Courtney Lonseth, A Leader in Excellence

What Makes a Leader In Excellence?

Spring Hills’ newly formed Leaders in Excellence spotlight program was developed as a way to publicly acknowledge and celebrate team successes. This is just one of the many initiatives Spring Hills has put into place this year to recognize the hard work and dedication that each of their team members give every day to care for seniors.

“We are proud to announce our first Spring Hills Leader in Excellence, Courtney Lonseth, Executive Director at Poet’s Walk Sarasota, a Spring Hills Memory Care Community in Sarasota, FL.”, said Petra Santos, VP of Sales Development for Spring Hills.

Drive

Since joining the Spring Hills family in Poet’s Walk, Courtney successfully turned the community around after the pandemic to increase census and achieve record high occupancy levels at Poet’s Walk Sarasota. As a dedicated expert in dementia care, Courtney saw a need to give higher and lower functioning seniors with memory impairments their own, dedicated program and team. This past year, Courtney spilt her community in half, creating a space for every resident to thrive.

Courtney’s Healthcare journey began in 2001 when she became a Certified Nursing Assistant.  From that point forward her love for the elderly, specifically those in need of memory specific care, blossomed. Eager to move up in the industry, Courtney became a LPN in 2006.  She is now in the process of completing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Administration.  Courtney expects to graduate in 2023. Through the years she has sought addition education to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is CORE certified. Her passion is to lead others by example to provide the upmost compassion and quality care to those in need.

Team Work

“Angela Keen is my Lead Concierge and administrative assistant. Angela is the face of the community. She greets everyone with a smile and is the communication hub of our team. Angela has recently been promoted to the Administrative Assistant. A well deserved promotion.”

“James Barnett “JB” is my Director Environmental Services. JB has the most amazing ability to remain calm under any obstacle sent his way. He builds relationships with every resident and family in the community. The families rave about JB’s attentiveness and patience. It is a true honor to have his experience and expertise on my team.”

“Chris Riccio, my Community Relations Counselor, has made such remarkable strides in building relationships and understanding Memory Care. His energy is contagious and provides such great motivation to all departments with positive acknowledgment. He makes the team feel anything is possible.”

“Heather Dow is known as the memory care “guru”. She is our Director of Resident Engagement. Her approach and compassion are obvious and never waivers for each resident that graces her presence. Heather wears her heart on her sleeve and will do anything she can to make each moment memorable.”

Diligence + Creativity

Courtney continues to say “My team has worked diligently this past year to improve our census from 40% to 95%. We have created a Sensory Supported Enhanced Memory Care program that has allowed for all of our residents to receive the best overall care and experience possible.”

In addition to her love for her community, residents and team members, Courtney loves Interior Design and making memories with her husband and three children, who help help her stay driven and focused through her personal and professional goals. Courtney says “Spring Hills has provided me an opportunity to grow, strive and feel a sense of family.”

Congratulations to Courtney and the entire Poet’s Walk Sarasota team!