Our Employees Practicing Our Core Values

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 Loyola! 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.”

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Our Employees Practicing Core Values In The Kitchen

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 actions as opposed to 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 allows 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.”

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Andy Wade, Traditions COO & Principal, responds to inquiries regarding their core values and covid

1. How have you encouraged Traditions employees to stay positive during the pandemic?

We all share our Core Values and philosophy, and did well before the pandemic. But this time has created a significant, additional burden for our employees, and the adversity has galvanized our team around each other and our shared values. It is humbling to see how our employees realized what was at stake and encouraged each other through a difficult time.

2. Important vs. Necessary is one of the company’s Core Values. You’ve mentioned how instrumental it has been in managing right now. Can you tell us why?

Much of what we do to keep employees and residents healthy, such as wearing personal protective equipment and eliminating group gatherings, is necessary for obvious reasons. And yet, we have done a great job preventing the necessary from crowding out the important things that impact quality of life.

With social distancing and restrictions, it has been much more difficult to do important things. Still, our employees have been incredibly creative in making those critical, personal, and meaningful things happen.

Our social media platforms are full of images and videos of employees going above and beyond to make essential connections while ensuring necessary precautions are in place to keep everyone safe.

3. Many organizations have had to let their employees go during this time. How have you been able to maintain staff and double down on your commitment to them?

We provide care and services to the most vulnerable population. The pandemic only magnified the need for healthy, loving employees. We knew we would need all hands on deck as the virus spread.

So, our group prioritized sourcing supplies and training employees to keep themselves and the residents safe. We believe this led to a sense of security and knowledge of performing during this time. The preparation and ongoing team support allowed everyone the freedom to focus on their job, versus the pandemic.

We also knew that we were asking our staff members to do more. So we tried very hard to offer them added incentives and support them in any way we could, and we will continue to do so.

4. What would you say has been your biggest challenge during this pandemic?

Communication has been our biggest challenge and opportunity at all levels and in all directions.

The need for efficient communication became extremely important when it became apparent that the pandemic would fundamentally impact what we do every day. As care providers to the most vulnerable population, we needed clear information and guidance from health experts and regulating authorities regarding mandates and restrictions that affected our operations.

In turn, we were obligated to provide accurate and timely direction to the people who live and work in our communities and their loved ones. Fear and uncertainty made reliable communication paramount.

We felt it was impossible to over-communicate. We needed to disseminate information transparently and promptly. As a team, I think we have done a remarkable job with this and will continue to prioritize it.

 

Fun Activities To Do At Home

A Summer Bucket List for Seniors filled with fun, a sense of accomplishment and inspiration

With a state-by-state approach to COVID-19 prevention and re-opening, seniors can experience various stages when it comes to staying home or venturing out for certain activities.

Still, based on the latest information, the World Health Organization advises that people over 60 wear masks in public areas, especially when social distancing is not possible.

With different restrictions, health concerns, and personal preferences in mind, this Summer Bucket List for Seniors can help you stay safe and live life to the fullest:

1. Free cooking classes, anyone? Right about now, your rotation of meals might be getting a little tired. You can always hop online for recipes from places like allrecipes.com, foodnetwork.com and bettycrocker.com, complete with user reviews and videos walking you through the recipes. Plus, many classes teach you the art and science of baking, broiling, basting and so much more. Check out this excellent compilation from PopSugar of 12 Free Online Cooking Classes You Can Take Right Now.
2. Try some online workouts for seniors. Good for balance, strength, mobility and mood, exercise is so important. Equally important is finding exercises or routines that fit your activity level and keep you interested. The National Institute of Aging has a full range of free exercise videos online, and you can search YouTube for yoga, Pilates, weights, and chair workouts for all levels.
3. Give your car a good clean. A clean car is one of life’s simple pleasures, isn’t it? Grab the shop-vac, a damp rag, leather protector spray, window cleaner and a roll of paper towels and go for it. Better yet, if a neighbor kid is looking for a little extra cash, you can recruit them for the job.
4. Watch the fireworks from your car. With July 4^th approaching, there will likely be plenty of fireworks displays happening around town. Pack some snacks, drinks, and lawn chairs, and meet a small group for a socially distanced night of fun in or out of your car.
5. Take a drive. Speaking of cars, remember when people took Sunday drives just for the fun of it? It doesn’t need to be Sunday to bring this tradition back. Admire beautiful houses or yards, go through a drive-thru for a good cup of coffee, and take in the sights.
6. Write a memoir. It sounds overwhelming to think about writing a memoir, but not when you start small. Check out this article from none other than Oprah herself on 3 Things You Must Write Down This Month, and how that can add up to a book. You can also find writing prompts here and here to get you started.
7. Work from home. A job we love can help us feel connected to causes and people we care about. Check out this list from the AARP with 19 Jobs You Can Do Without Leaving the House.
8. Mind the view. What’s your view out the window? What you see every day will affect your mindset and mood. Add flowers to a windowbox or plant a fragrant perennial shrub outside your window. Consider adding a bird feeder right outside the window or even attached to your window to remind you that beautiful things are all around us. Check out this list of the 8 Best Hummingbird Feeders from Good Housekeeping.
9. Plan a trip. You may have had to cancel one or put planning on hold. But there’s no reason you can’t take this time to research your next destination. Check out airfare options, local accommodations and attractions, even map out your itinerary for each day. We thought this list was kind of fun: 17 Trips Travel + Leisure Editors Can’t Wait to Take As Soon As We Can Travel Again.
10. Sort through old photos and videos. If you’re anything like us, you probably have a lot of pictures on your phone and lying around in boxes and albums. Now is a great time to print the ones you’d like to frame or share with others at places like walgreens.com and Shutterfly.com.LegacyBox.com actually consolidates and digitizes your memories. Gather all the loose photos you have in boxes, old film, home movies, and tapes, and have them saved onto a DVD or the cloud, where they’re preserved and you can share them with others.
11. Take a virtual tour. Visit the world’s most famous museums, national parks, zoos, and landmarks with free virtual tours. Find everything here.
12. Research your candidates. And make sure you’re registered to vote. We elect the 46^th President of the United States this November the 3^rd. Now is the time to make sure you’re registered to vote. It’s also an excellent time to research the candidates and see where they stand on issues that matter most to you and to generations to come. You can start by taking a look at AARP’s Six Ways to Check Out a Political Candidate.
13. Look up for inspiration. If the world has gotten a little claustrophobic over the past few months, we’d understand if you needed to look elsewhere for inspiration, like out into space. Even amateur astronomers can have fun exploring the sky, with or without a telescope. Print out a star chart at Stellarium.org , learn the location of the planets at Sky & Telescope, and check out The 10 Must-see Skywatching Events to Look for in 2020.
14. Have a social distancing driveway or backyard get-together. Keep it simple and safe by arranging chairs 6ft or more apart or have everyone bring their own. This works especially well for neighbors who can walk over. Tell everyone to bring their own snacks and refreshments and enjoy each other’s company for a couple hours.
15. Garden and grow. We know that gardening and growing lowers stress, makes our yards more beautiful and cooking more flavorful. But did you know there’s a natural anti-depressant in soil? You read that right. Mycobacterium vaccae has been found to mirror the effect drugs like Prozac have on neurons. Scientists think this soil bacteria may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier. So get a little dirt under your nails and plant up a container of tomatoes, a windowbox of herbs, or a landscape bed of summer annuals, and call us in the morning.

We hope you find ways to stay inspired, feel accomplished, and have some fun this summer while staying safe. And remember, we’re here for you if you need us.