Becky was searching for career opportunities closer to family when she learned of the position at Pilgrim Manor. While interviewing with interim administrator and United Church Homes Management Executive Director Karen Messick, Becky learned of the organization’s mission, vision and core values.

“I was excited to find a community that had values that aligned closely with how I strive to live every day,” Becky said. “The staff was friendly, and the residents appeared happy. This was important to me. I felt like this was the type of community that I could make my work-home.”

Becky graduated from Valparaiso University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and photography. She received her Master of Business Administration from DePaul University in 2009.

Most recently, Becky was the executive director at Golden LivingCenter — Valparaiso, a skilled nursing and memory care community. Prior to working there, she was the administrator at The Forum at the Crossing in Indianapolis, Indiana. In this continuing care retirement community, Becky managed both assisted living memory care and skilled nursing with a focus on short-term rehabilitation.

Becky began her skilled nursing administrator career at Hickory Creek Healthcare in Franklin, Indiana, where she was proud to receive a deficiency-free survey.

Becky said the UCH core values align closely with her own personal values.

“I try to live my life with integrity and in a way that shows compassion to others,” she said. “A large part of any administrator’s role is stewardship and making appropriate decisions with the resources available. This isn’t always easy or simple, but it is important that stewardship remains a strong focus.”

In her new role, Becky is most looking forward to getting to know everyone at Pilgrim Manor.

“It is important to me that I learn all that I can about the residents entrusted to our care in an effort to best serve them,” she said. “The same goes for the staff — learning their personalities, work habits and communication styles will better help me facilitate success in their work.”

Having recently attended her first Celebrate the Spirit Gala hosted by the Pilgrim Manor Foundation, Becky added she is excited to be part of an organization with a charitable focus. The 15th annual Celebrate the Spirit Gala, held in October at New Vintage Place, raised over $100,000 for the Compassionate Care Fund, which provides support for Pilgrim Manor residents who have outlived or depleted their financial resources.

Becky lives with her husband, Mike, in East Grand Rapids, only about 3 miles from Pilgrim Manor. The couple has a 2-year-old daughter, Violet. Becky said she is also excited to live close to her parents and sisters in western Michigan.