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The dream to bring the first continuing care retirement community to Chicago's southwest suburbs became a reality when Smith Crossing opened in Orland Park in 2004. Today, the 32-acre campus surrounded by a pristine prairie has become home to a community of 200-plus people who reside under the watchful eyes of our caring professionals.
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Executive Director Frank Guajardo always wanted a career helping people. At first he was a Certified Nursing Assistant caring for residents in a retirement community and immediately found he loved working with seniors. When he decided he wanted to become an administrator, he kept his nursing job and worked his way through school. Today, at the helm of Smith Crossing, Frank looks forward to making daily rounds, being a part of the community and sharing stories with residents.
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"The best part of my job is changing people's lives for the better," says Sales Director Bonnie Cummings. As Sales Director she introduces prospective residents to the Smith Crossing community and works with them to arrange the details of their move.
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Sales Counselor Maggie Porzio has been in the senior living field nearly 20 years and still enjoys calming the nerves of adult children. "They're afraid to mention moving to a retirement community because it's a huge life-change decision. But when their parents finally decide to do it, you can see the relief on all of their faces."
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When she schedules events and looks after last-minute details, the real payoff to Marketing Assistant Dorothy Bortscheller comes later with people contact. "I like working with seniors to share in their joy, and their vast knowledge and understanding of life. For me, to live at Smith Crossing would be a very fortunate experience."
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One of Executive Chef Sue Schoon's favorite things to do is organizing her monthly Chef's Corner. Two to four dozen residents taste-test new or seasonal menu items and share their suggestions with her. "They've grown up with certain foods, and it's interesting to hear their feedback, to find out what they're looking for at mealtimes."
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Operations Manager Kathy Orozco thinks of Smith Crossing residents as her second family. And, just like family, she knows all their favorite foods, savors memories of spectacular holiday meals, loves to share stories and put a smile on people's faces.
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Exercise Physiologist Karen Braswell says she's rewarded every day because residents in her programs "continue to work out far beyond 'a certain age.' Their drive excites me and always keeps me happy." One of her most popular group fitness sessions is on Thursdays. "We play music from the Big Band Era, when they were young adults."
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From the Pocono Mountains to Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department to Smith Crossing, Resident Services Director Germaine Dignan has planned programs and activities in many settings. "I love working with seniors, because it makes it possible for them to continue to grow. I enjoy it so much, it doesn't feel like work."
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Susan Schumann plans activities for residents in our Assisted Living, Alzheimer's and Memory Support and Skilled Nursing areas, offering a full slate of opportunities daily. "To keep the residents engaged, involved, busy and happy is the most rewarding job," says Susan. "I look forward to hearing their laughter every day."
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From day one as Music Director, Rich Boban looks forward to listening to residents' stories about experiences he's not yet had. "I get a lot out of that." And their sense of humor. "I kiddingly greeted a new resident named Jane with, 'Me Tarzan.' Immediately one of the men seated nearby said, 'No, I want to be Tarzan.'"
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Our Medical Director Michael Thomas, DO, played ball as a boy in Kennedy Park across from what is now Smith Village in Beverly/Morgan Park. He remembers being curious about the community where, today, he oversees medical care. "We help seniors manage their medical needs so they get most out of life at every stage."
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Director of Nursing Mary Ann Doyle, RN, says that caring for people, listening to their stories and earning their trust is a privilege. "What makes our workplace special is the people you work for. In my case, I work for our residents."
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"Our residents know if their needs change, they will continue to live here," says Assisted Living Manager Suzanne Zemanek, a nurse for 31 years. "And if they move to another level of care, they still see familiar faces. When circumstances change for our residents and their families, necessary changes are less disruptive. We remain constant."
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Social Services Director Amy Majcina is part of the team that helps our residents in Assisted Living, Alzheimer's and Memory Support and Skilled Nursing Care and Rehab balance independence and safety so they can make the most of every day. She loves getting to know them. "Each one has a fascinating history and I enjoy hearing about all of their adventures."
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Human Resources Assistant Katie Hurley, who was raised by her grandparents and as a teen was a waitress at what is now Smith Village, our other campus in Beverly, declares, "I've always had a soft spot for seniors. I love their generation. I love being with them. We have so much to learn from people who have done and seen so much."
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Housekeeping Supervisor Sheila Anderson enjoys being around older people because, to her, "It's like spending time with my grandparents." She finds it very satisfying to help residents maintain their homes and keep all of Smith Crossing visitor-ready. "It makes me happy the residents always tell me they appreciate my work."
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"I especially like the first hour of each day," says Administrative Assistant Georgia Vanek, the smiling face who greets visitors and answers phones. "Everyone is coming down for breakfast-checking the daily activity sheet, asking about the weather and planning their day."
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Assisted Living Receptionist Gloria Belonax is pitch-perfect in her post, greeting residents daily and welcoming visitors to the campus. She adores being around seniors. "I love what they give back to me—gratitude, daily smiles, their stories. I receive a lot from them."
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© 2010 Smith Senior Living