Pacifica Senior Living Blog

Our Employee Spotlight this month is the wonderful Lori, of West Park Senior Living.
Lori is a caring and thoughtful part of the Pacifica team, who goes above and beyond in her communities. She strives to make a difference each day for her residents and team members, building a culture of care, acceptance and compassion for all. She has been with us for six years, and worked her way up in the company, becoming a huge asset to the Pacifica team. Lori is a caring, fun filled and hard working Executive Director who is much loved by her team and coworkers. We reached out to her with some questions about working at West Park Senior Living, her experience with Pacifica, and what wisdom she would share with others looking to follow in her footsteps. 

1. What is your job title and how long have you worked with Pacifia?
   

   I have been with the company for 6 years. I am currently the Executive Director at West Park Senior Living, but before that I was the Business Office Manager (BOM) at The Meridian at Anaheim Hills.
   
   

2. How would you summarize what you do? 

    As Executive Director, I am able to oversee the operations of the community and make sure the residents and employees get the care and support that they need.
   
   

3. Can you tell us a few details about your favorite part of your job?

   
   My favorite part of my job is being able to work with seniors, and getting to hear their stories about their lives and their families.  I am able to help residents who may not have families to rely on for help as well.  
   
   I am also a kitten foster with the ASPCA of LA and am fortunate enough to be able to bring my kittens to work with me and share them with the residents. What started simply as fostering has become a form of pet therapy in our community. Being able to come visit and spend time with the kittens cheers up the residents, and helps socialize the kittens at the same time, so it’s a win-win! 
   You can read more about Lori’s amazing work with kitten fostering here 

4. What have been your most significant achievements working for Pacifica?

   I have been able to build great relationships with residents, their families, and our employees.
   
   
5. Who inspires you the most within our organization?
   
   I would say Carl Knepler, our Senior VP of Operations. He has the ability to juggle several things at once, and still finds time to support the Executive Directors and Regional Directors. The way he balances productivity and care is inspiring.
   
   

6. What’s unique about working for Pacifica? 

   The fact that we are given a lot of room to implement our own management styles. We also receive strong support from the corporate level. 
   
   

7. Describe how you’ve grown professionally since you started working for us.

   I have really come to love this industry, and have been able to transition from a business office manager to Executive Director.  I have also been able to improve my ability to really motivate my team, and keep everyone happy.
   

8. What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work for us?
   

   
   Pacifica is very good about promoting within and helping to support employees in doing so. If you are looking for a long-term career in the senior living industry, I would highly recommend Pacifica Senior Living.
   
   

9. What skill do you think everyone should learn?

   How to motivate and retain employees and residents by making the community an enjoyable place to be. Really listen to their concerns and go above and beyond to make them happy.
   
   

10.  What motivates you?

    Being able to say that I love my job and enjoy coming to work every day.

Thank you, Lori, for all you do. From the way you motivate your team, to the care and compassion you show your residents, to the amazing work you do fostering kittens and providing much loved pet therapy, your heart for senior care shines brightly. All of us at Pacifica want to thank you for the hard work, determination, and passion you have shown over the years - you truly are an asset and invaluable part of the Pacifica Family.