Transitions Healthcare Veteran Employees Spotlighted in PHCA Careers in Aging Week

To celebrate Careers in Aging Week, the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA) featured those working across the long-term care and senior living continuum. These spotlights were not limited to just CNAs, LPNs, RNs, PCAs, but to all positions in long-term care to create a greater awareness of the broad career opportunities that exist within our sector. During the campaign, two veteran Transitions Healthcare employees were showcased.

First, our Autumn Grove community and its Administrator, Jessica Hollingsworth, recognized Debra Monteleone, Admissions Director. About Debra, Jessica said, “Debra is consistently driving to ensure success within our facility through her outstanding customer service as well as her community engagement. She is the epitome of positivity and always ensures that she’s surrounding everyone with compassion. Highly-dedicated does not come close to describing her efforts.”

When asked what they love about working in long-term care and senior living, Debra remarked, “Being a part of a long-term care admissions team has been an opportunity to help families navigate through the process of placing their elderly loved ones. It can be a trying, emotional time and constant communication is the key. It’s a blessing to me getting to know the resident and give the families the calm and confidence they need to make these tough decisions.”

Congratulations, Debra Monteleone!

Additionally, our Gettysburg community and its Administrator, Jodi Lyons, recognized Penny Bunch, Director of Nursing (DON). About Penny, Jodi said, “Penny started her nursing career in 1975 as CNA at South Mountain Restoration, which was a long-term care facility, specifically focused on mental health. She earned her RN through the “Grow your own nurse program” that was popular in the 1990’s. After a successful career, Penny retired from South Mountain Restoration after 26 years. But! It seems that retirement did not suit her as Penny only took a (retirement) year off. At the age of 43, she missed nursing so much that she returned to what was Green Acres in 2001 and has never left. When Transitions Healthcare acquired Green Acres, Penny became our RN Supervisor. In the past 21 years, she has grown in her positions from RN Unit Manager to Wound Nurse to Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to now Director of Nursing (DON). Penny relies on her faith daily, and spends her time enjoying family, travel, and her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.”

When asked what they love about working in long-term care and senior living, Penny commented, “I decided in high school that my passion was for healthcare and after 47 years, I realized that it has always been my calling. Making the life of others better is rewarding; kind things have been done for me and I want to pay it forward”.”

And another Congratulations to Penny Bunch!