July STARS Employee of the Month

Sarah Shotwell,
Dining Team Independent Living
» Start Date: November 2023
» Born and Raised: Eufaula, OK
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Osteopathic Doctor
» Favorite Sport: Baseball
» One Meal Forever: Fettuccine Alfredo
» Described by Friends: Happy and Encouraging
» Hobbies: Reading and Being in Nature
» First Job: CNA
» Favorite Quote: Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
» Family Recipe: Brownies
» Favorite Book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
» Free Time: Spending time with Friends
» Fun Fact: Very Spiritual Person
» What her supervisor says: “Sarah has been a good addition to the Charter Oak team. She is very kind
and funny. She has been a delight to work with and I am looking forward to all she will bring to the team
and Trinity Woods.” – Stacy Pine

July STARS Employee of the Month

Nick Terrell, Dining Team Health Center
» Start Date: September 2020
» Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Storm Chaser
» One Meal Forever: Red Hot Applesauce
» Described by Friends: Sensitive and Caring
» Hobbies: Crafts, Painting, Sewing and Embroidery
» First Job: Clerk for Reasor’s
» Favorite Quote: “Smile for the people in the grocery store.” – Allie Jensen
» First Car: 2008 Jeep Wagoner
» Favorite Movie: The Whale
» Favorite Book: Billions & Billions by Carl Sagan
» Collects: Uranium Glass
» Free Time: Hiking and Spending time with Family
» Fun Fact: Parents were professional clowns.
» What his supervisor says: “Nick is a pleasure to work with. He is very kind and compassionate when
dealing with the members. He always goes out of his way to make sure they have what they need.” – Liz
Misak, Dietary Manager

June STARS Employee of the Month

Leslie Sones, CMA, Health Center

Start Date: July 2022
Education: Edison High School and Tulsa Community College
Wanted to be as a Kid: Nurse
Favorite Sport: Football
One Meal Forever: Tacos!
Described by Friends: That she looks serious but is funny.
Hobbies: Reading and Writing Poetry
First Job: Kentucky Fried Chicken
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Bible Verse: “When a man’s ways please the
LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7
Family Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie
Favorite Movie: Waiting to Exhale
Favorite Book: The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin
Collects: Coffee Mugs
Free Time: Spending time with grandkids
Fun Fact: She has a fear of mermaids
Family: Mother of four children
What her supervisor says: “Lesile is very caring to elders and staff. Is always willing to help out.” – Harriett Zavala, Household Manager

May STARS Employee of the Month

Sandra Price – Dietary Aide

Start Date: December 2010
Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
Wanted to be as a Kid: Fire Fighter
Favorite Sport: Hopscotch
One Meal Forever: Pork Chops and Cabbage
Described by Friends: Nice, Kind and Giving
Hobbies: Watching Movies
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Bible Verse: “Honor your mother and father.”
Family Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie
Favorite Book: Bible
Collects: Old Coins
Free Time: Watching grandkids.
Fun Fact: I like to have fun and play jokes!
What her supervisor says: “Sandra is always kind and compassionate with the members. She is willing to help staff and members daily. She is a pleasure to have on the Dietary Team and dependable.” – Liz Misak, Dietary Manager

April STARS Employee of the Month

Cecelia Moti, LPN, Health Center

Start Date: June 2022
Born and Raised: The countryside of Kenya
Wanted to be as a Kid: Police Officer
Favorite Sport: Field Hockey
One Meal Forever: Corn and Beans and Mashed Potatoes
Described by Friends: A good storyteller.
First Job: Teacher
Motivation: My 3 a.m. calls with my mother who reassures me that I’m at the right place, at the right time, with the right people, and to always pray.
Favorite Movie: Gran Torino
Favorite Book: The River and the Source by Grace Ogolla
Free Time: Play acoustic guitar.
Fun Fact: She is a minimalist and never celebrates birthdays.
Favorite Bible Verse: Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10
What her supervisor says: “Compassion, professionalism, and exceptional care – Cecilia embodies the true essence of a caregiver who goes above and beyond for the well-being of our elders here at Trinity Woods.” – Anderson Bambokile, Priddy Harbor Household Manager

April STARS Employee of the Month

Tasha Thomas, CMA, Memory Care Assisted Living Houses

Start Date: August 2023
Born and Raised: Okmulgee, OK
Wanted to be as a Kid: Ballerina
Favorite Sport: Track and Field
One Meal Forever: Lasagna
Described by Friends: Goofy and very friendly
Hobbies: Writing Poetry and shopping
Favorite Bible Verse: The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23
First Car: 1991 Mazda 626
Favorite Movie: Sleepers staring Robert DeNiro
Favorite Book: While My Pretty One Sleeps by Anne Canadeo
Motivated By: Knowing one day someone will care for me and I would like to be treated well.
What her supervisor says: “Tasha is a ‘one of a kind’ employee. She demonstrates all the values of Trinity Woods. She is honest, dependable, kind and is an asset to have on our team.” – Kathy Cloyde, Memory Care Households Manager

March STARS Employee of the Month

Sherrick Sanford, Cook on the Dining Team

Start Date: July 2023
Born and Raised: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Education: Tulsa Technology Center
Wanted to be as a Kid: An Athlete
Favorite Sport: Football, Basketball, Wresting, UFC
One Meal Forever: Breakfast – “A very awesome meal!”
Described by Friends: Words can’t describe Sherrick
Hobbies: Music, Sports and Reading
First Job: Landscaping
Favorite Holiday: Christmas – I love giving gifts!
Family Recipe: Gumbo
Favorite Book: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Collects: Vinyl Records
What his supervisor says: “Positive and always willing to help staff and members. Sherrick is willing to assists those around him and is very pleasant to work with.” – Ling Pham, Executive Chef

February STARS Employees of the Month

Jessica Definbaugh, LPN – Health Center

Start Date: May 2023
Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
Education: Tulsa Tech
Wanted to be as a Kid: Police Officer
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Described by Friends: Outgoing and Funny
First Job: Dietary Aid
Family Recipe: Coconut Chicken Curry
Favorite Movie: The Neverending Story
Motivated By: I love what I do!
Free Time: Enjoys hiking with husband.
Family: Married with five children
What her supervisor says: “Jessica showcases her person-first values daily, setting a great example for her team. Families continue to express their appreciation for the compassion she shows to everyone.” – Jacob Will, VP of Health Services

February STARS Employees of the Month

Vanna Hixson – Wellness Team/ Member Services

Start Date: April 2023
Born and Raised: California
Education: Arkansas Tech University
Wanted to be as a Kid: Fashion Designer
One Meal Forever: Peanut Butter
Described by Friends: Bubbly, Fun and Big Heart
Hobbies: Gardening, Riding Bikes, Bird Watching
Favorite Bible Verse: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:56
Family Recipe: Grandma’s Chocolate Gravy
Favorite Book: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Collects: Crosses
What her supervisor says: “Vanna is a dedicated member of the Trinity Woods team. She comes in
with a smile and positive attitude every day and strives to fulfill our mission. Vanna has a passion to serve
others and you can see it in the customer service she provides to the residents.” – Carri Matheson, Director of Member Services

January STARS Employee of the Month

Lori Calix, Housekeeping

Start Date: March 2023
Born: Tulsa, OK
Raised: Santa Ana, CA
Education: Career Point College
Wanted to be as a Kid: Health Care Professional
One Meal Forever: Pizza or Cereal
Described by Friends: Kind, sweet and down to earth
First Car: 1994 Dodge Neon
Favorite Movie: Home Alone
Favorite Book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Free Time: Cooking, Dancing and Exercising
Family: One Daughter
What her supervisor says: “Lori has worked at Trinity Woods for nine months and has fit in perfectly. She does a great job and makes the residents she serves very happy. We are glad to have her on our team!” – Cathy Green,

December STARS of the Month

Jennifer Mullenix – Housekeeping

Start Date: January 2023
Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
Education: Central High School and Platt College
Wanted to be as a Kid: Oceanographer
Favorite Sport: Golf
One Meal Forever: Watermelon
First Job: Bakery Assistant
Family Recipe: Mother’s Homemade Noodles
Favorite Movie: Tombstone
Favorite Book: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Collects: Rocks
Fun Fact: She is able to do bird calls, mainly duck calls.
Family: Married with one daughter
What her supervisor says: “Jennifer does a fantastic job cleaning in the Health Center. She is very detail oriented and wants to do the job right the first time. I get a lot of compliments on her work. I am very glad to have her on our team!” – Cathy Green, Housekeeping Manager

December STARS of the Month

Lea Ann Sims – Sales Representative

Start Date: March 2023
Born: McKeesport, PA
Raised: Beggs, OK
Education: Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Wanted to be as a Kid: Doctor’s Wife or Farmer
Favorite Sport: Olympics
Hobbies: Reading and Flower Gardening
First Job: Picking pecans in an orchard
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Family Recipe: Mom’s Potato Salad
Favorite Movie: Hope Floats
Favorite Book: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Collects: Rocks or sand from places she travels
Fun Fact: Would like to move to Costa Rica one day
Family: Married for 23 years with one daughter
What her supervisor says: “Lea Ann is a valued member of the Trinity Woods sales teams. She has a passion for helping people find their way to our senior living community. She continually goes above and beyond to help people feel at home here at Trinity Woods.” – Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement.

November STARS Employee of the Month

Crystal Creekmore
HR Generalist, Human Resources

Start Date: February 2019
Born: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Raised: Mounds, Oklahoma
Education: Northeastern State University
Wanted to be as a Kid: Scientist
Favorite Sport: Football, Softball and Basketball
One Meal Forever: Chips and Queso
Hobbies: Watching Sports
First Job: Grocery Store Clerk
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Bible Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
Family Recipe: New Year’s Day Black Eyed Peas
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Collects: Puzzles
Fun Fact: State Champion in Track (4×100 Relay)
Family: Married with two Daughters
What her supervisor says: “I appreciate Crystal’s attention to detail, her professionalism, and her ability to handle even the most challenging situations with grace and empathy. She provides excellent customer service and guidance to all that seek her assistance. Her tireless efforts in ensuring that Human Resources is a valued asset to Trinity Woods is commendable and we are blessed to have her here providing an extraordinary level of service.” Bill Peterson, VP of Human
Resources

October STAR of the Month

Aaron Farr, Security

Start Date: August 2020
Born and Raised: Parishville, NY
Wanted to be as a Kid: Farmer
One Meal Forever: Prime Rib and potatoes
Described by Friends: Friendly, helpful, smart and kind
Hobbies: Target shooting and reading
First Job: Working for father as a bricklayer
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Quote: Ask not what it benefits you but what doing the right thing gives to all.
Family Recipe: Grandmother’s burger bean cups
First Car: 1968 Rambler Rebel
Favorite Book: Dan Morgan: Rifleman by Ernest E. Tucker
Collects: Rare books
What his supervisor says: “Aaron is a team player. He enjoys working at Trinity Woods and considers it a blessing to serve our members. He always tries to go above and beyond while providing excellent service. Aaron is an asset to the Security Department.” – Mark Fiedtkou, Security Director

October STAR Employee of the Month

Nita Dunbar, RN, Holliman Center

Start Date: February 2013
Born: San Diego, CA
Raised: Joplin, MO
Education: Tulsa Junior College
Wanted to be as a Kid: Lawyer, just like Perry Mason
One Meal Forever: Anything Mexican
Described by Friends: Loyal, always available and sweet
Hobbies: Traveling and shopping
Favorite Quote: “You must be the change you wish to see
in the world” – Ghandi
Family Recipe: Husband’s Birria tacos
Favorite Movie: The Wedding Singer
Free Time: Spending time with family and friends as well as her dog Max
Fun Fact: Favorite place to visit is Hawaii
Family: Married for 22 years
What her supervisor says: “Nita is a blessing to all that she encounters. Her ability to handle situations with poise and compassion provides peace of mind for members, families and employees alike. Nita’s attention to detail ensures that optimal care is provided to members in Holliman, Marshall-Gaddy, and Barnes. Nita is a part of what sets Trinity Woods apart from anywhere else.” – Britani Chappell,
Director of Assisted Living

September STARS Employee of the Month

Heidi Garrett
Executive Administrative Assistant
Start Date: January 2022
Born: Barstow, California
Raised: All over the US (military family) graduated from Kellyville High School
Wanted to be as a Kid: A Cowgirl
Favorite Sport: Softball
One Meal Forever: Garden Tuna Salad
Described by Friends: Smart, kind and fun
First Job: Western Sizzler Hostess
Family Recipe: Holiday Hashbrown Casserole
Favorite Movie: Kiss Me Kate (1953)
Favorite Book: Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Collects: Hats
Free Time: Taking spontaneous road trips with friends and family
Family: Married with one son
What her supervisor says: “We are all very fortunate to have Heidi Garrett on our team. Her enthusiasm and cheerful smile greet everyone she encounters. She joyfully takes on all kinds of challenges. When we count our blessings, we count Heidi!” – Steve Dickie, CEO

August STARS Employee of the Month

Barbara Bradley, Housekeeping

Start Date: October 2018
Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
Wanted to be as a Kid: Flight Attendant
Favorite Sport: Football
One Meal Forever: Macaroni and Cheese
Described by Friends: Caring and Giving
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Quote: Always be kind and honest.
Favorite Movie: Anything with Julia Roberts
Favorite Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Collects: Old Tin Cans
Family: Married with three grown children
What her supervisor says: “Barbara has worked here almost 5 years. She started as a housekeeper in Holliman and now works in the ground floor laundry. She services mostly our licensed areas doing multiple loads of linen daily. She does several pickups a day and returns them, so they never have to do without. She does a fantastic job keeping the laundry operating efficiently and smoothly. We are fortunate to have her on our Team!” – Cathy Green, Housekeeping Manager

July STAR Employee of the Month

Angie Bennett, Wellness Team
Start Date: May 2022
Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
Education: Oklahoma State University
Wanted to be as a Kid: Horse jockey or truck driver
One Meal Forever: Pizza
Described by Friends: Kind and generous
First Job: Sharpes Department Store
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Collects: Starbucks Mugs
Free Time: Journaling
Family: Married with five grown children

What her collegue says: “In just 20 hours per week, “Amazing Angie” handles hundreds of reservations, creates and manages the screen slides throughout
campus, keeps Viibrant up to date, answers member questions and assists them with reservations, and
handles other special projects, all with precision, excellence, and grace. She is a marvelous colleague
and a joy to work with!” Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator

June STAR of the Month

Lori Morton, Member Services
» Start Date: May 2022
» Born: Rossville, Illinois
» Raised: Illinois and Oklahoma
» Wanted to be as a Kid: A physician or Novelist
» One Meal Forever: Fried Chicken
» Hobbies: Sewing, Crafting and Reading
» First Job: Waitress at Pizza Hut
» Favorite Holiday: Halloween, so I can dress up!
» First Car: Buick Regal
» Favorite Movie: Urban Cowboy
» Favorite Book: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
» Free Time: Enjoys spending time with her dog Lucy a Red Heeler
» Fun Fact: She won “Top Sales Person” at her last job and she was the receptionist
» What her supervisor says: “Lori has great attention to detail. She is a bright spot in Crestwood and is
always kind and helpful to everyone on campus. It makes my job easier knowing I can depend on her.”
– Carri Matheson, Director of Member Services

May STARS Employee of the Month

Greg Nievar – Maintenance
» Start Date: July 2022
» Born and Raised: Garden Grove, CA
» Education: Quinton High School and OSU-Tech
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Football Player
» One Meal Forever: Seafood
» Described by Friends: Always has a dad joke ready!
» Hobbies: Golf, Coloring and Gardening
» Favorite Holiday: Christmas
» Favorite Bible Verse: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6
» First Car: 1961 Chevy Pickup
» Favorite Movie: Jungle Book (animated)
» Fun Fact: Met his wife on a blind date and then eloped in Vegas and got married.
» Family: Married for 37 years with three daughters
» What his supervisor says: “Greg has taken to heart our “Mission Vision Values” and you can see it in how he takes care of the members on a daily basis.” – Ty Westlake, Facilities Manager

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