For nearly nine years, Carly Lembach has been a dedicated part of the team at Kirkland Village, where she now serves as Laundry and Housekeeping Manager. Her journey to leadership did not follow a traditional path, but it is one defined by growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving older adults. From starting as a part-time housekeeper to overseeing housekeeping and laundry operations across campus, Carly’s story reflects both her hard work and Presbyterian Senior Living’s commitment to helping team members grow.
Before coming to Kirkland Village, Carly worked in the medical field as a medical assistant and had experience supporting older adults and individuals with mental health challenges. When she joined PSL, she began as a part-time housekeeper. Over time, she moved into a full-time housekeeping role, then project cleaner, administrative assistant, and eventually into her current leadership position.
Carly is especially grateful for the opportunities she has been given along the way. She shared how meaningful it has been to work for an organization that recognized her potential and gave her the chance to keep learning and advancing.
Carly discovered that working with older adults was where she truly belonged. She found that she had a natural patience for seniors and a strong desire to make them feel comfortable, supported, and cared for. That purpose continues to motivate her every day.
For Carly, the work is about more than keeping things running smoothly. It is about helping residents feel at home and cared for during an important season of life. That sense of purpose, along with the positive culture at PSL, is a big part of why she loves what she does.
As Laundry and Housekeeping Manager, Carly’s days are full and often unpredictable. After checking emails and attending the morning meeting, she adjusts her priorities based on what is happening across campus.
Her responsibilities include creating daily assignments for housekeepers, managing payroll and scheduling, and overseeing guest rooms and laundry services for the entire campus, including independent living, personal care, and the health center. It is a fast-paced role that requires flexibility, organization, and teamwork.
One of the unique parts of Carly’s journey is that she now manages team members she once worked alongside. She shared that the transition from coworker to manager went smoothly because of the mutual respect and strong camaraderie among the staff.
Carly is quick to point out that she does not see herself as above the people she leads. She understands how important her team is and values the role each person plays. That humility and appreciation have helped her build strong relationships and lead in a way that feels grounded and supportive.
When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Carly’s answer was honest and thoughtful: stop, listen, and learn to take criticism. She sees feedback not as something negative, but as a tool for growth.
That mindset has helped her step into management with openness and determination. Since this is her first leadership role, Carly has taken advantage of professional development resources offered through PSL, including management courses and training programs that cover topics such as time management and leadership skills. She sees learning as an ongoing part of her journey.
Carly credits several mentors with helping her grow into her current role, including Rebecca Reubin, Staci Warsaw, and Dave Scheetz. Their guidance, support, and practical advice helped her learn how to navigate management and separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities.
Their investment in her development has made a lasting impact and helped shape the leader she is today.
What stands out most to Carly about Kirkland Village is the sense of togetherness. She describes the community as family-oriented, both among team members and residents. That feeling of connection is one of the reasons this has become the longest job she has ever held and a place she genuinely enjoys coming to each day.
She also loves spending time with residents and hearing their stories. Carly describes them as a true mix of personalities and life experiences, and she finds inspiration in all they have lived through and overcome.
Looking back on her time at PSL, Carly returns again and again to gratitude. She is thankful for the opportunity to grow within the organization and for the people who saw something in her and encouraged her to keep moving forward.
Her story is a powerful example of what can happen when hard work meets opportunity. Through dedication, humility, and a heart for service, Carly has built a career centered on making others feel comfortable, cared for, and valued.