Details
Dietary Supervisor, Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community
Sioux Falls, SD
Age: 29
Education: CDM program through the University of North Dakota
Years at organization: 12
Why Selected?
According to Kim Hejna, CDM, support services manager, Jessica has made an impact on foodservice by:
- Bringing with her a positive attitude, computer skills and a willingness to embrace change
- Seeking out family members to ensure that the nutrition department is doing all it can to meet the nutritional needs of the residents
- Being involved with the planning of our current building project, which will include the addition of a deli
Get to know
Working my way up to my current position. When I started in high school I was passing trays and washing dishes.
Q. What would you say you excel at over more seasoned colleagues?Growing up with technology throughout my life, I am able to assist fellow employees who aren’t as comfortable with technology and teach them something new.
Q. What's the best career advice you've been given?Leave at the end of the day knowing you made a difference.
Q. What's been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome?Starting in the supervisory role at 22 and having my colleagues take me seriously.
Q. What's been your most rewarding moment?Successfully working together with our leadership team to host our facility’s 25th anniversary. It was a lot of work but worth it all in the end to see the smiles on the more than 200 people who attended.
Q. What would you like to accomplish in your career in the next two years?We are currently in the process of building a new long-term care/assisted living facility. Inside that building, we will have a deli. I’ve never worked in a deli before, but I hope to make it what the residents and their families want, while still trying new menu ideas.
Q. What's been your funniest on-the-job disaster?During my first month as the department supervisor, I tried to exit a meeting but walked into a closet—gracefully, of course!
Q. What can you look back at now and laugh at?My staff and I laugh daily at the little things that happen. We enjoy our jobs and find the humor in everyday activities. You will always know where I am as you can hear me laughing.