We're excited to shine a spotlight on our outstanding Resident Program teams, whose hard work and commitment make a meaningful difference every single day. This year's awards celebration followed the theme "A Decade of Adventure," a special tribute that looked back on ten incredible years of creativity, growth, and signature themes across Commonwealth Senior Living.
These award winners represent the very best of our mission and core values. Take a look at the remarkable difference they've made in their communities over the past year.
Most Improved in Social Media Award
This award honors an individual who embodies growth, dedication, and a true desire to improve across all social media platforms. Takeisha's eagerness to collaborate, strategize, and highlight the meaningful moments in her community sets her apart. We are thrilled to honor Takeisha Roberts, Resident Program Director of Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End, as the 2025 Most Improved in Social Media.
Her results speak for themselves. In 2024, her community shared 49 posts. By 2025, she more than doubled that number, creating an incredible 104 posts. During that time, she also helped grow the community's following from 772 to 922, showing that consistency, passion, and effort truly make a difference.
Most Improved in Social Media Honorable Mention
This year, we introduced an Honorable Mention to celebrate another exceptional leader whose impact on social media is impossible to overlook. Cameron Riley consistently captures the heart of her community with care, detail, and authenticity, bringing each moment to life through her posts.
Her thoughtful descriptions and standout photos have set the standard for best practices across our organization, frequently serving as examples during onboarding and training. As a valued member of our Pineapple Team, Cameron's humility, positivity, and passion make her a true asset to both her community and our entire CSL family.
We are proud to recognize Cameron Riley, Resident Program Director of Commonwealth Senior Living at Radford, for this well-deserved honor!
Excellence in Social Media & TikTok Award
The Excellence in Social Media & TikTok Award honors a leader who not only produces outstanding content but also understands the power of social media to connect families, showcase community life, and elevate engagement across platforms.
From the very start, Patty Koval's creativity, energy, and passion for social media set her apart. In 2025 alone, her team shared over 200 posts and created 17 TikToks, consistently raising the bar for innovation and connection.
What truly makes Patty exceptional is her understanding of the "why" behind marketing. She recognizes that social media is more than just posts; it's a way to highlight meaningful moments, celebrate residents, and give families a window into the vibrant life happening in their communities.
We are thrilled to honor Patty Koval, Resident Program Director of Commonwealth Senior Living at Manassas, with the 2025 Excellence in Social Media & TikTok Award for her outstanding leadership, creativity, and dedication.
Evolution Award
The Evolution Award recognizes a Resident Program team member who has shown extraordinary growth, leadership, and impact in a short period of time. It honors individuals who rise to challenges, embrace learning, and transform their communities through dedication, creativity, and heart.
This year, we are proud to celebrate Stacey Shelton of Commonwealth Senior Living at Hillsville. Stacey's journey from Resident Care Associate to Resident Program Director is a true testament to her commitment, resilience, and passion for enriching the lives of residents.
Since stepping into her role as Resident Program Director, Stacey has brought fresh ideas, renewed energy, and unwavering dedication to her department, transforming the resident experience and strengthening her entire community. She is a trusted leader, a role model for her team, and a tireless advocate for those she serves.
Her Executive Director says, "She is truly an asset to our CSL community, and her commitment to residents continues to make a meaningful impact every day."
Congratulations to Stacey Shelton, our 2025 Evolution Award recipient!
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award celebrates a new associate who demonstrates exceptional talent, leadership, and potential from the very beginning. This award recognizes individuals who quickly make an impact, inspire others, and show promise for long-term growth and success.
This year, we are proud to honor Jervette Hill of Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield. From the moment she stepped into her role, Jervette has exemplified determination, positivity, and courageous leadership. She has quickly redefined expectations through her strong work ethic, growth mindset, and ability to uplift everyone around her.
Her Executive Director shares, "What's truly special about this individual is the way she lifts up everyone around her. She understands that leadership isn't about standing in front and taking the spotlight—it's about walking beside others, encouraging them, and helping them see their own potential."
Bernie Cavis ‘Shark in a Tree' Excellence in Memory Care Award
This award recognizes a professional whose creativity, persistence, and dedication transform memory care into something truly extraordinary. It celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to create meaningful, joyful experiences for residents while inspiring their teams and raising the standard for care.
This year, we are thrilled to honor Patty Koval of Commonwealth Senior Living at Manassas. Patty's unmatched dedication, innovation, and willingness to say "yes" to every challenge have made her Sweet Memories™ neighborhood a place of joy, engagement, and connection. From leading holiday experiences to exceeding engagement goals and supporting every department, Patty demonstrates excellence in every sense of the word.
Her Executive Director said, "I have had the privilege of witnessing our Program Director's passion firsthand. They are always open to new ideas and consistently create meaningful moments and lasting memories for our residents. They truly embody the spirit of the role. This individual never says ‘no'—the mindset is always, ‘How can we make it happen?' Going above and beyond daily, stepping in wherever needed without hesitation."
Pineapple Core Award
Celebrating the very heart of our Core Values, this award honors a professional who exemplifies compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of residents every day. It recognizes someone who goes far beyond the expectations of their role, not just performing a job, but truly enhancing lives through creativity and enthusiasm.
Suelyn Hulse of Commonwealth Senior Living at Cedar Manor is this year's recipient. Suelyn consistently approaches her work with genuine care and respect for every resident's dignity and well-being. She thoughtfully tailors each Signature Program to meet individual needs and preferences, fostering a welcoming sense of community where residents, families, and team members alike feel valued, included, and cared for.
What sets Suelyn apart is the way she leads by example, inspiring those around her through her positivity, energy, and tireless work ethic. Her dedication is contagious; she uplifts both residents and colleagues, always willing to lend a hand, share her knowledge, and encourage growth. With remarkable heart, leadership, and commitment, Suelyn Hulse shines as a true role model in senior living.
Service Before Self Award
Honoring selflessness and dedication, the Service Before Self Award recognizes a professional in Resident Programs who consistently goes above and beyond, not only meeting expectations but exceeding them in ways that truly make a difference. While many of us strive to give our best, it is rare to see someone whose impact is so deeply felt by both residents and colleagues alike. This year's recipient has not only earned this award but has also been nominated for several others.
Danielle Venable, Resident Program Assistant at Commonwealth Senior Living at Radford, is this year's honoree. Danielle approaches every day with a genuine love for her Sweet Memories™ residents, carefully adapting programs to meet each individual's strengths, preferences, and what brings them joy. She brings fresh ideas, seeks out ongoing professional development, and supports anyone in need, often going beyond her own department to ensure residents and colleagues are cared for.
Service Before Self Nominees
We also want to recognize the additional outstanding individuals nominated for this year's Service Before Self Award:
- Shakeya Gates - Georgian Manor
- Katie Olshansky - East Paris
- Renee' Crockett - Eastern Shore
- Cameron Riley - Radford
- Patty Koval - Manassas
Resident Program Peer Mentor of the Year Award
The Resident Programs Peer Mentor of the Year Award honors a mentor who goes above and beyond to support fellow Resident Program Directors, their communities, and Regional Program Directors. This award celebrates someone who not only models excellence in their own role but also uplifts and guides others, sharing knowledge, insight, and encouragement to help the entire organization thrive.
Paula Harder, Vice President of Resident Programs & Memory Care, shares, "If I had to pick someone who consistently goes out of their way to ensure standards are met in their own community, it would be this person. That dedication is exactly why she was chosen as a mentor. Her commitment and advocacy for residents are truly exceptional."
We are proud to honor Soltana Fox as our 2025 Resident Programs Peer Mentor of the Year. Her passion, humor, and unwavering support continue to strengthen communities and inspire excellence across Commonwealth Senior Living.
Resident Program Assistant of the Year Award
The Resident Program Assistant of the Year Award celebrates an individual who goes above and beyond in supporting their community, residents, and team. This award recognizes someone who embodies our core values through dedication, initiative, and a genuine commitment to enhancing resident experiences.
Renee' Crockett with Commonwealth Senior Living at the Eastern Shore earns this year's award. Her Resident Program Director shares, "Renee' is always the first to step in whenever a need arises. Her dedication to residents, our community, and our team is unmatched. She notices subtle changes in residents, proactively seeks solutions, and ensures everyone stays engaged and supported. We are unquestionably better at what we do because she is part of our team."
Renee's observant, caring, and proactive approach makes her an indispensable member of her community and a true example of service and excellence in action.
Resident Program Director of the Year Award
The Resident Program Director of the Year Award honors a leader who demonstrates exceptional vision, creativity, and dedication in shaping meaningful resident experiences. This award recognizes someone who inspires their team, collaborates across departments, and consistently prioritizes the well-being of residents while driving innovation in programming.
We are proud to recognize Cameron Riley, Resident Program Director of Commonwealth Senior Living at Radford, as this year's recipient. Her Executive Director shares, "Cameron is always willing to lend a helping hand and provides on-the-spot guidance when opportunities arise. She manages her department with grace, ensures programs meet every need, and keeps residents' best interests at the forefront. Open to new ideas and an invaluable member of our leadership team, Cameron's dedication strengthens our entire community."
Cameron's creativity, leadership, and commitment to residents make her a true example of excellence in Resident Programs.
Honoring the Teams Who Make a Difference Every Day
A heartfelt thank you to our Resident Programs and Resident Care teams for the countless ways you enrich the lives of residents, families, and colleagues each day. You make Commonwealth Senior Living shine.
Ready to be part of this award-winning team? Check out our current career opportunities.
We’ve been recognized as a Great Place to Work, celebrating a supportive, collaborative, and award-winning culture. Our team members are valued, empowered, and inspired to make a meaningful impact every day.
Not necessarily! We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who are eager to make a difference. Training is provided, and a dedication to enriching residents’ lives is key.
Explore current openings on our Careers page. Apply online for the role that fits your skills and interests to become part of our award-winning Resident Programs team.