First "Charlestown Speaks!" Graduates Find Their Voices

CATONSVILLE, MD (June 15, 2017) – Graduation ceremonies today were held for the first class of eight Charlestown retirement community leaders who completed a new year-long training and public speaking program called “Charlestown Speaks!”

Graduates Bailey Meyers, Sous Chef; Cathy McElwee, Supply and Distribution Coordinator; Creighton Spencer, Dining Services General Manager; Alex Kareem, Communications Manager; Susan Gibbons, Executive Assistant; Rose Suter, Project Manager; and Najah Yasin, Home Health Clinical Manager; are seen (left – right) in photo with their teachers Yvonne Rice, Human Resources Manager (left), and Heather Reck, Financial Analyst (right). Not pictured is fellow graduate Lisa Vaughan, Administrative Assistant.

The graduates received microphone-designed plaques with their names inscribed on them and the standing applause of nearly 100 colleagues during a Leadership Team Meeting held in the Conference Center.

The “Charlestown Speaks!” program included monthly meetings where participants practiced public speaking skills in a variety of formats such as extemporaneous speeches, formal speeches and panel discussions.

Attendees were videotaped to critique their progress. They received feedback from their managers, directors and residents.