At Kirkland Village, a welcoming community is built through the dedicated efforts of team members like Ebony Pearson, an At-Home Services Supervisor whose passion for senior care shines through in everything she does. Approaching her one-year anniversary with PSL this January, Ebony embodies the organization's commitment to creating genuine connections with residents and providing exceptional care.
Time has flown. It's amazing here," Ebony reflects on her first year at Kirkland Village. "This is my home."
Ebony's journey into senior living and healthcare began at age 18 when her mother underwent major surgery that left her bedbound for six months. This experience of providing care for her mother sparked something within her.
"Taking care of my mother and being there with her gave me the push to want to go into the health field," Ebony explains. Her mother, now fully recovered, even helped Ebony secure her first position in home healthcare, where she worked for eight years before joining PSL.
Already a certified medical assistant since 2012, Ebony found that working in home health allowed her to provide more comprehensive care beyond "just passing out meds on a med cart." This holistic approach to healthcare continues to guide her work today.
As an At-Home Services Supervisor, Ebony's typical day involves supervising four or more employees, creating detailed care contracts tailored to residents' individual needs, and, most importantly, building relationships throughout the community.
"My main goal throughout the day is just to be out in the community and build and develop relationships with as many residents here as possible and their families," she says.
Since starting at Kirkland Village, Ebony's role has evolved significantly. In June, she became the community's CPR instructor. She also took on the responsibility of submitting long-term care insurance claims for residents, ensuring they receive proper reimbursement for their care services.
"Some residents don't have family members that are able to help them with these things," Ebony notes. "They deserve to get compensated."
When asked about what makes Kirkland Village special, Ebony's enthusiasm is unmistakable.
"The first day I came in... I couldn't believe how friendly everyone was. I mean, staff, residents, it's just the most welcoming community. And I've been in several facilities. This is one of the most welcoming I have ever entered."
The community offers numerous amenities for both residents and staff, including a gym, pool, wellness center with on-site medical services, and a marketplace for meals. These resources create an environment where both residents and team members can thrive.
When asked about her favorite spots in the community, Ebony has two: the wellness center and the marketplace. "I love being in the wellness center because I get to interact with the nurses. It also allows me to attain pertinent information on residents who may need assistance now or possibly in the future," she explains, noting that becoming a nurse is her ultimate career goal. "My second most favorite place would be the marketplace because all the residents gather there. So, I get to meet everybody."
Ebony has set a clear goal for herself: becoming an LPN before she turns 40. With supportive management and PSL's education benefits on the horizon, she's determined to achieve this dream.
"I have my manager, Paula Dancho, who's one of the best managers I've ever had. She's also an LPN and she encourages me daily... 'Are you a nurse yet? When are you becoming a nurse?" Ebony laughs. "So I've got her on my shoulder bugging me."
Among the benefits PSL offers, Ebony particularly values the 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. "To know that's something you're building towards your retirement, and not only that, it also has the ability, if for whatever reason you're having hard times, that's something you have to fall back on."
For Ebony, the residents at Kirkland Village make her work especially rewarding. Her office has become known as the place where residents' dogs can stop by for treats, helping her form special bonds with both the residents and their beloved pets.
When asked what advice she would give to someone starting in a similar role, Ebony emphasizes patience, adaptability, and communication.
"Always be ready to work under pressure because you never know when a schedule might change. You never know when one of our residents may get sick and we have to go right in with care right away," she advises. "And definitely always listen. Listening is the number one thing here. Communication is extremely important."
Through her dedication to residents, passion for healthcare, and commitment to building a warm community, Ebony Pearson exemplifies the heart of PSL's mission at Kirkland Village – creating a true home where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and cared for.