News Updates
View our upcoming news updates at Sodalis!
- All
- Austin
- Cantonment
- College Station
- Deer Park
- Defuniak Springs
- Lake Jackson
- Largo
- Milton
- San Antonio
- Stone Oak
- Temple
- Texas City
- Victoria
November Firestarter – Temple
Name Maghan Stephens Position Cook Fun fact about Fire Starter I have kids ages 22, 18, 16, 14 and 12 How he/she got into senior living Helping take care of my grandmother when she decline Favorite part about working with seniors watching them try to figure out what dessert I made Favorite part about Sodalis family so close and feels like family. Hobbies/Interests outside work Always outside with my kids fishing and doing arts and crafts
November Firestarter – Lake Jackson
Name Jessica Ochou Position RA Fun fact about Fire Starter She is from CA How he/she got into senior living Her mother used to work in a NH and she would go to work with her sometimes. She loved the residents and always wanted to give it a try. So when she moved to TX the opportunity came up and she took it and has loved it ever since. Favorite part about working with seniors Their stories Favorite part about Sodalis family Residents Hobbies/Interests outside work Family
November Firestarter – Largo
Name Jaritza Paul Position 1st shift MED TECH Fun fact about Fire Starter very outgoing and humble How he/she got into senior living taking care of loved ones and relizing I wanted to help in more ways Favorite part about working with seniors hearing old stories of the residents in there good old days Favorite part about Sodalis family team work beteen my coworkers Hobbies/Interests outside work reading, drawing, listenng to music and gardening.
November Firestarter – Austin
Name Ruth Reynoso Position Resident Care Staff Fun fact about Fire Starter Loves to do Hair and Nails and Make Up, it’s a passion and a side gig How he/she got into senior living Referred by a co-worker, loves to help and take care of people Favorite part about working with seniors Waking them up and getting them ready for the day. Always make sure hair is done Favorite part about Sodalis family New Opportunities and learning new skills Hobbies/Interests outside work Play Pool, mini golf, and love to play volleyball with my family and my kids
November Firestarter – Deer Park
Name Audrey Taylor Position Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter I like crafty. very family oriented. Caring for other is a passion. How he/she got into senior living Worked for a resident, love the community it was clean and seemed fun so I came to work for Sodalis. Favorite part about working with seniors The memories, the stories , the conversations. Favorite part about Sodalis family The Teamwork. Hobbies/Interests outside work vactiaoning and Camping.
November Firestarter – Defuniak Springs
Name Trinity Turner Position Med tech Fun fact about Fire Starter She likes to joke around and will put a smile on your face How he/she got into senior living Always had a heart for the elderly as a young adult Favorite part about working with seniors The stories they tell and they’re since of humor Favorite part about Sodalis family We are like a “true” family…we laugh together.. work hard together.. Hobbies/Interests outside work drawing, painting, puzzles, plants,
November Firestarter – San Antonio
Name Crystal Castellanos Position Concierge Fun fact about Fire Starter Outgoing person How he/she got into senior living Taking care of grandparents inspired Crystal to get in to senior living Favorite part about working with seniors they always make her laugh Favorite part about Sodalis family Being part of a team Hobbies/Interests outside work shoping and family gatherings
November Firestarter – Victoria ALF
Name Leticia Fonseca Position Activity Director Fun fact about Fire Starter Leticia drives 45min one way to get to Sodalis every day she used to drive no more than 15miles one way before she started to work at Sodalis How he/she got into senior living Leticia has always been around elder people, when she was growing up her mom used to take her to bible study where elder people. Favorite part about working with seniors listening to their history I feel its amazing! Favorite part about Sodalis family Leticia feels like we are a family Hobbies/Interests outside work no hobbies other than family have 3 kids, we have game night at least 4times per night.
November Firestarter – Stone Oak
Name Tisha Penright Position Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter I can make anyone smile How he/she got into senior living My uncle he used to work at brookdale Favorite part about working with seniors Making them smile Favorite part about Sodalis family Teamwork,and how everyone loves coming to work like i do. Hobbies/Interests outside work Reading mystery books, sewing,doing hair, working with kids.
November Firestarter – Milton
Name Shelly Weider Position Concerige Fun fact about Fire Starter Likes whit water rafting How he/she got into senior living Stared as an Activity Director with the elderly and loved being with them. Favorite part about working with seniors Getting to know them Favorite part about Sodalis family How everyone cares about each other Hobbies/Interests outside work Exercise and I collect Penguins
November Firestarter – College Station
Name Pierre Bien-Aime Position Resident Assistant Fun fact about Fire Starter Juggles How he/she got into senior living Granfather Favorite part about working with seniors Their stories and kind hugs Favorite part about Sodalis family Team work and laughing with our residents Hobbies/Interests outside work Listen to Music and go to parks
November Firestarter – Texas City
Name Stephanie Hernandez Position Housekeeper Fun fact about Fire Starter Love to cook and try new dishes. How he/she got into senior living It was happenstance. My mom worked in senior living and she got me interested. Favorite part about working with seniors I love learning their life stories and history. Favorite part about Sodalis family The ED. She actually listens to our needs and concerns. Hobbies/Interests outside work Drawing – I am thinking about going back to school to study art.
October Firestarter – Temple
Name Irma Segura Position MedTech Fun fact about Fire Starter Irma loves to listen to music and loves her grand daughter Ava How he/she got into senior living She went into Geratric Healthcare beacause she took care of her mother and loves the older population Favorite part about working with seniors Getting to know them and their stories Favorite part about Sodalis family Teamwork and everyone is friendly its her family Hobbies/Interests outside work Outside of caregiving she loves to listen to music and spend time with her grand daughter
October Firestarter – Texas City
Name Lacie Gloud Position Medication Aide Fun fact about Fire Starter I am 30 years old and have 6 wonderful kids. How he/she got into senior living Took care of my gandmother and it launched my career into senior living. Favorite part about working with seniors I love the stories thye have to tell about their life experiences. Favorite part about Sodalis family We are like a family and we stick together. Hobbies/Interests outside work I like to eat and watch Lifetime movies and crime shows and spending time with my kiddos.
October Firestarter – Victoria
Name Pat Mcginess Position Housekeeper Fun fact about Fire Starter I do my car repairs, not always end up working out. How he/she got into senior living by a referral from a dear friend Favorite part about working with seniors making them smile, by fixing some of their problems, responding to their needs Favorite part about Sodalis family working with managment to fix issues and keep the place looking great, get compliments from work done. Hobbies/Interests outside work my hobbies are computers, games, and anything electronic I can get my hands on
October Firestarter – San Antonio
HARAYO-STURM, HEIDI Firestarter Award Name HEIDI HARAYO-STURM Position Housekeeper Fun fact about Fire Starter HEIDI HARAYO-STURM How he/she got into senior living Favorite part about working with seniors Making them happy and providing great service
October Firestarter – Milton
Name Kellie Ard Position Cook Fun fact about Fire Starter Just love cooking How he/she got into senior living Referred by a friend. Favorite part about working with seniors They make your day when they complement how good the food was. Favorite part about Sodalis family They take care of their employees and a great work enviroment. Hobbies/Interests outside work Spending time with Family an friends.
October Firestarter – Largo
Name Bianca Glass Position Lead Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter I like to hangout with friends on karaoke night, sing, and be silly How he/she got into senior living Caring for others and home care Favorite part about working with seniors Listening to the stories and making their lives ex Favorite part about Sodalis family We are as one, team work will make the dream work Hobbies/Interests outside work Spending time with family, kids, grandson and walking on the beach
October Firestarter – Cantonment
Name Kiara Murphy Position Med Tech How he/she got into senior living I started when I was 19 years old Favorite part about working with seniors I love all my residents Favorite part about Sodalis family Lovable Hobbies/iterests Hairstyle
October Firestarter – Lake Jackson Assisted Living
Name Kristal Lopez Position Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter She likes to make people smile How he/she got into senior living I took care of her in laws and loved it so she came and applied here. Favorite part about working with seniors You never know what you are going to get. Favorite part about Sodalis family We are love each other. Hobbies/Interests outside work Family and Arcades
October Firestarter – Austin
Name Anita Roman Position RA Med Passer Fun fact about Fire Starter Im a mom of a 14 year old girl How he/she got into senior living Started as a caretaker for my sister who was in a car accident Favorite part about working with seniors Their so loving and greatful – I feel rewarded working with them Favorite part about Sodalis family As much as we can be disfunctional we can count on eachother Hobbies/Interests outside work Love color by numbers; doing nails at home
October Firestarter – College Station
Name Deshaun Keith Johnson Position Resident Assistant Fun fact about Fire Starter Super Compassionate and loves helping residents How he/she got into senior living Wanting to help others be the best they can be Favorite part about working with seniors seeing them feeling good and helping meet their need Favorite part about Sodalis family The encouraement and kindness and always trying to make the do full of laughter Hobbies/Interests outside work Looking out for my family and enjoying each day
October Firestarter – Defuniak Springs
Name Althea Campbell Position Resident Aide Fun fact about Fire Starter she loves horror movies How he/she got into senior living Has been a CNA for 25 years Favorite part about working with seniors Gives her joy and a since of purpose in life Favorite part about Sodalis family family enviroment Hobbies/Interests outside work ministry, doing hair, volunteering, And spending time with family
Sodalis Senior Living Appoints Sean Nelson as Vice President of Operations
Sodalis Senior Living, a leading provider of senior living services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Nelson as Vice President of Operations. Nelson will help oversee the company’s operations, ensuring the highest quality of care and services for residents. With 24 years of experience in the senior living industry, Sean Nelson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Sodalis Senior Living. Prior to joining the company, Nelson held many leadership positions spanning the course of his career, but most notably as Vice President of Operations with Good Neighbor Care, Meridian Senior Living and Silver Birch Living, and as President and Chief Operations Office of Silver Birch Living. Mr. Nelson has operated in 39 states, led 55 acquisitions, and oversaw over 25 new senior living developments across the country. “We are thrilled to welcome Sean Nelson to our team,” said Traci Taylor-Roberts, President of Sodalis Senior Living. “His proven track record and deep understanding of the senior living industry will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and enhance the lives of our residents.” Mr. Nelson expressed enthusiasm about joining Sodalis Senior Living, stating, “I am excited to contribute to the company’s mission of providing exceptional care and support to seniors. I look forward adding to the success of Sodalis Senior Living.” About Sodalis Senior Living Sodalis Senior Living is a leading provider of senior care dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults transitioning into elderly care. With a rich history dating back to 1996, Sodalis has grown to encompass 36 communities across Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality of life for our residents through personalized independent, assisted, and memory care living options. Each Sodalis community offers unique amenities, exceptional care services, and a warm, home-like atmosphere that empowers residents to thrive and enjoy their golden years. With our unique Bridges Program, Sodalis provides specialized support for individuals with early to mid-stage dementia, promoting independence and continuity of care.
August Firestarter 2024 – Defuniak Springs
Name – Tammy Goudreau Position – Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter – Cerntified Scuba Diver, Loves downhill skiing, ice skating and shopping How he/she got into senior living – Love helping people Favorite part about working with seniors – Their apprication and genuine love that they show Favorite part about Sodalis family – Creating bonds Hobbies/Interests outside work – loves downhill skiing, ice skating and shopping
August Firestarter 2024 – Austin
Name – Anthony DeMarco Position – Concierge Fun fact about Fire Starter – Loves his cat and visits the residents cats. How he/she got into senior living – Transition from Hotels Favorite part about working with seniors – Feeling like I am making a difference in their lives, making them smile. Favorite part about Sodalis family – Love the LED function of Sodalis, feel it’s very important to the residents. Hobbies/Interests outside work – Loves to spend time on the water on his Paddle Board
August Firestarter 2024 – Largo
Name – Teresa Carter Position – MED TECH Fun fact about Fire Starter – Like to read books How he/she got into senior living – Started as a housekeeper Favorite part about working with seniors – Loving place to work Favorite part about Sodalis family – The people I work with Hobbies/Interests outside work – Crafts and Plants
August Firestarter 2024 – Milton
Name – Madisen Roberts Position – Cook Fun fact about Fire Starter – Love to Travel and camping How he/she got into senior living – Wanted to try something different and I love working with the residents Favorite part about working with seniors – Seeing their bright faces every day Favorite part about Sodalis family – Very friendly and fun to be around Hobbies/Interests outside work – Fishing, beach and hanging with friends.
August Firestarters 2024 – College Station
Position – Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter – Super Compassionate and fun to be around How he/she got into senior living – Loves helping Seniors feel better Favorite part about working with seniors – seeing them feeling good and helping meet their need Favorite part about Sodalis family – The love and support I get every single day ,its true compassion and care formy well being for the excutive directive Hobbies/Interests outside work – Traveling and enjoying my life
August Firestarter 2024 – San Antonio
Name – Anthony Davila Position – Cook Fun fact about Fire Starter – Love fishing How he/she got into senior living – I got into senior living when my mom got cancer, I cared for her and realized I enjoyed caring for others. Favorite part about working with seniors – I really enjoy knowing that I am feeding them good food, and mingling with them. Favorite part about Sodalis family – I have a Great Boss and co-workers. I really love my job here at Sodalis. Hobbies/Interests outside work – I enjoy fishing and spending time with my kids.
August Firestarter 2024 – Victoria
Name – Tenisha Riser Position – Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter – Im kind of tall residents just love that I can help them How he/she got into senior living – I had always been taking care of some one or some body, I try to stay positive. Favorite part about working with seniors – their love they share to us, appreciation Favorite part about Sodalis family – I really love the way they are with me like a family Hobbies/Interests outside work – my hobbies are my family, I spend most of my free time with them
August Firestarter 2024 – Texas City
Name – Latavia Steward Position – Resident Aide Fun fact about Fire Starter – Likes to make people laugh and clown around. How he/she got into senior living – First time working in senior living, took job due to need for work. Favorite part about working with seniors – I love them like there are my grandparents. Favorite part about Sodalis family – The employees I work with. Hobbies/Interests outside work – Volleyball – sand, court any kind!!!
Sodalis President, Traci Taylor-Roberts, Featured in Senior Housing News
Traci Taylor-Roberts, the President of Sodalis Senior Living, was recently featured in a story by Senior Housing News regarding a new trend in the senior living industry called the ‘half-back phenomenon.’ It relates to older adults who moved to places like Florida after retirement, and are now moving to cities about half the distance back to their original homes. Here is an excerpt from the article… In the coming years, the senior living industry faces an interesting trend called the “half-back phenomenon.” No, this is not related to football. Instead, the term refers to older adults who moved to places like Florida after retirement, and are now moving to cities about half the distance back to their original homes. The phenomenon was detailed in a new NIC MAP Vision report. This and other trends mean that operators will have opportunities to attract older adults where they are living and aging in place, “even in metros with stagnating or even declining total populations,” according to NIC MAP Vision. On the secondary market side, NIC MAP Vision highlighted Austin, Texas for its cultural scene, climate, relative affordability and diverse population. The city is “projected to see the highest percentage increase in its senior population, nearing 40% by 2024,” according to NIC MAP Vision. But keep in mind that just last month, we reported on the lengthy power outages that senior living communities in the Houston area experienced after Hurricane Beryl. Sodalis Senior Living President Traci Taylor-Roberts spoke about the costs incurred by the storm and its aftermath, including between $50,000 and $100,000 to bus residents out of one affected community. To read the article in its entirety, CLICK HERE.
Sodalis Senior Living and GetSetUp Partner to Enrich Senior Lives
New Collaboration Brings Over a Hundred Online Classes to Enhance Well-Being and Combat Isolation Sodalis Senior Living, a premier provider of senior living services, has partnered with GetSetUp, the leading online learning platform tailored for older adults, to offer a new range of enriching activities and classes for residents. This collaboration, which officially began in June 2024 following a successful 90-day pilot program, will run through June 3, 2025. The partnership aims to enhance the mental, physical, and social well-being of Sodalis residents through GetSetUp’s comprehensive catalog of hundreds of classes. These classes, which cover topics such as technology, fitness, travel, food, meditation, arts & creativity, and history & culture, are now embedded on Sodalis’s website, including the main navigation and on each of the 13 Sodalis Sky Active Living Independent Living pages, providing easy access for the approximately 1,500 residents to participate by accessing: https://sodalissenior.com/classes/ The opportunity to have GetSetUp Anywhere classes embedded directly on Sodalis’ website means that learners can easily access classes directly from the website they are most familiar with—the Sodalis site. It offers classes that are available any time, day or night, for residents seeking activities, thus expanding Sodalis programming to 24 hours across diverse topics to meet the needs of their diverse residents. Plus, GetSetUp’s embedded classes are frictionless and viewable directly from learners’ device browsers, which helps to reduce any digital issues that might arise from new technology. Lawrence Kosick, President and Co-Founder of GetSetUp, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, “We are thrilled to partner with Sodalis Senior Living to provide their residents with engaging and enriching activities through our platform. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults. By integrating our comprehensive catalog of classes into Sodalis’s communities, we are helping to foster mental, physical, and social well-being and ensuring that residents have the resources they need to live their best lives.” Sodalis residents have free access to these classes, which have been instrumental in reducing social isolation and providing equitable access to resources, especially in rural and socio-economically diverse areas. The GetSetUp platform is designed to be user-friendly, meeting older adults where they are and making technology accessible to everyone. Traci Taylor-Roberts, President of Sodalis Senior Living, highlighted the benefits: “We love the opportunities GetSetUp provides for our residents and how it compliments our own programming with additional around-the-clock opportunities to learn for our residents. This partnership allows us to introduce more active lifestyle options and daily activities that truly enrich our residents’ lives and offer diverse opportunities for them to learn in a style and at a time that works best for them.” Since its inception, Sodalis Senior Living has grown from 9 to 36 communities. The integration of GetSetUp has already shown positive outcomes in the initial 13 locations, with plans to expand across all Sodalis communities. The partnership between GetSetUp and Sodalis Senior Living marks a significant step in promoting a healthier, more connected, and fulfilling lifestyle for older adults. By leveraging technology and innovative programming, this collaboration ensures that seniors have access to continuous learning and social engagement opportunities at every stage of their lives. For more information about GetSetUp, visit GetSetUp and visit the Sodalis Senior Living GetSetUp classes at: https://sodalissenior.com/classes/ Together, GetSetUp and Sodalis Senior Living are creating a brighter future for older adults, fostering a community where learning, connection, and growth are at the forefront.
Sodalis Recognized by McKnights Senior Living for Ranking on Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies List
Sodalis Senior Living is pleased to have been recognized by McKnights Senior Living, one of the industry’s most reputable publications, for its ranking on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies! Sodalis ranked No. 1,237 on the list, and has been recognized in the Inc. 5000 for three consecutive years. This achievement is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment and hard work. We extend our deepest gratitude to our exceptional staff, residents, and their families for contributing to this remarkable accomplishment. To read the McKnight’s story in its entirety, CLICK HERE.
July Firestarter 2024 – San Antonio
Name – Kashima Chapman Position – Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter – Loves Elephants How he/she got into senior living – Her brother introduced her into the career path Favorite part about working with seniors – Their liviness Favorite part about Sodalis family – Tanisha – Executive Director 🙂 Hobbies/Interests outside work – Going to the movies, nature walks
July Firestarter 2024 – Temple
Name – Shacoya Williams Position – RA/Med Tech Fun fact about Fire Starter – Bubbly Attitude How he/she got into senior living – Has a passion for helping others Favorite part about working with seniors – Everyday is an adventure Favorite part about Sodalis family – We act as one Hobbies/Interests outside work – Spending time with my kids
July Firestarter 2024 – Milton
Name – Hollene Benson Position – RA Fun fact about Fire Starter – Beach time How he/she got into senior living – In trade school took medical class and this was my passion since I was 19 Favorite part about working with seniors – Interacting with Residents Favorite part about Sodalis family – Everybody works well together Hobbies/Interests outside work – Reads a lot