Who’s Who In a Senior Living Community: Get to Know Us

When you’re choosing a senior living community, it’s not just about the amenities or services… it’s about the people! Caregivers who greet you with a warm smile each morning, leaders who truly listen. Team members at every level who turn everyday moments into something meaningful.

At Heritage Communities, we believe relationships are at the heart of Living Better.

That’s why we’re launching Who’s Who in Senior Living! This is a new blog series that introduces you to the team members who make our communities feel like home. Each article will spotlight four people from a Heritage location, giving you a glimpse into who they are, what drives them, and how they help create comfort, joy, and independence for every resident they serve.

Behind every great day at Heritage is someone special making it happen… these are the people you’ll see in our communities!

Director of Dining: Jose

José is the Director of Dining at The Heritage at Fox Run. He’s been with us for over a year, and worked in senior living dining for eight. 

What does the Director of Dining do? 

For Jose, mealtime isn’t just about food – it’s about creating moments that matter. In this role, he’s found a place where he can bring both creativity and care to the table.

José leads by listening. Each week, he designs rotating menus with two featured entrées and a lineup of reliable favorites – burgers, chicken tenders, fresh salads, etc.. But he also likes to keep things interesting. “I try to introduce something new or give a twist to what we already have,” he says. That might mean a bold new recipe or a fresh take on a classic like meatloaf. 

He’s always asking residents for feedback – and actually using it.

From lasagna and Reubens to hearty soups and Sunday steak dinners, José and his team aim to serve meals that make people happy. Holidays and special events get extra attention… prime rib for Christmas, or a chocolate fountain (really!) on Valentine’s Day. “When we cook for a special event, that’s my favorite,” José says. “It brings everyone together.”

With two kitchens serving the Fox Run community, José focuses on keeping food quality high and experiences consistent, while staying flexible for different dietary needs in both assisted and independent living. There’s even 24/7 access to ice cream.

What José values most is the sense of purpose at Fox Run. 

“I’ve worked at many communities,” he says. “But here, it’s different. Everyone, from directors to servers, wants to make life better for our residents.”

Life Enrichment Director: Molly

The role of Life Enrichment Director creates so much of what it’s like to live in a Heritage Community. Molly isn’t just planning events at Fox Run… she’s elevating everyone’s everyday experience! Planning activities and so much more, she works to make life feel full and meaningful for every resident. With nearly 20 years in this role and four family members who’ve lived at Fox Run, her care runs deep.

“I get to play all day and build relationships,” Molly says. That joy is at the heart of what she does. And even after a loved one passes, many families stay connected. Some come back as volunteers.

“They don’t want to stop seeing the residents, or us. That’s one of our biggest success stories.”

No one’s pushed to participate in activities. “We never force anyone to join in,” she explains. “We knock on doors, especially for new residents, and invite them gently… but it’s always their choice.”

Some jump right in. Others take time. Either way, Molly’s team meets them where they are.

Finding Joy in the Everyday

Every week, residents can pick from about 17 activities, including plays, picnics, scenic drives, and visits to local nature spots. “Everyone especially loves country drives and ice cream stops,” Molly shares. “And anything with music or animals is always a hit.”

Independent residents also help guide the calendar. “Nobody is too shy about telling me what they want! More evening outings, plays, wineries. They’re tough!” she laughs.

Listening and Learning

Molly pays close attention to what works, and (of course) what doesn’t. “If an activity doesn’t work, we won’t schedule it again! We try something else. We listen,” she says.

She and her team also support residents through harder seasons, offering things like grief groups and special holiday events.

Her door is always open. “Sometimes people just need to talk. Family members come in, close the door, and cry. Residents sit and visit. I’m here for all of it.”

What Makes Heritage Communities Special

“You feel it when you walk in,” Molly says. “It’s warm, not clinical. I’ve trusted this place with four members of my own family. That says everything.”

Maintenance Director: Darrell 

At The Heritage at Fox Run, Darrell’s role goes far beyond upkeep. “I usually start my day with a plan,” he says, laughing. “Then I walk in the building… and that plan changes.”

With 144 rooms across two buildings, his days are full: fixing ACs, unclogging drains, managing renovations, and coordinating the community’s transportation. “It’s like running a hotel, a hospital, and an apartment complex. Times two.”

But what really sets him apart is the way he shows up for the people who live here. “The best part of this job is the residents,” he says. “You become family.”

Darrell’s mom now lives upstairs, and he often shares dinner with her. He pushes wheelchairs, chats with residents in the halls, and reminds his team what the job is really about. “It’s not just about flipping apartments. It’s about visiting with people.”

In the past year, his team remodeled the kitchen, dining room, salon, and theater. “We’re not just patching things up – we’re making the place better.”

The biggest reward? “When residents come out of their rooms and get involved. That’s the goal. Make the spaces inviting. Give them a reason to come down. It’s a community—and we’re here to keep it going.”

Executive Director: John 

What Being an Executive Director Looks Like

“Trust comes from showing up.” That’s how Executive Director John at Fox Run sums up his job. Most of his time is spent with residents and families… talking, listening, and being present. “You’ve got to build trust from the families, trust from the residents, and that all comes from face time and spending time with them.”

Whether it’s a hallway chat or helping a family navigate long-term care insurance, he leads with compassion and a strong sense of duty. “A lot of energy goes into making sure residents get the most out of the policies they’ve been paying into since their twenties,” he says. “We take that off their plate so they can just live, and live better.”

Why He Cares About the Role and Community

His journey into senior living started at home. During the pandemic, his mother developed kidney failure and moved in with his family. “She was very social—she would’ve loved a place like this,” he shares. “Those six months changed my life. I saw the impact that caring can have during that stage, and I knew I wanted to do something more meaningful.”

So he left his corporate job in mergers and acquisitions for a field that felt more personal. “That work didn’t feed my soul,” he says. “This does.”

How He Leads: With People at the Center

He blends operations with human connection. Morning huddles keep the team aligned, and weekly meetings help everyone stay focused on the bigger picture. “We talk about the goals and the challenges, so our daily work always has direction,” he explains.

And his style is hands-on. Residents and staff know him by name… and know they can come to him anytime. “You try to split your time the best you can, so that residents feel seen and families know they’re supported.”

Being Present and Bringing Family Along

Leadership, to him, means being visible. He’s a constant presence in the community, and his family is too. “My kids help with activities, sit with veterans in the coffee shop, and genuinely love being here,” he says with a smile. “My son says he has 65 grandmas now.”

That kind of connection builds something real. “You can spend all day with residents and families—it’s enjoyable. That’s why we do what we do.”

Living the Heritage Mission

Whether it’s submitting insurance forms or mentoring new hires, he brings the Heritage mission of Living Better to life every day. “We have directors and care staff who’ve been here 18, 19 years,” he says. “That kind of tenure means something. It shows we’ve built a culture where people stay because they care.”

Even when people leave, he sees it as part of protecting that culture. “You can tell when someone’s here just for a job. This work is emotional; it’ll wear you down if you’re not in it for the right reasons.”

His story, shaped by personal experience, everyday presence, and heartfelt leadership, reflects what Heritage stands for: Compassion, Respect, Trust, Fun, and Always Learning.

“It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made,” he says. “No regrets—100%.”

Schedule a Tour Today

There are wonderful, committed, caring individuals like Molly, Jose, Darrell, and John at every single Heritage Community. It’s what we do! If you’re ready, Contact Us to find the community closest to you and meet us in person.