Author: Amee McGough

The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) hosted a gallery-style afternoon featuring the work of local Plano artist, Kelly Steller Hrad. Her colorful, abstract oil paintings were displayed throughout The Hall as a pianist played familiar tunes and guests enjoyed savory snacks and drinks. The elevated setting invited attendees to walk through the exhibit, talk with the artist and take a closer look at the texture in her work.  

Kelly’s connection to the OAW community came through resident and arts patron, Bob Drotman, and Suzy Jones, Executive Director of the ArtCentre of Plano. Suzy is a familiar face around the campus as she also gives art lectures at OAW often on Sunday afternoons. Kelly’s artistic journey began at the ArtCentre of Plano, where she first exhibited her work, making this opportunity to share her paintings at the Plano senior living community especially significant. 

Kelly’s work is part of the Reflectionist movement, featuring textured, palette-knife oil paintings layered with color and movement.

“When someone stands in front of one of my pieces, I don’t expect them to see exactly what I saw when I created it. In fact, I hope they discover something of their own within it – a place they remember, a feeling that returns or a story that rises quietly to the surface. My hope is that the paintings open a small doorway to those moments, while the written stories beside each piece offer a glimpse into the experiences that inspired them. It’s a privilege to share that experience with a community whose residents have lived such rich and meaningful lives,” shared Kelly.  

Kelly’s art will remain on display at OAW throughout March, with several pieces available for purchase. The OAW Community Life team looks forward to hosting more gallery events showcasing local artists throughout the year.  

By Amee McGough

On March 11, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) the Therapy Department celebrated its one-year anniversary. What began with blueprints and hard hats during the community’s construction has grown into a busy area where residents come to regain strength and improve mobility. OAW resident Sue Wentworth was the very first patient and since then, the therapy gym has become a space for rehabilitation as well as encouragement. Over the past year, the team’s commitment to serving residents and the community with care and professional expertise has remained central to their work.

The department’s strength comes from a team with years of service and experience across Forefront Living’s senior living communities:
 
·       Tracy Bardfield, Physical Therapy Assistant/ Rehab Manager – 9 years

·       Laura Benoy-Zuttre, Physical Therapist – 9 years

·       Lashae Benton, Administrative Assistant – 1 year

·       Estee Cahani, Director of Rehabilitation – 11 years

·       Sarah Chu, Speech-Language Pathologist – recently joined

·       Anna Ho, Occupational Therapist – 10 years

·       Donna Son, Physical Therapist Assistant – 5 years

“Many of OAW’s Therapy teammates began their careers at Presbyterian Village North (PVN), our sister community, and developed a true appreciation for the Forefront Living mission, to make each moment matter for those we serve. They knew this new Plano community would reflect the things they already loved about the organization including strong coworkers, meaningful work and residents with incredible life stories to share. These teammates stepped up and worked through all the challenges that came with opening a new community. Without them, it would have been a completely different journey,” shared Estee Cahani, Director of Rehabilitation.

With a full year behind them and more than 100 residents served, the OAW Therapy team looks forward to continuing to support residents so they can stay active, independent and thriving in daily life.

By Amee McGough

Food quality starts with peak freshness. At Forefront Living, this begins with partners like Hardie’s Fresh Foods, a Texas-based family company committed to sourcing produce at its very best. Check out The Outlook at Windhaven’s Chef Roberto Riera behind the scenes in the OAW kitchen.

Forefront Living (FL) is proud to continue partnering with Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep and recently welcomed two students to The Outlook at Windhaven. Each week, 9th grade student, Jose Abrego, and 11th grade student, Miguel Mojica, join the OAW team on Monday and Wednesday as part of the Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program.

Miguel works in Human Resources (HR) every Monday, where he assists with auditing and organizing HR documents for compliance. He also helped set up OAW’s teammate celebration for National Pizza Day.

“I really look forward to spending Mondays with Miguel, as he is a real pleasure to work with,” shared Michael Anto, OAW’s HR Manager. “He has been great at following directions and asking thoughtful questions.”

Jose works at OAW on Wednesday and rotates between a few departments. He supports the Business Office and assists the Resident Services desk as well as Administrative Office. He organizes files and helps with day-to-day tasks. In the coming months, Jose will take on projects in Assisted Living.

“Jose picks up new processes fairly quickly and is willing to help wherever he’s needed,” said Julie Lebid, Business Office Manager. “His support makes it easier for us to stay organized and keep things running smoothly.”

This innovative, hands-on experience provides Cristo Rey students with valuable professional skills while serving seniors with excellence. It’s a beneficial, intergenerational partnership and OAW is excited to be part of the journey.

By Amee McGough

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Residents across The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) celebrated Mardi Gras by bringing New Orleans to the community. In Independent Living, everyone gathered in The Hall to enjoy a festive dinner featuring Cajun-inspired dishes and King Cake. The Night Town Band played classic, upbeat jazz favorites that kept residents dancing for a Big Easy-style evening with friends and neighbors. Residents even joined in for a lively second line! Over in Assisted Living, festive decor, jazzy tunes and delicious treats made for a celebration that felt just as lively. Everyone enjoyed good food and music and great company.

By Amee McGough

In honor of Valentine’s Day, love was felt all across The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) as residents in every part of the campus found a special way to celebrate the day of friendship, hearts and love. In Assisted Living, residents made handmade cards and gathered for a special Valentine’s social to share snacks and community. In Memory Support, residents decorated heart boxes during art, adding personal touches to make each one unique.

Independent Living residents marked the occasion with seasonal-themed crafts as well as an evening of festivities featuring dinner, dancing and live music. The season of celebration wasn’t just for residents, OAW teammates were surprised with goodie bags filled with chocolate, as a “sweet” reminder that they are loved. The week leading up to Valentine’s Day was a lovely reminder that love resides at OAW!

Assisted Living Card Making

Assisted Living Valentine Social

Memory Support Heart Boxes

Independent Living Dinner and Dancing

Independent Living Valentine Crafts

OAW Teammate Love

By Amee McGough

Job title and start date:
I have been a treating therapist with Forefront Living since December of 2017 and spent most of my time working with Independent and Assisted Living at Presbyterian Village North. In September of 2025, I moved communities to The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) and was recently promoted to Rehabilitation Manager! 

Brief description of your role:
I treat patients as a physical therapist assistant and manage OAW’s Rehab Department. 

Professionally, I am passionate about:
I’m passionate about keeping our senior adult population strong, safe and healthy so they can continue living independently with confidence. Preventing falls and helping residents age in place through movement, education and proactive care is incredibly meaningful to me. Supporting older adults in maintaining their quality of life is what drives my daily work.

What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities?
What sets OAW apart is the genuine sense of community and teamwork. Everyone here is committed to putting residents first and that shared mission creates an environment where individualized care, collaboration and excellence truly thrive.

I am most proud of:
I am most proud of my children and grandchildren.

As a recipient of the Curtis and Patricia Meadows Scholarship, what did that mean to you and what has it helped you accomplish?
Receiving the teammate scholarship helped remove financial barriers and opened doors for my professional growth. It played an important role in helping me continue pursuing my passion for serving seniors. 

On the weekend, you can find me:
On the weekend, you can find me doing plant stuff! I enjoy caring for my plants and watching them grow.

My favorite foods/restaurants are:
I love Mexican food and margaritas! My favorite restaurant is Pappasito’s Cantina where I always order beef fajitas.

In my free time, my hobbies include:
I am an avid gardener and plant-lover. When the weather is nice, I enjoy stand up paddleboarding.

Share about your family:
My husband and I were married two years ago and have a wonderfully blended family. I have three sons: Justin (34), Ian (22) and Aidan (19), and he has two children: Levi (22) and Hailey (25). We also have three grandchildren from my oldest son, Justin, and I proudly go by Mimi while my husband is G-Pa. We share our home with Kevin, our Scottish Fold Munchkin cat, and Daisy, our English Bulldog.

How would your friends describe you in three words?
My friends would say I’m caring, empathetic and kind.

What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
People may be surprised to learn that I am an introvert and homebody.

By Amee McGough

Photos by Sarah Macias

At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), one of the team’s top priorities is creating an environment where residents can thrive with independence. However, the team is always ready to step in with extra support when needed and OAW teammates recently warmed residents’ hearts with their outstanding care during DFW’s winter storm. With icy conditions making travel in some areas unsafe, residents were grateful for the clear and consistent communication they received and how well-prepared each team was across the community.

The Culinary team received special praise for their service excellence, offering a variety of delicious meals that made resident dining easy and enjoyable despite the weather. Wellness teammates hosted “pop-up” fitness classes, including Drum Fit, a new fitness offering for Independent Living residents that proved to be a lot of fun.

Many residents stated they were especially thankful for the teammates who stayed on campus during the duration of the storm. As one resident shared, “It ended up being a fun weekend in spite of the snow and freezing temperatures.”

OAW Executive Director, Kristen Jordan, shared, “I am incredibly proud of OAW’s amazing team and their exceptional job of preparing for the winter storm! We had 30 teammates stay overnight to support the community, cover shifts and lend a hand wherever needed. To keep residents active, our team expanded wellness classes and other activities. The Culinary team impressed residents with popular buffets, and Building Services and Transportation teams kept walkways safe and accessible. Every department came together for our community.”

Nearly 40 Moment Maker Award nominations were submitted by residents to recognize teammates who went above and beyond, providing exceptional service throughout the storm!

By Amee McGough

The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) rocked around the clock for the community’s 50s-themed day that featured a Sock Hop for Independent Living. Residents slipped into poodle skirts, saddle shoes and leather jackets. Even a few Pink Ladies were spotted joining in the fun to twist the night away. In Assisted Living (AL), the festivities continued with a spirited round of 50s Bingo. AL and Memory Support enjoyed community socials featuring live music from the decade.

By Amee McGough

The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) is home to three, resident-led Bible studies, one study especially for men led by John Moore, one ladies-only study led by Judy Richert and one co-ed study led by Mitzi Gaines. We sat down with OAW resident, Mitzi Gaines, to learn more about her story and the weekly Bible study she coordinates. Read more below about how residents are finding community through God’s Word. 
 
What made you want to start a Bible study at OAW?  
For most of my young and adult life, I have studied the Bible in some way. When my children were teenagers, I joined Bible Study Fellowship for their five-year study and really enjoyed digging deeper into God’s Word. In my 50s, I discovered Community Bible Study and have served in several leadership roles with them. I have loved my 30 years in organized Bible study and cannot convey how much it has meant to me. It has helped me through difficult and glorious times, and I have made precious friends along the way. Most of all, I have learned that no matter the season of life, God is always teaching us something we need to know.  
 
When I moved into OAW, I thought it would be wonderful to have a Bible study at our community for convenience and to help residents get better acquainted with each other. I asked a few neighbors if they might be interested in joining and several were. Our Director of Resident Services, Katie Snezhkova, helped me sort out details and then asked who would lead the study. I answered, “I would,” and I am grateful for God’s prompting to help me say yes. 
 
What do you enjoy most about meeting each week? 
Leading this study has been a great way to meet neighbors. We did not know each other before we moved to OAW, but through our weekly discussions we learn about each other’s lives, hopes and thoughts. Almost every week, someone new attends our group and I love meeting everyone. 
 
What would you tell a neighbor who’s thinking about attending for the first time? 
To anyone considering joining us, I would say this is a lovely group of people who want to learn more about the Bible and want to get to know their neighbors and build friendships. We all experience hard times and good times, and it is important to remember that we have God who loves us and will help us along the way.   
 
About 23 residents have joined the study at different times, with approximately 13 attending regularly. We are excited to see what God does next in our little group and I am praying that we will continue to grow together in our faith.  
 
For those interested in participating in a resident Bible study, details are below. 
 
The OAW Ladies Bible Fellowship, led by Judy Richert, meets every Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Lounge. Based on Max Lucado’s Book, Every Day Deserves a Chance, this study explores topics such as mercy, gratitude, forgiveness, peace, hope and faith to provide encouragement while navigating difficult days.  
 
The Gentlemen’s Fellowship Bible Study, led by John Moore, meets every Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Lounge. John served as an adjunct professor in Biblical studies for 20 years at a school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and participated in a major archaeological excavation in Jordan for 16 years. This fellowship offers a welcoming space for discussion, reflection and spiritual growth. New and returning participants are always welcome. 
 
The co-ed Connect Bible Study, led by Mitzi Gaines, meets every Thursday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. in the Lounge. January’s study focuses on the book of Colossians. 

By Amee McGough

Photos by Sarah Macias