wing added 16 private rooms for skilled care near the rehabilitation and therapy room, and also has a private dining space and sitting area.

“We are able to provide all levels of care,” Hudgins said. “We can run the whole gamut from skilled care to long-term care to memory care.”

Revamped beauty salon at Walter Reed has two hair dryers and a window for natural light.

Double rooms on the expanded Memory Care unit have two beds separated by a curtain and a window for natural light covered by a window treatment. — Revamped beauty salon at Walter Reed has two hair dryers and a window for natural light.

Seventh Virginia Health Services apprenticeship cohort graduates

Andi Petrini on February 11, 2022

The seventh cohort of Virginia Health Services apprentices graduated Friday at The Arbors Independent Living community. The group began its earn-as-you-learn training program in January.

The program includes classroom and clinical instruction to graduate Care Assistants to Nurse Aides.

Friday’s eight graduates will work in Virginia Health Services nursing and rehabilitation centers at York, Northampton, Coliseum and James River.

The VHS education staff will help schedule review sessions and certification exams for them to become CNAs.

Virginia Health Services graduates group photo in The Arbors dining room. The eight students are pictured with instructor Princess Henderson. — Instructor Princess Henderson congratulates the seventh cohort of apprentices for graduating the program. It was Henderson’s first solo class.

This was instructor Princess Henderson’s first full-time class. Henderson transitioned from Assistant Director of Nursing at Coliseum to a trainer and coordinator role on the education team for Virginia Health Services.

Virginia Health Services President and CEO Mark Klyczek opened Friday’s graduation.

“This is just a start in a career in healthcare for you,” he told the graduates. “There are opportunities within healthcare and within VHS for you to grow, to grow for yourselves and your families. Take advantage of those opportunities.”

The graduates

The eight graduates were members of Henderson’s first solo class. Instructor Nora Gillespie co-taught a few days during the session, telling the graduates: “Personally, I was impressed in just a few days with you.”

Valedictorian dressed in navy scrubs shakes hands with VP of Nursing and VHS CEO. — Valedictorian Courtney Sands is congratulated by Vice President of Nursing Rebecca Boyd and CEO Mark Klyczek.

Henderson introduced each graduate and they were awarded certificates of completion. The graduates are: Fatiqah Atkins, Dasha’ Diggs, Sabita Khadka, Laurinda Palmer-Yearby, Courtney Sands (valedictorian) Shontay Screven, Melissa Tanner and Valentina Zakieva (salutatorian).

Palmer-Yearby received Henderson’s “Heart Award,” given to the student who showed the most improvement throughout the class. Tanner was the recipient of the “Clinical Award” because of her positivity on the floor and being the only apprentice serving on one of James River’s units.

Henderson called Zakieva her “ball of energy. None of us moved fast enough for you!”

And while Sands was quiet, Henderson said you knew she was paying attention because she got the highest grades in the class.

“I want to thank my classmates for all the team work we had and wish everyone success in their future,” Sands said in her brief valedictorian speech.

“This class was difficult to get going because of COVID and snowstorms,” Henderson said. “It was my first solo class. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, wonderful group.

“I’m so proud of you all.”

What’s next

The graduates were joined by family members and friends for the ceremony and reception afterward. There were lots of hugs and congratulations shared over cake.

The apprentices will begin next week as Nurse Aides in their respective nursing and rehabilitation centers.

“They’ll enhance our staffing,” Gillespie said.

The class celebrated their graduation over cake with family and friends at The Arbors Independent Living in Newport News.

Virginia Health Services apprenticeship program

The VHS earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program is part of the Healthcare Apprenticeship Extension Program, which is partially funded by a grant from the Department of Labor.

The apprenticeship program covers the cost of the course and clinical work, and the cost of the exam. The program is expanding to include pathways in dietary and housekeeping.

Previous cohorts graduated in April, June, July, September, October and December.

Learn more about the program here.

Apply for our Care Assistant positions and more on our Careers page.

The graduates pose with instructor Princess Henderson with their certificates of completion.

VHS scholarship recipients featured

Andi Petrini on February 9, 2022

Virginia Health Services had two employees receive scholarships through the VHCA/VCAL Commonwealth Long-Term Care Foundation in 2021. They are being featured on the Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living website.

Princess Henderson is enrolled for her BSN.

“I want to give back and share the knowledge I have learned though my 13 years with VHS. As I transition into my new role as the Education and Training Coordinator an added scholarship to help pay for schooling could not have come at a better time,” Henderson told VHCA/VCAL.

Henderson was the Assistant Director of Nursing at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center before moving into her new role with Virginia Health Services.

Carole Johnson is a LPN at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and is pursing her RN degree. She is using the scholarship funds for course materials and other necessities. She has been with VHS since 2005.

The VHCA-VCAL’s Commonwealth Long Term Care Foundation awarded 26 Regirer Nursing Scholarships in 2021.

More about the recipients can be found at vhca.org/about/foundation/scholarship-recipients.

The scholarships are named for Walter and Maria Teresa Regirer, members and leaders of VHCA-VCAL who led efforts to improve access to long-term care education for career professionals. The Regirer Nursing Scholarship Program is designed to promote and support quality of care and to enhance the educational level of nurses currently working in VHCA-VCAL member facilities.

Virginia Health Services celebrates National Activity Professionals Week

Andi Petrini on January 24, 2022

We are celebrating National Activity Professionals Week (Jan. 23-29) by spotlighting our Activity Directors at Virginia Health Services senior living communities and nursing and rehabilitation centers.

Activity directors run recreation programs that are Resident-focused. Event and activities cater to Residents’ tastes and activity directors receive Residents’ input. The programs help Residents exercise their cognitive, sensory and motor skills.

Activity directors also drive employee engagement within their communities, helping with employee-centered events and activities to bolster morale and provide stress relief.

It’s not just fun and games! As our Activity Directors describe in their Q&As below, they are an integral part of care planning for Residents.

Meet our Activity Directors:

The Arbors Independent Living

The Arbors Activity Director Ora Williams recently joined us from The Hamilton.

ORA WILLIAMS

Ora Williams has been with Virginia Health Services for about two years. She has been with The Hamilton Assisted Living through this month, and has moved to direct activities at The Arbors Independent Living. She says she loves to have fun with seniors!

She focuses on customer service, respect and love when supporting her fellow team members and Residents. She pays attention to the small details to make sure things go well for Residents and families. Her source of inspiration when planning activities comes from talking to the Residents. She listens to their input in creating calendars that are catered to their needs and interests.

Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Coliseum Activity Director Haley Holland often brings in her dog Millie, shown here, to provide pet therapy to Residents and team members.

HALEY HOLLAND

Years with Virginia Health Services: 1.5 years.

What drew you to a career in recreation services in long-term care? When I graduated college, I had no idea what population I wanted to work with. My first job was in an assisted living/memory care facility and I’ve never looked back. Working with older adults is truly my passion!

How do you support the center’s team and Residents? The recreation team at Coliseum is always coming up with fun programs, for Residents and the team members here. Our office door is always open for anyone who wants to pop in and chat. A favorite part of my job is the relationship you get to build with everyone in the facility.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? How active and FUNNY the Residents are. The Residents ALWAYS keep me on my toes.

Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? I’m a huge Pinterest/activity connection supporter. Most of the crafts/games come from there! I usually adapt it in some way to make it better for the Residents. Coliseum is a huge fan of doing “national holidays,” especially when it comes to sweet treats! Our Residents are also a huge inspiration for programs, we like to pull hobbies from their lives and make it a program, for example, flower arranging for our gardeners, or baking for our residents who used to bake.

Personal details: I really enjoy reading, hiking, binge-watching Netflix, and spending time with my husband and dog in my free time!

The Huntington Assisted Living & The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

April VanDyke pulls double-duty, serving as the Activity Director for The Huntington Assisted Living and The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Newport News.

APRIL VANDYKE

Years with Virginia Health Services: 17.5.

What drew you to a career in recreation services in long-term care? My Mom. She is a nurse and has always worked in long-term care settings. A wonderful trait I have of hers is caring for others. I started off as a CNA with Virginia Health Services and then worked in different areas before activities.

How do you support the center’s team and Residents? I try to help staff with morale and keep new exciting things going for the residents.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? Activities is different because you get to see and know Residents and sometimes bring out a different side of them than others see.

Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? Social media groups, Pinterest, Residents and co-workers.

Personal details: I have been married for 19 years. I have a 15-year-old son who plays football and I enjoy being his No. 1 fan at all of his games. I have two dogs, Kap and Harley. I enjoy spending time with my family.

James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

James River Activity Director Shawn Hanberry starting volunteering with senior populations before high school.

SHAWN HANBERRY

Years with Virginia Health Services: Almost six years. At James River about 25 years all together.

What drew you to a career in recreation services in long-term care? Volunteering. My mother was a CNA at what was called Heritage Place Assisted Living in Poquoson (which is now Dominion Village of Poquoson) in the earlier years of her career and instead of getting a babysitter she would bring me to work with her. I volunteered in the activities department there and when I was in high school, I was a bingo volunteer through the Key Club.

How do you support the center’s team and Residents? Always treat everyone as equals and you will go far.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The amount of charting.

Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? From my Residents and what they like.

Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Lancashire Activity Director Tara Simmons uses her art background to generate engaging activities for Residents.

TARA SIMMONS

Years with Virginia Health Services: 2 this spring.

What drew you to a career in recreation services in long-term care? I started working in Recreation Services 20 years ago when I saw a job advertising the opportunity to have “fun with seniors” and I could not resist the opportunity. I started as an activity assistant at another local facility here in Lancaster County and moved into a director position over the years. I think it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to be the Residents’ advocate and find ways to make their lives better.

How do you support the center’s team and Residents? Activity professionals often get to know our Residents and the staff in a different way than most of the team; I can be an ear to listen, a friend to confide in, and a cheerleader to brighten their days.

What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The paperwork! I think a lot of folks think activity professionals just play all day. We are more than just the bingo and crayon folks. We have a lot of paperwork that supports the Residents and is required by the state. We attend a lot of important meetings and are heavily involved in advocating for the Residents with Resident Council as well.

Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? With 20 years of doing this job, I use a lot of my history and the community of other activity professionals that are online. Each community is different and what works for one place won’t always work for another. It’s often the Residents at my community who lead to new ideas by expressing what they want!

Personal details: I have my degree in fine art and design and I am often working on my own art projects on the weekends. I have an entire ceramics studio set up in my basement. I am also working on my master’s degree in healthcare administration, so when I am not creating art, I am working hard on my classes.

Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Northampton Activity Director Charlene Craig has been with VHS for 32 years.

CHARLENE CRAIG

I have been with Virginia Health Services for 32 years. I started off as a nursing assistant in 1989 then started with activities in 2020. I am a team player with the staff and enjoy one-on-one visits with Residents, and bringing a smile to everyone’s face. I get my inspiration from my peers. In my spare time, I like to hang out with my dogs and have my own paint business with my man.

Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

JULIE BOOTHE

Hi, I am Julie P. Boothe, the Recreational Director at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehab Center. I am a military brat and moved around/traveled most of my young life both in the US and overseas, I love nature and the outdoors.

Walter Reed Activity Director Julie Boothe has community support in many activities and donations for Residents.

I have goats, chickens, turkeys, dogs and cats that keep me very busy. I have been married 40 years and have been blessed with 2 boys and their families. I believe every day is a gift from God and we should enjoy each and every one that he grants us.

I have been with Virginia Health Services for 28 wonderful years. I was drawn to the field by my compassion for the elderly population given to me by God. I help the elderly retain their dignity, lifestyle activities choices and self-worth through visits and activities. My activity team and volunteers engage our residents in activities like bingo, games, socials, music entertainment, gardening and churches (and more) within the facility. Then out in the community we eat out, go to movies, go shopping, cookouts, picnics, fishing trips and even see the Christmas lights.

One of our big trips was going out with the Coast Guard on their ship and being served lunch cooked up by their chef. We also did some fishing. Our community is a big part of our activity program and I so greatly appreciate their involvement. The stories the Residents share are funny and interesting. I remember talking to a resident in the past about Route 17 and she remembered when it was a dirt road. Another resident remembers seeing a vehicle for the first time coming over a hill and not knowing they even existed. By talking with the Residents, you find out what they like to do which is where a lot of your inspirations and ideas come from. It is fun comparing the past with the present. It has truly been a pleasure being a part of the Walter Reed family. Looking forward to the future.

York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

York Activity Director Mary Garrity helped deliver gifts to Residents at Christmas.

MARY GARRITY

Years with Virginia Health Services: 5 (in March).

What drew you to a career in recreation services in long-term care? The elderly have 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 where ever 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.

VHS celebrates our long-term care administrators

Coliseum Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

VHS celebrates Healthcare Human Resources Week

Shaleena Brown, Human Resources Manager

Michael Smith, HR Associate

New chef energizes kitchen at The Arbors

Work in senior living

Chef’s palate

Getting her start

Virginia Health Services launches redesigned vahs.com

Virginia Health Services launches redesigned website

Memory Care unit opens at Walter Reed Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Walter Reed expands Memory Care to 51 beds

What is Memory Care?

Expanding at Walter Reed

Moving in Residents

‘All levels of care’

Seventh Virginia Health Services apprenticeship cohort graduates

The graduates

What’s next

Virginia Health Services apprenticeship program

VHS scholarship recipients featured

Virginia Health Services celebrates National Activity Professionals Week

The Arbors Independent Living

Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

The Huntington Assisted Living & The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

LATEST NEWS

Seven VHS apprentices graduate to Nurse Aides in November cohort

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