Our People

Our staff of professionals is trained in everything from the latest medical care and therapies to healthy and delicious meal preparation. Yet we make room for compassionate connection with residents to take precedence over the necessities of our job descriptions.

We are skilled professionals, yes. And we are here to connect with you in the spontaneous moments that make your life (and ours) more meaningful.

Executive Director: Julia Monroe, CDAL, PCHA, LPN

Julia has worked in senior living and healthcare for nearly 20 years, first as a state-tested nursing Assistant, then licensed nurse, Certified Director of Assisted Living and Personal Care Home Administrator. She is a native of Champaign County, Ohio, where she met her husband, Keith and lives in Urbana, Ohio with their five daughters (ages 3-19) and two Scottish Terriers.

Caregiving comes naturally for Julia, something she's always been interested in. "I am struck over and over by how much the folks we care for teach us every day. I'm blessed to know them. And I understand that making the transition from home to a senior living community is challenging. Sometimes the circumstances are heartbreaking with residents losing a spouse and caregiver. But what every resident who lives in our communities will tell you is that their lives are better for having made this choice. The most rewarding part of my job is getting to know and love these people."

Community Relations Director: Jena Wade

Jena majored in Organizational Communications with a minor in business at Cedarville University. She has had more than 10 years experience in a variety of customer service roles, including time spent working her way through college at a hospital in Springfield, OH. Jena, Ryan and their Frenchie, Winston live in Columbus and just welcomed their daughter, Palmer to the family this spring.

"I love knowing I am working for the good of others, that what I do matters. I can really focus on my residents and what is best for them and their families. You'll hear this a lot at our community, but each resident feels like a member of my family."

Wellness Director: Sereen Ahmad

Sereen was born and raised in Newark, OH and is relocating to Columbus in the coming months. Shortly after getting her undergrad, she attended the University of Akron Nursing School and graduated with her BSN in 2015.

"I started working at an assisted living facility in 2011 as a PCA and fell in love with the geriatric population. It was then that I knew nursing was what I was meant to pursue. This is the place and time to assist residents with daily tasks, to gently and expertly care for them. But it's also the time to build relationships, to learn what they like/dislike, about their upbringing, loved ones and history. This is who they are and we are here to appreciate them." Sereen's father recently retired from ODOT after 30 years, her mother currently works for the National Youth Advocate Program, and her cat, Toby enjoys spending time with his mom.

Independent Living Director: Marion Durham

Marion has her Bachelor's degree in Communications from The Ohio State University and has more than 18 years experience in helping seniors and their families explore the path and benefits to senior living. A career in helping seniors was a decision of the heart for her.

"It is always rewarding to hear new residents tell their families that they 'should have moved sooner!' and to see that they are making friends in their new home. Please know that we are here to help our residents and loved ones explore the freedom and joy that a lively, supportive and caring community can bring to their lives." Marion and her husband, Jerry, have two daughters, Elizabeth, who lives in LaCrosse, WI and Kate, who lives in Worthington.

Executive Chef: Kathleen Tidd

Kathleen has her Culinary Degree from Columbus State, a 5000-hour Chef Apprenticeship and has been formally trained in a European-style kitchen. She is the National Restaurant Association Silver medal winner for Breads, Pastries and Charcuterie, was voted Most Creative in the Columbus Chocolate Competition and Best Dessert in Columbus by Columbus Monthly. She also has more than 15 years experience cooking and baking for seniors.

"I decided at the age of 17 I wanted to go to culinary school to learn to cook and to teach others. But once I started cooking, I knew I loved the craft too much to simply teach. Now I get to do it for sweet folks who I've come to know and love, people who are grateful for conversations, delicious meals and snacks and that means a lot to me."

Business Office Manager: Santana Sawyer

Santana is a licensed phlebotomist, STNA and notary, and has served in assisted living communities, rehabilitation facilities, home health and and OSU Hospital as a PCA. She is currently working on her Bachelor's of Science in healthcare administration.

"I have been in the healthcare field for the past 10 years and I love it. The residents at Cherry Blossom are the reason I come to work, knowing they depend on me each and every day. Rain or shine, I can make a difference just by being here for my residents." Santana and her husband, George live in Columbus, Ohio with their two daughters and son.