Celebrating the Activities Professionals of Lutheran SeniorLife Posted on January 28, 2025 Activities Professionals are integral to fulfilling Lutheran SeniorLife’s mission of fostering an Abundant Life® for those we serve. Their ability to create vibrant and engaging programs inspires wellness, cultivates joy, and strengthens a deep sense of community among our residents and participants. At St. John and Passavant Communities, as well as our LIFE Centers in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties, these talented professionals infuse every interaction with energy, creativity, and compassion. Their work goes beyond activities—they create meaningful connections, celebrate personal stories, and transform everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. We are grateful for their dedication and the lasting impact they have on the lives of those we are privileged to serve. Celebrating Activities Professionals at Passavant Community At Passavant Community, we are proud to recognize and celebrate our Activity Professionals’ dedication, creativity, and compassion during Activities Professionals Week. These talented individuals go above and beyond to bring joy, purpose, and connection to the lives of our residents. Sarah Malogrino, Recreation Therapy Manager, shares what it means to be an activity professional: “Being an activity professional isn’t just about the actual activities but also about building relationships with residents, supporting them, and appreciating the little moments that often mean the most.” She reflects on the fulfillment that comes from her work: “There’s always something unexpected that happens. The residents never cease to amaze me. Even as older adults, they never stop growing. All of our activity professionals make a big difference, and there’s always purpose behind what they do. It’s good to have a plan, but sometimes in those spontaneous moments, it is when you learn something new.” Mary Ann Frederick, who has been a part of Passavant Community for an incredible 37 years, is the leader of Shenandoah Household, a Montessori-inspired environment designed to meet residents’ wants and needs. Her expertise in fostering a nurturing atmosphere shines through every day as she helps residents thrive. “It’s enjoyable to encourage others, make someone feel comfortable, and provide a safe place to facilitate a flow of activities,” said Frederick. The Shenandoah Household offers activities tailored to its residents, from gardening and exercising to singing along with Alexa. Frederick adds, “[The most rewarding part of my career] has been sharing friendships and wonderful stories. It gives me pleasure and enriches my life!” We are deeply grateful to Sarah, Mary Ann, and all of our Activity Professionals who enrich the lives of everyone at Passavant community. Thank you for all that you do! Celebrating Activities Professionals a St. John Community The St. John Community activities professionals embody the heart of our mission—to create experiences that enrich lives and inspire joy. Michaela Sutherland, the dedicated Activity Director, leads a remarkable team including Amanda Freeman, Ashley Campbell, Patti Ogden, and Nicole Gunther. Together, they ensure that every day brings new opportunities for residents to connect, explore, and thrive. From organizing trips to destinations like Pittsburgh Pirates games, the National Aviary, and the Heinz History Center, to planning creative and engaging activities right on campus, this team works tirelessly to create moments that make life at St. John Community special and memorable. Their efforts create a vibrant, connected community and reflect the very best of what we stand for at Lutheran SeniorLife. Celebrating Activities Professionals at LIFE Armstrong, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties Lawrence County The LIFE Lawrence activities professionals are more than just staff; they are a vital part of creating a community where participants feel joy, connection, and belonging. Their dedication and passion shine through in every activity and interaction. Recreational Therapist Riley Stutz shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I love working with the participants every day. Just seeing them smile and get into the theme day/games makes all the planning and hard work worth it. I look forward to the time I get to spend with them.” Activity Associate Dana Gardner reflected on the unique bonds formed with participants: “I enjoy hearing the participant’s stories from their past.” Lisa Scheidemantle, Recreation Therapy Manager, emphasized the impact of the team’s work. “I am grateful for the difference our recreation department makes in the lives of our participants, providing them with joy and purpose. The center is where they can have a safe environment and a sense of belonging.” Kelly Sumey, another Activity Associate, highlighted the importance of building relationships. “I like working with the participants because I love talking with them about anything. Playing cards and other games that are engaging helps me build a relationship with them when they’re at the center and make some memories.” The LIFE Lawrence Activities Professionals go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. Their dedication transforms the center into a place of warmth, laughter, and connection. Beaver County At the LIFE Beaver center, there are many individuals who are dedicated to enhancing the lives of participants through meaningful connections and engaging activities. Tammy Mallary and Bridget Gerlinger Recreation Assistants for LIFE Beaver County, are two of those employees who are creating a welcoming environment for all. With her warm demeanor, Mallary emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a connection tool. “The best part of my job is being able to listen to their stories and learn about their backgrounds,” she shared. Her ability to connect with participants brings comfort and helps build a strong sense of community within the center. Bridget Gerlinger echoes Tammy’s sentiments, highlighting the impact of social interactions on participants. “The most rewarding part of what we do is witnessing a new participant make a friend, seeing them thrive in the center environment, and knowing that we make such a wonderful difference in their lives,” she expressed. Bridget’s enthusiasm shines through during activities as she works to ensure everyone feels included and valued. Together, Tammy and Bridget create an atmosphere that promotes friendship, creativity, and well-being. Their efforts translate into a vibrant daily experience where participants can engage in various activities, share laughs, and build lasting connections. As LIFE Beaver County continues to grow, the dedication and compassion of its Activities Professionals play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive community that enriches the lives of all who walk through its doors. Butler County At LIFE Butler County, we are proud to highlight the invaluable contributions of our Activities Professionals, whose passion and dedication enrich the lives of our participants every day. Our Activity Assistants and Recreation Therapists are crucial in creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere within our community. Mary Lou Kirin, one of our dedicated Activity Assistants, expressed her enthusiasm for the connections she builds with participants, stating, “I really enjoy interacting with the participants. They have so many interesting stories and experiences to share.” It’s this engaging dialogue that fosters a sense of belonging and community among our residents. Sara Davison, also an Activity Assistant, expressed her delight in witnessing the joy our activities bring to participants: “I love to see the joy on their faces and the happiness they bring to the activities they participate in.” Desiree Cronkhite, our Recreation Therapist, echoed this sentiment, “I love when the participants get to do the things they love, and seeing them happy and having fun is rewarding!” Ingrid Tallarico, Recreation Therapy Manager, beautifully encapsulated the mission, stating, “I love to see the participants smile. If I can do something to make their lives a little brighter, that makes me happy.” Armstrong County At LIFE Armstrong County, our Activities Professionals are at the core of creating joy and fostering community for those we serve. Robin Bowser, Recreation Therapy Manager, exemplifies the passion and creativity that make these professionals so vital to our mission. Robin is known for designing fun and innovative games that bring smiles to participants’ faces while creating lasting memories. Her dedication to making each day special and unique ensures that participants not only feel valued but also experience the true meaning of an Abundant Life®. We are proud to celebrate Robin and all our Activities Professionals for the meaningful impact they make each day.