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.
Memory Care Director: Amanda Palermo
Amanda is a state-tested Nurse’s Aide and earned her LPN from Hondros College in 2017. She began her career with Traditions at Traditions of Beavercreek as a floor nurse.
“I see families who are so nervous and scared to place their loved one in our care–who are so worn out from being the main caregiver–experience relief, satisfaction and gratitude for being able to breathe again. They are confident in our ability to care for their loved one. Our Memory Care residents are active and engaged in a personalized daily routine that really has a positive impact on their quality of life and day-to-day interactions. It’s a very special thing we’re able to do for these people.” Amanda and her husband, Anthony live in Blacklick with their three children (Nolan, Aubrie and Anthony, Jr.).
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: Tonya Lea Duncan
Tonya has a BA in Business Administration from Kennedy Western University, is a certified Internal Auditor and has more than 15 years experience in Human Resource Management.
“I love this environment–it’s warm and welcoming and feels like home. It feels good to know that by being here I am making a positive difference in someone’s life. It’s so important to be kind and give of yourself.” Tonya is the proud mother and grandmother to two adult daughters, two grandsons and her Maltese, Grace.
