Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
July 2017
Celebrating certification Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica has a long history of encouraging staff members to pursue continued education opportunities. Administrative Services Director Danica Loftin recently took advantage of such an opportunity when she earned her Assisted Living Operators certification. Although she’s been working in the medical field for the last 22 years, with extensive focus on care coordination, administration, medical billing and durable medical equipment, she felt there was more to learn. “Working in a Continuing Care Retirement Community is a new direction for me, and my CERTIFICATION, continued on page 2
A longing to lead New Dining Services Director Atul Karki remembers the moment well. He was 10 years old and sitting in a restaurant with his family in Nepal. “We went to a fine dining restaurant, and I saw a guy in a suit and tie. He was giving directions to people in the restaurant. I found out he was the restaurant manager, and from that day on, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to lead,” said Atul. “I did my schooling, and even worked in Singapore for four or five years to gain even more experience.” Atul received his bachelor’s degree in hospitality and a master’s in leadership and marketing from Southwest Minnesota State University. While he’s new to Topeka Presbyterian Manor, he’s not new to PMMA, having recently served as Dining Services Director for Emporia LEAD, continued on page 3
We all scream for ice cream Nothing says summer quite like getting sweet treats from the ice cream truck! We recently enjoyed trying out a few new flavors, as well as old-fashioned favorites.
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Heather Pilkington, executive director Chelsea Watgen, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Chelsea Watgen, marketing director, at cwatgen@pmma.org.
experiences up until now were a good place to start. I want to be the best I can at anything I am doing. I love to learn, and getting more information and education seemed the logical place to start. Assisted Living Operators certification allows me to be a stronger asset to the administrative team as a whole. I want to support our department managers, staff and residents in any way I am able,” said Danica. The certification requires 45 hours of class time and passing the certification test. Danica took classes through Johnson County Community College this spring.
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Community Matters July 2017
“My favorite part of my job, in general, is building relationships. I believe that a lot of solutions come from strong relationships, and strong relationships come from open communication, listening and trust. It is my goal to continue to build relationships with residents, residents’ families and my co-workers to make Topeka Presbyterian Manor the best retirement community in the area,” said Danica. Congratulations, Danica, on your accomplishments, and thank you for striving to make our community an even better place to live and work! Like us on Facebook
Celebrating Founders Day Employees recommitted to the PMMA “We Promise” standard of care, and everyone enjoyed a cookout in honor of Founders Day. LEAD, continued from page 1
Presbyterian Manor. “I wanted to a be a good leader in the food industry, and I enjoy serving this population. I’m Asian, and in our culture, we always try to treat the elderly as our own parents or grandparents, no matter who they are. We help them, honor them and make their lives better.” Atul’s mother and father reside in Nepal, and he has a sister in
Australia and a brother in India.
video and music production. I’ve even helped Topeka and Emporia Presbyterian Manors by doing a video for them.”
“My whole family is all over the world. Every year, my mom and dad are going to different countries to see their children and sometimes get We’re glad Atul was able to fulfill his to come to the United States to stay childhood dream of being a leader in with me.” the food industry, and we’re grateful When Atul isn’t behind the decision- he’ll be putting his skills to use here. making in the Topeka Presbyterian “My favorite thing about my job is Manor kitchen, you can find him to serve residents and make them behind the lens of a camera. happy. I want the environment to be “I also enjoy doing photography and as much like home as possible.” Topeka Presbyterian Manor
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Topeka Presbyterian Manor 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 Return Service Requested
Post Acute to Home® profiles We will be featuring people who have received therapy through our Post Acute to Home (PATH) program in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a story to tell about your experience in our PATH program or know someone who does, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to If you’ve got a story to share, contact Marketing Director Chelsea Watgen and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters July 2017
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