Employee of the Month

Describe your family: My family is well and happy. We always try to stand by one another. 

Describe yourself in five words: Quiet, hardworking, humble, efficient, friendly. 

What do you do for fun: I like to go out to eat and to the movies. 

What is your favorite thing about your job: My favorite this is to always do the best I can. 

What is your favorite food: Baked Chicken. 

What is something you are proud of: I am proud of my children. 

What would you like people to know about you: I am a good person once you get to know me. 

Ms. Shelia is remarkable because she possesses the easily defined but hard to find qualities in an employee: honesty, reliability and compassion. She is driven by something deeper than just a desire to do a good job. She truly cares for the residents at Kirby Pines so thank you Ms. Shelia and keep up the great work. 

– Jada Mullins, Environmental Services Director 

Describe your family: My family is fun and always full of jokes and laughter.

Describe yourself in five words: Humble, observant, dependable, caring and thoughtful.

What do you do for fun: Spending time with my grandsons and watching movies.

What are some of your hobbies: Reading inspirational books and painting.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Seeing the smiles on resident’s faces and providing care.  

What is your favorite food: I love tomatoes. 

What is your favorite song: I’m Still Here by Dorinda Clark Cole.

What is something you are proud of: Raising my 3 beautiful kids into responsible, respectful adults.

What would you like people to know about you: I absolutely LOVE butterflies!

Tania was hired as the staffing coordinator for Caring In Place and then moved to Supervisor/Manager In Training in the Fall of 2022. She continues to cover the department ands works as a PCA when needed. Tania not only does all of the work for residents at Kirby Pines, she has taken on the task of providing PCA services for the residents at The Farms, too. She is truly an asset to Caring In Place, Kirby Pines and The Farms at Bailey Station. We are grateful to have her on board!

– Michael Escamilla, Executive Director 

Describe your family: Wife and mother of 3 children, ages 16, 14 and 9.

Describe yourself in five words: Hardworking, reliable, confident, enthusiastic, motivated. 

What do you do for fun: Relaxing and enjoying my family. 

What are some of your hobbies: Cooking and braiding hair.  

What is your favorite thing about your job: Assisting the residents.  

What is your favorite food: Peach cobbler. 

What is your favorite song: Tennessee Whiskey by KeKe Wyatt. 

What is something you are proud of: Proud of the person I’ve become and the goals I set for myself. 

What would you like people to know about you: I am outgoing and easy to get along with. I enjoy laughing and having fun while still focusing on the task at hand. 

Bailey began working at Kirby Pines as a front desk receptionist and her skill set quickly moved her into a trainer for new front desk personnel. Last year she was moved into the Hospitality Manager position, overseeing the front desk, concierge and drivers. Her dedication to residents, guests and fellow employees put Bailey on the path for further success. She is an excellent example of the upward mobility available to employees who continuously apply their talents while working. 

– Michael Escamilla, Executive Director 

Describe your family: I have a lovely daughter & granddaughter and my parents are still living.

Describe yourself in five words: Dependable, knowledgable, trustworthy, hardworking & kind. 

What do you do for fun: Travel and have cookouts with family. 

What are some of your hobbies: Collecting cookbooks. 

What is your favorite thing about your job: I love baking different and challenging desserts. 

What is your favorite food: Grilled meats & vegetables. 

What is your favorite song: I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston.

What is something you are proud of: I graduated from culinary school and doing something I love.

What would you like people to know about you: I enjoy helping people if I can.

Rachelle Smith is the consummate team player. She is always willing to do what is necessary to help the Residents out no matter the circumstances. Between the amazing cakes, delicious pies and outstanding work ethic, Rachelle is a pleasure to have on our team. 

– Mark Simpson, Director of Culinary Services

Describe your family: I am the only girl in the middle of four. I have a sweet niece who is fun loving.

Describe yourself in five words: Kind, caring, silly, honest, loving 

What do you do for fun: Playing table top and online games. 

What are some of your hobbies: Journaling & playing flute. 

What is your favorite thing about your job: Meeting different people from all walks of life. 

Do you have any pets: I have 3 cats and 3 dogs. 

What is your favorite food: Queso Dip & Chips. 

What is your favorite song: Mr. Brightside by the Killers. 

What is something you are proud of: Being the first in my family to go to college. 

What would you like people to know about you: If you get me out of my shell, I can make you laugh. 

Rachel is a go getter! She comes in with a positive attitude ready to work every day. She is constantly seeking out feedback from residents to continually improve programming here at Kirby Pines. She goes above and beyond, taking care of all her duties in addition to helping wherever is needed. She does whatever she can to ensure the residents are always receiving the top quality services they deserve. Rachel is such an asset to our Kirby Pines family. 

– Allison Nolan, Resident Programs Director 

Describe your family: Adoring, close-knit, devoted, fierce and loving.

Describe yourself in five words: Persistent, loyal, reliable, kind and helpful.

What do you do for fun: Shop and spend time with family.

What are some of your hobbies: Working is my hobby.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Making sure the residents are safe.

Do you have any pets: I have hogs & dogs. Yorkie, Chow Pom and Pit. Names are Boston, K.J. & Oreo.

What is your favorite food: Yams & Cabbage.

What is your favorite song: Johnnie Taylor – Sending You A Kiss.

What is something you are proud of: I’m proud of the person I have become, thanks to my parents.

What would you like people to know about you: I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Sophia Tate is a security officer that is loved by the residents at Kirby Pines. She makes everyone feel safe and secure. She will take on other responsibilities because as she states, “It needs to be done”. I am very proud to have Officer Tate on my team.

-Calvin Sims, Director of Security

Describe your family: Very joyful and happy.

Describe yourself in five words: Very kind and love to help others.

What do you do for fun: Go to the movies.

What are some of your hobbies: Making my car look great.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Love to make things look good.

What is your favorite food: Meatloaf.

What is your favorite song: Stevie Wonder – Happy Birthday.

What is something you are proud of: My parents.

What would you like people to know about you: I’m very kind.

Willie Knight works extremely hard for a department that stands alone in what they do. He has perfect attendance and always works above and beyond what is expected of him. He has a wonderful work ethic and never complains. We are proud and lucky to have Willie in the Maintenance Department.

– Chuck Neeley, Director of Maintenance

Describe your family: Happy, intelligent, loving and understanding.

Describe yourself in five words: Happy, dedicated, helpful and willing to take on any task.

What do you do for fun: Reading, shopping, spending time with family.

What are some of your hobbies: Playing my flute.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Seeing and taking care of my residents makes me smile.

What is your favorite food: Seafood and Japanese.

What is your favorite song: I love all music.

What is something you are proud of: My kids, all four of them.

What would you like people to know about you: I love life, my family, myself, my job and my faith.

Genese, takes good care of the residents, very caring and dedicated. She is a team player and a hard worker. She takes initiative and always goes the extra mile with a positive attitude. She helps residents wanting to attend special programs in getting them there and also knowing their interests and what is available to them. Thank you Genese for being part of our team!

– Florrie Clark, Assisted Living Supervisor 

Describe your family: My father was a Marine and Vietnam Vet. My mother was a nurse 46 years.

Describe yourself in five words: Dedicated, empathetic, caring, inquisitive, musical.

What do you do for fun: Write & play music and read.

What are some of your hobbies: Collecting & playing guitars.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Learning from the people I take care of.

What is your favorite food: Thai.

What is your favorite song: Sitting On The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding.

What is something you are proud of: I was in 2 bands with record deals, but love helping people.

What would you like people to know about you: I’m always learning and think travel is a gift for all.

Bobby has always been a champion for the residents at Kirby Pines, consistently advocating for the delivery of excellent care and services. While wound care is his specialty, making certain residents are safe, well-nourished and involved in activities is his passion. Throughout his tenure at Kirby, Bobby has been an integral part of the health care team helping to generate a family-like atmosphere among residents and staff. This is a well-deserved honor for a great employee and supporter of what Kirby Pines represents to the community it serves.

– Rhonda Nelson, Director of Nursing

Describe your family: We are quite large and are very close. We do everything together.

Describe yourself in five words: Honest, loyal, dependable, caring and great work ethic.

What do you do for fun: Power walking, reading, movies.

What are some of your hobbies: Cooking & Painting.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Great residents and great coworkers.

What is your favorite food: Ice Cream.

What is your favorite song: Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli.

What is something you are proud of: My caring, hard-working, successful children.

What would you like people to know about you: That I care about everybody as a Christian.

Barbara is a constant, showing up every day for her shift. She is always there to assist the residents and employees. She does it all with a smile and a helpful attitude. Barbara is dedicated and kind. She answers calls, sorts package deliveries and takes residents menu orders. She is truly an asset to Kirby Pines.

– Martha Fitzhugh, Resident Services Coordinator