A Decade of Dedication: Traditions at Brookside Celebrates Ten Years of Stability and Service 

Traditions at Brookside is recognizing and reflecting on ten years of exceptional care, community, and continuity. What began as a team working out of a trailer before the building even opened has grown into one of the most stable, long‑tenured senior living teams in the region, a community defined by loyalty, compassion, and a deep commitment to residents.

From day one, Traditions at Brookside has built on the belief that strong connections create strong communities. That belief has shaped everything from staffing to resident life, and it shows. 

"When seniors live at home without receiving the daily help they need, they often end up in the hospital, time after time. It is so rewarding to meet with residents who were hesitant about moving into Brookside after they are settled in, enjoying meals with new friends, and seeing how happy they are." Kara Cope, Day 1 Employee at Traditions at Brookside

A Team That Never Left And Never Lost Sight of the Mission

Few senior living communities can say they have staff who have been there since the very beginning. That longevity has created a stability that makes employees and residents want to stay.

Patty June, current Executive Director, has led with warmth, expertise, and a deeply personal connection to residents. She is known for knowing every resident by name and for her belief that “we are here to make a difference in people’s day‑to‑day lives.” 

Maria Ingram, Wellness Director, brings clinical excellence paired with genuine compassion, leading by example and treating residents like family. She has been a cornerstone of the success at Traditions at Brookside. 

"It's important to me to lead by example, to be excellent at what I do. I think it's equally important to be skilled while being a good listener, smiling, giving hugs, and encouraging my residents. That is what you do with your family, and these people are part of our family." Maria Ingram, Day 1 Employee at Traditions at Brookside

Gerald Keys, Maintenance Director; Carla Reed, Activity Director; Janet Taboda, Business Office Manager; and Cinder Coher, Move-In Coordinator, have each contributed to the stability that defines Brookside; many of them having served nearly a decade themselves.

This longevity isn’t just a point of pride; it’s a strategic advantage. Long‑tenured staff provide greater continuity of care, deeper relationships, and a level of trust that can’t be manufactured.

Residents feel it. Families feel it. And the staff feel it too.

Celebrating Growth From Within

Brookside’s culture of stability doesn’t just retain great people; it helps them grow. 

Kara Cope, who began her career as Community Relations Director, will soon step into the role of Administrator-in-Training, continuing her leadership journey within the community she loves. Kara’s passion for senior living began early in her career, and she has long believed in the transformative power of assisted living for seniors who need support, connection, and safety. 

Adrianna Moore, who helped open the building as a Receptionist, CAN, and Activity Assistant, is another example of Brookside’s commitment to developing talent. After several years at Brookside, she left to become a flight attendant, another role rooted in safety, service, and care, and will soon return as Community Relations Director, bringing those same values back to the community.

Their stories reflect a truth at the heart of Brookside: people stay because they believe in the mission.

A Culture That Makes Residents Want to Stay, Too

Brookside’s stability doesn’t just benefit staff. Most importantly, it creates a home where residents feel secure, known, and valued.

Many residents choose to stay within the community as their needs change, transitioning from Independent Living to Assisted Living or Memory Care. With only 30-day leases, residents don’t have to stay; they choose to stay because they want to.

That loyalty is a direct reflection of the culture we’ve built at Traditions at Brookside.

Every event, every program, every moment is designed with residents in mind. Brookside’s team believes that helping residents live more fulfilled lives also helps staff live more fulfilled lives, creating a cycle of purpose that fuels the entire community.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter With the Same Heart

As Brookside looks ahead to celebrating its 10‑year anniversary, it also steps into a new era of leadership and growth. With Kara beginning her Administrator-in-Training journey and long-tenured leaders continuing to guide the community, the future at Traditions at Brookside is bright!