On Dec. 4, 2024, Morning Pointe Senior Living presented its Exceeding Expectations Awards to eight exceptional associates during its Annual Holiday Awards Banquet, honoring their dedication to their residents and fellow associates.
Greg A. Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living, said: “Honoring the excellence of our associates is a priority for us as an organization. These men and women not only keep our communities operating smoothly but also, most importantly, make a difference for our senior residents and their teams. We deeply appreciate these associates’ dedication and look forward every year to presenting these awards.”
Here are the winners for 2024!
Resident Care: Valerie McCoy, Certified Nursing Assistant at Morning Pointe of Franklin, TN, Assisted Living
Valerie has been with Morning Pointe of Franklin for more than three and a half years. She was the second shift lead until she had to go on leave. Even while she was out, she continued to do small things for the staff, such as recognize associates’ birthdays. When she returned, she helped restructure the first shift for greater success. She is known for her personal touch and attention to each resident’s dignity, as well as assisting in other departments.
Nursing: Darlene Pope, Licensed Practical Nurse at Morning Pointe of Athens, TN, Assisted Living
Darlene started her Morning Pointe journey at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence in Lenoir City, Tennessee, in 2016, and made an impression there before coming to Morning Pointe of Athens. She is known as a strong nurse throughout the wider region and is affectionately known as “The Queen.” She brings in food every week to share with her team, as well as bringing in her dog for pet therapy for the residents. Darlene is very organized and able to coordinate multiple tasks. She is flexible and pitches in on even the little things that help residents feel special.
Life Enrichment and Alzheimer’s Programming: Regie Ragland, Life Enrichment Director at Morning Pointe of Brentwood, TN, Assisted Living and Memory Care
Regie has led activities for assisted living residents at Morning Pointe of Brentwood for 11 years. She builds relationships with the residents and their families right from her first interaction with them, and it’s not uncommon for her to pick out an engaging activity plan for someone even before they become a resident! She is wonderful at collaborating with families, volunteers and local students and is intentional about creating intergenerational activities.
Community Outreach: Kay Lorick, Community Relations Director at the Morning Pointe of Powell, TN, Campus, including Assisted Living and Memory Care
Kay serves two communities on the campus of Morning Pointe of Powell and demonstrates exceptional customer service and leadership. She is known for being in tune with others’ needs and taking the time to listen to residents and families. Whether it’s sitting down with a prospect, taking the time to listen to a resident’s concern, or organizing a community event, she pays attention to those around her and wants everyone to feel loved and included.
Business Office: Tabatha Ellison, Business Office Director at Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley, TN, Assisted Living
Tabatha has overseen the business office since Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley opened more than three years ago. She helps out in other departments, including assisting with activities. She is always available to offer direction and counsel, as well as encouragement for the team.
Food Service: Stephanie Peyton, Food Service Director at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Frankfort, KY
Stephanie has worked for Morning Pointe for 11 years and has grown her career with the company. She was praised for her great relationship with the residents and being able to keep them happy with their food. She takes pride in the food she serves and meticulously plans extra-special meals and displays for family nights and caregiver events. Stephanie especially loves making food for memory care residents to help bring back memories of what they used to cook. She is even asked to consult at other locations because of her expertise.
Maintenance and Housekeeping: Charles Stephens, Maintenance Director at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga, TN, Assisted Living
Charles has been a Morning Pointe associate for three years and is known for doing all his tasks with detail and a fine sense of humor. He sets residents at ease from the day they move in and often jokes around with them. He engages with the men by leading them in woodworking activities, and his laughter brightens the environment around him. Residents reach out to him for any assistance, and Charles even helps out at other communities and at regional events.
Home Office: Bebe Kennedy, RN, Vice President of Clinical Services
Bebe joined Morning Pointe two years ago and has led the company’s largest department through multiple clinical advancements, including rolling out a more comprehensive clinical assessment for residents, switching all communities to electronic medical records (eMAR), starting up a medication aide class in Tennessee and navigating changing senior living regulations in Kentucky. She has also set up a new clinical training program for directors of nursing. Associates respect her extensive clinical knowledge and experience, and beyond that, she is personable and a compassionate and driven leader.
Congratulations to all of Morning Pointe Senior Living’s 2024 Exceeding Expectations winners! Each year, you blow us away with your amazing dedication and spirit!
