Village On The Isle honors long-term employees, including CEO

Village On The Isle (VOTI), a not-for-profit Life Plan community in Venice, recently recognized 30 employees celebrating a milestone anniversary this year, including four employees who have been at the community for 15 years or more. The employees were recognized during a celebratory luncheon this summer.

During the luncheon, CEO Doug Feller was recognized for 10 years of service to the community.

“What an honor it has been to serve our residents and their families for the last 10 years,” said Feller. “During that time, we’ve seen incredible growth and are poised to take on the next chapter – with a highly anticipated expansion - backed by an incredible team of people who are the heart of the VOTI community.”

During the luncheon, VOTI also recognized licensed practical nurse (LPN) Tina Orlikowski who celebrated her 25-year anniversary with the community this year.

“Tina’s legacy isn’t just the number of years she’s worked; it’s her kindness, her knowledge and her consistency. It’s the confidence she’s given new nurses and the comfort she’s provided residents,” said Kera Literal, Director of Nursing, who celebrated her five-year anniversary this year. “She is a pillar of the nursing team, and we are better because of her.”

Ashley Livingston, the environmental services supervisor, was also recognized for 20 years at the community. Since joining the community, Ashley has moved her way up from being a housekeeper in the Health Center to becoming the team lead and then the supervisor. Her supervisor, Missy Collard, recognized her during the luncheon and spoke of the pride she takes in providing great service and keeping the community clean for residents to enjoy.

“Her attention to detail is superb and her strong work ethic plays a crucial role in maintaining resident satisfaction, as well as our reputation in the community and our exemplary performance in state surveys,” said Collard.

During the milestone luncheon, VOTI recognized the following employees:

25 years:

Tina Orlikowski, LPN, Health Center

20 years:

Ashley Livingston, Environmental Services Supervisor

15 years:

Ofelia Stanciu, Culinary Utility Staff

Donald Eagen, Housekeeping Porter

10 years:

Charles Juracsik, CNA, Assisted Living

Yolene Metayer, CNA, Assisted Living

Teresa Jury, Culinary Prep Cooks

Jeffrey Nelson, Security Guard

Charles Butler, Transportation Driver

Elcie Francois, CNA, Health Center

Theresa Auer, LPN, Assisted Living

Marie Jean, CNA, Health Center

Douglas Feller, CEO

5 years:

Charles Burwan, Security Guard

Margie Tibon, LPN, Health Center

Mark Alan Montgomery, Culinary & Dining Director

Etienne Victor, Culinary Healthcare Technician

Diana Blowers, RN, Health Center

Sandra Lee Dakai Garcia, CNA, Health Center

Komla Sewonu Degan, CNA, Health Center

Laura Williamson, RN, Health Center

Karen Madden, HR/Community Engagement Director

Kera Literal, Director of Nursing, Health Center

Lisa Hanley, RN, Health Center

Olivera Downing, RN, Health Center

Jennifer Kedley, Staff Development Coordinator, Infection Prevention, Health Center

Holly Borrero, Health Services Director

Ronald Porter, Housekeeping

Derek Spencer, Sous Chef

Marie Jusma, Dietary Technician

“It’s not lost on us that senior living typically has a high turnover rate, and we’ve had employees who have dedicated nearly their entire career to our community,” said Feller. “If you ask any of them why this is the case, they’ll likely tell you it’s because of the people – residents and staff – and that’s something we’re proud of.”

VOTI offers employees a comprehensive benefits package, including employer-sponsored health benefits, retirement plans, and flexible schedules. The community also has a resident-funded scholarship, the VOTI Educational Grants Program, designed to support and encourage the education of VOTI employees and their dependent children.

For more information on a career at VOTI, visit villageontheisle.com/careers.

About Village On The Isle

Incorporated in 1979, Village On The Isle is a nonprofit Life Plan community affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The community is located less than half a mile from the Gulf of Mexico at 920 Tamiami Trail South in Venice, Fla. It offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing and gives residents an opportunity to live independently in apartments and cottages, then transition to higher levels of care with caregiver assistance as their needs warrant. For more information, visit www.VillageOnTheIsle.com.