Athens, TN — December 10, 2025 — Morning Pointe Senior Living, which operates 42 communities and employs more than 2,000 associates across five states, is celebrating two major honors earned by Morning Pointe of Athens Assisted Living at the Annual Holiday Party & Awards Banquet.
Morning Pointe of Athens — a longstanding, deeply rooted part of the community that has proudly served generations of families across McMinn County and the greater region — received the prestigious Community of the Year Award, recognizing a community that set a new standard in resident care, teamwork, and overall excellence.
For the Business Office, Kim Tipton, Morning Pointe of Athens, TN, received the Exceeding Expectations Award in Business Office. Behind the scenes, Kim is the glue that keeps the Athens community running smoothly — from budgeting to baking cupcakes — and she leads by example every day.
Reflecting on the recognition for her campus, Executive Director Crystal Sutton shared, “I’m incredibly proud of our team. Every person here pours their heart into making Morning Pointe of Athens a welcoming, supportive place for our residents. Being honored in this way reinforces what I see every day—people choosing to show up with compassion, consistency, and purpose.”
Kim Tipton added, “I love the team that we have here in Athens and the residents and their families and the Morning Pointe support, so thank you, Morning Pointe, for this privilege and honor of winning, exceeding expectations.”
“Celebrating our associates and communities is more than tradition — it is the foundation of what sets Morning Pointe apart,” said Greg Vital, Co-Founder, Morning Pointe Senior Living. “Their unwavering commitment to quality care and meaningful service is what creates true peace of mind for the residents and families who rely on us every day.”
Community of the Year
Morning Pointe of Athens, TN
Executive Director: Crystal Sutton
Recognizing a community that set a new standard in resident care, teamwork, and overall excellence.
Chairman’s Award
Morning Pointe of Tullahoma, TN
Executive Director: Tana Caldwell
Honoring a campus that exemplifies Morning Pointe’s mission through exceptional leadership, service, and impact.
Exceeding Expectations Awards
Celebrating outstanding associates who went above and beyond in their field:
- Community Relations & Marketing — Jessica Schaeffer, Morning Pointe of Knoxville, TN Campus
- Food Service — Shannon Bolden, Morning Pointe of Powell, TN
- Nursing — Anita Hayes, Morning Pointe of Calhoun, GA
- Resident Care — Liwisa Pwohn, Morning Pointe of Owensboro, KY
- Life Enrichment & Alzheimer’s Programming — Dawn Pittman, The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Lexington, KY
- Maintenance & Housekeeping — Billy Mosier, Morning Pointe of Richmond, KY
- Business Office — Kim Tipton, Morning Pointe of Athens, TN
- Home Office — Shona Chandler, Vice President of Associate Engagement and Talent
Morning Pointe Senior Living extends heartfelt congratulations to all 2025 honorees. Your dedication continues to strengthen our communities, enrich the lives of our residents, and move our mission forward in meaningful ways.
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates 42 assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities across five southeastern states. In the Tennessee Valley, communities are located in Athens, Chattanooga, East Hamilton, Collegedale, Hixson, and Walker County, Georgia.
