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

April STARS Employee of the Month

Maria Morris, Dining
» Start Date: September 2010
» Born and Raised: Buhi, Philippines
» Education: University of Saint Anthony
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Nurse
» Described by Friends: Nice, loving and friendly
» Hobbies: Watering her orchids
» Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
» Family Recipe: Eggrolls and steamed rice cakes
» Favorite Book: Nancy Drew books
» Free Time: Enjoys playing mahjong and watching the fishing channel
» Fun Fact: I love Korean drama and K-pop boy bands – especially BTS Band!
» Family: Married for 25 years with three kids » What her supervisor says: “Maria is an asset to the Charter Oak restaurant. She constantly prepares fresh salads and fruits. She also helps her fellow employees when they are in need.” – Chef Kelsey Knouse

April STARS Employee of the Month

Dunel Calixte, CMA, Holliman Center
» Start Date: June 2010
» Born and Raised: Jamaica
» Education: Tulsa Community College
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Photographer
» Favorite Sport: Soccer
» One Meal Forever: Chicken Enchiladas
» Described by Friends: Helpful and generous
» Hobbies: Writing Poetry
» First Job: Newspaper delivery boy
» Favorite Holiday: Easter
» Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music
» Favorite Book: Bible
» Collects: Stamps and Coins
» Fun Fact: I love to cook!
» What his supervisor says: “Dunel provides personalized care to the members of Holliman and
will go the extra mile to bring joy to those he serves. Dunel’s dedication to his work is admirable and is
appreciated by all. Trinity Woods is like no other place to live and work because of employees like Dunel.” – Britani Chappell, Director of Assisted Living

March STARS Employee of the Month

Carlena Lambert, LPN Admit and Discharge Nurse

» Start Date: December 2019
» Born: Claremore, OK
» Education: Sequoyah High School and Northeast Tech Center
» Wanted to be as a Kid: A nurse, just like my grandmother.
» One Meal Forever: Anything with queso!
» Described by Friends: Fun, loving, a nurturer.
» Hobbies: My dogs – Bailey and Cooper!
» First Job: Eskimo Joes in Eastland Mall
» Family Recipe: My mom’s cheesecake
» Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing
» Collects: Lap blankets
» Free Time: Spending time with my family.
» Fun Fact: Has been a nurse for 18 years!
» Family: Married with one son.
» What her supervisor says: “Carlena’s welcoming nature contributes to the first impression of our
elders as they admit to the Health Center, as well as, the confidence she provides to the elders as they
discharge home.” – Cheryl Hrdlicka, Director of Nursing

March STARS Employee of the Month

David Kruse, Dining

» Start Date: August 2019
» Born and Raised: Tusa, OK
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Taller
» Favorite Sport: Marble Racing
» One Meal Forever: Kelsey’s Butter Chicken
» Hobbies: Longboarding
» First Job: Ranch hand
» Favorite Quote: “Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.”
» First Car: 1988 Oldsmobile
» Favorite Movie: Interstellar
» Collects: 1995 coins or bills
» Free Time: Spending time with my daughter
» What his supervisor says: ““David is a very hard working and dedicated employee. He is always
willing to lend a hand when help is needed. We are lucky to have him on the team.” – Richard
Applegate, Director of Food Services

What Now?

Take the Next Step