was just 11 months old when she started at the nursing home as a CNA ( certified nurse aide ), she remembers . She later directed an adult day program and now helps lead resident activities .
All three sons including Tyler and Jeffrey have grown up around Greenbrier , and Amber smiles as she recalls how they “ loved spending time with all their grandmas and grandpas .” William was enrolled in the very first 4-year-old class as part of Greenbrier ’ s intergenerational program , and the three boys have spent time on campus like it was a second home . In addition to her immediate family ’ s involvement at Greenbrier , Amber ’ s mother and sister currently work on the Assisted Living team . “ I actually trained my mom when she became an aide ,” she laughs . Greenbrier Assisted Living Administrator Natasha Willson believes that her children have all benefitted from the experiences they have had with the residents . Daughter Evie was just 1 year old when Natasha joined the staff as an aide . Evie now holds the same position in assisted living , after starting as a hospitality aide .
High school daughter Kaitlyn works in assisted living after school and on weekends . She also has a goal of training to become a nurse aide .
“ Pre-COVID , all my kids volunteered ,” says Natasha . “ They helped with activities , passed plates in dining services , and just hung out with residents . My younger daughter Brookelynn really missed coming up during COVID .” Nurse Kim Clingenpeel , longtime team member , chimes in : “ It is part of the family identity of the whole community . The residents want to know about your family . Your kids become like their own grandkids … they keep up with them . I ’ ve had residents show up at my son ’ s ballgames .”
Burgundy Place Events Coordinator Jeanice Manning has raised her daughters among the staff and residents of Greenbrier during her 11-year career with them . “ Burgundy has been a second home to us ,” she says . “ Jasmine , my 20-year-old , started helping me with events when she was just 8 . At her fifth-grade graduation , she announced that she wanted to be an activities director like her mother . Her first job was working as receptionist and activities assistant on campus . Families still remember her time here . Residents threw a gender reveal party and baby shower for my younger daughter Jocelyn , now 10 . I brought her in often so they could hold and love on her . She still helps with activities , outings and special events . Not having family other than my girls , I have been blessed beyond measure to have the best generation of people love us as their own . I wouldn ’ t trade this experience for anything in the world .”
Over Rheadonna Lorenz ’ s 26-year career at Greenbrier , she has progressed through the ranks from nurse aide to activities assistant to activities director . Her history with the community is multifaceted . Her mom worked as an aide alongside Rhea for over 10 years before becoming a resident herself .
Rhea remembers raising her kids Elena and Cody as part of the Greenbrier family .
“ Elena volunteered in activities with our pre-teen program , and any time there was no school they were up here helping with parties , activities , or whatever they could find to do . The residents love having young people around .”
Rhea smiles and says , “ Herman ( Hackett ) and Jim ( Thorpe ) followed Cody ’ s football seasons . Enid had a ‘ Cinderella year ’ in around 2010 and was headed to state . They and other staff ran out to Garriott as the buses drove by , waving white towels and cheering .”
Now Rhea ’ s “ Grandgirls ” follow in her children ’ s footsteps , winning the hearts of the residents and staff at every opportunity .
“ Getting them involved has been a treasure ,” says Rhea , “ showing them another chapter of life and to not be afraid of older folks . We ’ re making priceless memories . I have learned here with the Hackett family that it is truly about legacy . And I ’ m so glad that it is also part of my own family ’ s legacy .”
ETOWN : SPONSORED CONTENT BY GREENBRIER VILLAGE
Amber Walter and family
Rheadonna Lorenz with grandchildren
Natasha Willson with Katelyn and Evie
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