New executive director focused on ‘improving the lives of seniors’
In July, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor announced that Virginia “Gini” Myers would be joining the community as its new executive director.
A graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s in social work and a master’s in gerontology with a focus on long-term care administration, Gini has had a lifelong passion to serve.
She began her career as a juvenile intake and assessment worker for the 8th Judicial District Community Corrections Department, supporting juveniles in crisis. But it wasn’t until she accepted a position as social services and admission liaison for Diversicare of Council Grove, that she found her true calling.
In her position with Diversicare, Gini assisted residents and their families with living transitions, developed care plans, acted as a resident advocate and facilitated communication between residents, families, health care professionals and Diversicare staff.
Sparked by her new-found interest in senior services, Gini recently completed an administrator in training program and achieved licensure as an Adult Care Home Administrator in the State of Kansas—which, when combined with her career experience, provides Gini with a solid background and ample expertise as she starts her new position at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. “Gini’s five-year career in the field of aging services, along with the focus of her college degrees and becoming a Kansas Licensed Adult Care Home Administrator, has provided a solid foundation of experience and knowledge of senior living,” stated Bill Taylor, PMMA’s chief operating officer. “In each of Gini’s roles, she’s placed a great emphasis on improving the lives of seniors. As a licensed social worker and now a licensed nursing home administrator, she personally aligns with PMMA’s mission and our tradition of excellence.”
Please join us as we welcome Gini to Arkansas City and the Presbyterian Manor family. u
New resident spotlight: Ken Volkland
In June, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor welcomed a new face to its independent living community: Ken Volkland.
Ken, who grew up in Arkansas City before moving away to start his career and serve in the military during Vietnam, returned to town recently and decided to make the move to Presbyterian Manor following the death of his wife, Ida.
Ken’s decision to move to Presbyterian Manor was a relatively easy one. His mother and stepfather were residents at the community from 2011 through 2015 so he already knew, and was very comfortable with, the surroundings.
“After my experience with my folks being here, I’ve had it in my mind as a long-range plan,” said Ken. “I’m very familiar with this place. Some of the people that were here with my parents are still here and I have developed a friendship with those people.”
But it was the community’s continuum of care that really sealed the deal for Ken.
Community welcomes new food service director
Got happy taste buds? If so, it’s probably thanks to the work of Taylor Budiselic who joined the community as food service director in May.
Taylor Budiselic
Taylor came to Arkansas City with a wealth of kitchen experience—most recently serving as the executive chef at the Sandbox in Derby as well as a chef at Newport Grill and the chef de cuisine at the First Mile Kitchen, both in Wichita.
Taylor’s philosophy on cooking— and the power of food—makes him a perfect addition to the Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor team.
“I believe that great food heals,” said Taylor.
Away from the kitchen, Taylor enjoys fishing and spending time with his girlfriend and his four children. u
Say hello to our new sales counselor
Robert Clampitt started working at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor about a month ago. He may be new to senior living, but he has lots of experience in sales and finance in other industries.
Robbie, as he goes by, also worked as a quality assurance supervisor for a Pearson Government Solutions Center for Medicaid and Medicare.
Outside work, Robbie keeps busy. “I’m blessed with four daughters,” he says. They range in age from 28 to six. He’s also a musician.
“I’ve been entertaining people for 20-plus years as a musician and songwriter,” he says. Besides that he likes to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Boston Red Sox. u
Volkland – continued from page 1
“Quite honestly, nobody knows what the future brings – I basically chose it for that reason and the ability to start out in independent living. If reasons come up that I need to have to more assistance, it’s available, all the way to full health care,” said Ken.
So far, Ken – who’s a self-confessed “food guy” – has been enjoying the home cooking he’s been getting at the community, but he says he’s also decided to take advantage of some of the community’s other amenities in order to improve his overall health.
“I’m a rather sizeable person so it’s definitely a fact that I like food,” said Ken. “I’m trying to put this move into this community to good use and trying to improve my lifestyle – health and so forth.”
As part of that plan, Ken intends to get out and do more walking and exercise, which he hopes will also get him out of his shell a little bit and become more active socially as well.u
Community Matters
To submit or suggest articles: rclampitt@pmma.org
620-442-8700
620-442-8224 1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org
Gini Myers, executive director Robbie Clampitt, sales counselor
