Canon St. Julian Simpkins Employee of the Year: Gail Reeves, Coordinator of Resident Services & Special Events at Valley Manor
Exhibits: Dedication, Compassion, Friendliness and Respect
Gail is responsible for many partnerships and has an exceptional talent for bringing people together. As we often say, Gail knows everyone! She ensures residents, especially those who are new, are brought into the fold and feel welcomed immediately. Gail has also created connections with many organizations over the years and has a special place in her heart for intergenerational partnerships. She had been instrumental in developing innovative, mutually beneficial programs across generations, notably with Rochester City School District, Eastman School of Music and St. John Fisher University. Residents at Valley Manor are community-minded, curious, active, independent and fiercely dedicated to the arts. Gail, who became a resident herself in 2016 – seemingly effortlessly and always graciously meets the challenge of ensuring there is a program on the calendar for everyone.
Catherine Johnson Caregiver of the Year: Nijole Kucinskiene, Resident Care Assistant at Brentland Woods
Exhibits: Dedication, Loyalty, Caring to those in need
no expectation or desire for recognition – it is just her way.
Nijole is a strong leader at Brentland Woods, well respected, and loved by residents and staff. She is
interested in learning about others and listens to what is important to them. Many residents have
commented that Nijole seems to know what they need even before they do! Some words residents and
staff use to describe her are positive, encouraging, optimistic, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, selfless
and nurturing – one staff member summed it up nicely by saying simply, “She is the best!”
Austin E. Hildebrandt Award of Honor: Anthony Biuso, Activities Coordinator at River Edge Manor
Exhibits: Conviction, Humility, Inspiration and Compassion
Loren J. Ranaletta Award of Honor: Tracy Leonard, Administrative Assistant at Brentland Woods
Exhibits: Faithfulness, Creativity, Self-confidence, Sincerity
Outside of being a fantastic administrative professional and team player, Tracy is most likely the first person anyone encounters when entering Brentland Woods and is welcoming to all. Her positive attitude, sincere spirit and warm personality resonates with residents, families and coworkers, and sets the tone for the day or visit for many. She does everything with sincerity, honesty, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm and good humor! She is a well-deserving recipient of this distinguished honor, and ESLC is grateful to have Tracy as part of our dedicated workforce.
Generations Award: Barb Schrage, Volunteer at Seabury Woods
Exhibits: Dedication, Compassion, Vision, Volunteerism
Barb worked as a registered nurse for nearly 50 years through UR Medicine and Highland Hospital. She has specialized in geriatrics since 1987 and is an educator through St. John Fisher University Academy for Leadership in Long Term Care.
Barb, like Maureen, is an instructor for the Alzheimer’s Association. Together, they developed a curriculum for ESLC’s Resident Care Aide Education Program, focusing on dementia and dementia behavior. The program combines lectures, videos and role-playing scenarios that offer valuable tools for staff working with residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The curriculum is utilized for training throughout ESLC’s assisted living communities, and we are incredibly grateful to Barb for her professionalism and leadership.
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