Author: Amee McGough

Michelle Edmond is the Human Resources Manager for The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), a role she began in April. In her position, Michelle hires teammates to serve our residents, handles payroll and other compensation, ensures company policies are followed and supports teammate training, development and performance management. We sat down with Michelle to learn more about her through a fun question and answer session. Read about her below.  

What are you passionate about regarding your professional role?
I am passionate about helping my organization reach its goals by contributing through its most important asset – it’s people.

Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at OAW:
Every Wednesday during the OAW Sip and Swirl Happy Hour, I have the opportunity to watch residents socialize and enjoy themselves, and I love parties!

What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities?
People in any organization make the difference. Our community has a host of seasoned teammates and caring, compassionate and polished leaders.

What is something that makes you feel proud?
I am most proud of serving the community as a teacher in an adult education and literacy program and helping those in the program prepare for their Certificate of High School Equivalency test (formerly known as GED).

Share about your family:
My siblings taught me many important life lessons. As a member of a large family, I learned how to share, embrace teamwork, become better at math, geography, appreciate the arts and play sports. At eight years old, my brothers convinced me to cook pancakes, and from them on I made them every Saturday on our huge griddle. I can make amazing pancakes from scratch!

Tell us about your hobbies:
My hobbies include being an avid reader (I’m a member of several book clubs), participating in 5k walks/races, yoga, baking and learning to be a better cook.

On the weekend, you can find me:
On the weekend, I enjoy walking or running, reading, working on a DIY project, watching documentaries and visiting with my friends and family.

What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
I love a variety of foods from different regions! Muchacho, Hillstone and Al Biernat’s are my favorite places to dine. My favorite dishes to order include portobello fajitas, lobster Fra diavolo and crab cakes.

How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as present, compassionate, supportive and a good listener. I give helpful advice and commentary when appropriate and when requested. I am extremely loyal, non-judgmental and would never utter “I told you so.”

In honor of Veterans Day, each of Forefront Living’s (FL) senior living communities celebrated the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country. Bella Vida, in San Antonio, held a special Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at Magnolia Pancake Haus to honor the community’s resident veterans. The lunch featured guest speaker Don Gleeson, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force with 27 years of service as a civil engineer in various posts around the world.

The Outlook at Windhaven honored resident veterans with a morning Veterans Coffee Social, treating them to coffee, patriotic mugs and delicious breakfast treats.

Presbyterian Village North hosted a special program in McGowan Auditorium, where resident veterans played key roles in leading the Pledge of Allegiance, delivering the invocation, sharing words of remembrance and guiding the crowd in singing “God Bless America.” The program also featured a moving bagpipe performance by Jim Royer, a Dallas Fire Department Captain.

Each FL entity was pleased to be able to honor their veterans, celebrating their service with abundant gratitude. The campuses of FL and the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center proudly displayed American flags across their lawns.

The Outlook at Windhaven’s Halloween Sip and Swirl Happy Hour for residents and VIPs was a spook-tacular success, with more than 60 guests joining in on the afternoon fun! Guests enjoyed devilishly delicious snacks and beverages and a costume contest with fang-tastic prizes. Jim Buncher was the first place winner and Jane Bower and Paul Schrier took home second. Check out the photos for a look at the ghoulishly good time!

A group of residents from The Outlook at Windhaven recently visited BarnHill Vineyards in Anna, Texas, for a fantastic evening to enjoy the timeless music of the Eagles. The sold out show featured Desperado, an Eagles tribute band, who brought all the classics to life during a memorable outdoor concert experience. Guests were invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to settle in under the vineyard’s open sky. Residents enjoyed singing along to classic Eagles hits like “Take It Easy” and “Hotel California.” The beautiful outdoor setting was the perfect backdrop for the group to relax and enjoy the music. The group of new neighbors left with a “peaceful, easy feeling” and memories of a great night out.

In the next six weeks, The Outlook at Windhaven construction progress will include:

• Nearing completion of all exterior finishes for Independent Living (IL) North Residences
• Installing and painting balcony railings for IL North Residences
• Waterproofing IL Pool Courtyard
• Continuing landscaping and hardscaping around Commons Building and IL Pool Courtyard
• Completing roofing finishes
• Finishing construction of IL Building, 4^th floor
• Completing finishes in IL community areas
• Furniture installation for IL and Assisted Living/Memory Support

In the autumn of their lives, Sharon Erikson and Dave Stokey found each other and discovered a new outlook. Although the two grew up a few miles apart in Northeast Dallas and South Garland, they never met despite sharing the same hangouts. As adults, Sharon and Dave both held lengthy careers within the insurance industry and in 2017, they each lost their spouses to cancer.

In 2019, their paths finally crossed when they met at the Widowed Persons Support Group of Dallas. They developed a friendship, connecting over their shared experiences and after some time they began dating each other, even though neither was looking for a new relationship. After several years of dating, they realized that perhaps this was a path meant for them all along.

Sharon and Dave recently celebrated their love with a simple and sweet wedding ceremony at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), Plano’s newest senior living community and their new home. Close friends and family witnessed the pair exchange vows deeply rooted in their shared Christian faith. The nuptials were held in OAW’s community hall, which included touches of fall décor, serving as a nod to the season as well as the time in the couple’s lives. The couple chose this location because they wanted their loved ones to witness the new chapter they are embracing at the heart of their new home.

Sharon hails from a large family and has three adult children and five grandchildren. Dave comes from a small family, including two nieces and a nephew he considers his own children. As they begin a new chapter together, Sharon and Dave are grateful for each other and the new life they are building within a welcoming community.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

by Amee McGough

Yashica Washington joined the Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) team as the Director of Assisted Living in July and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Assisted Living and Memory Support community. She is dedicated to delivering compassionate care to everyone we serve.

“I am thrilled to embark on this journey of creating a vibrant community where every resident feels valued and empowered. I look forward to cultivating an environment of compassion and amazing care,” shared Yashica.

Yashica brings more than 26 years of healthcare experience to OAW, previously working as a nurse manager, wound care manager and Dallas County vaccine coordinator. Prior to joining the Forefront Living family, Yashica was the Executive Director/Director of Wellness for an assisted living and memory care community in Wylie, Texas.

Yashica is a passionate parent, avid traveler and dedicated volunteer who enjoys creative expression and deep connections. Whether it’s exploring new destinations or giving back to the community through volunteering at her children’s school or forming meaningful relationships with seniors, she is always looking for ways to grow, learn and make a positive impact. Yashica is blessed with two children, as well as a niece and nephew who she raised as her own. All four keep her life full of joy and adventure and she cherishes quality time spent with family. Outside of her family life, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, including singing and podcasting. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Yashica to The Outlook at Windhaven and Forefront Living family!

In the next six weeks, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) construction progress will include:

• Nearing completion of Pool Area
• Finishing Yoga Room
• Continuing work in Therapy Gym
• Nearing completion of Independent Living (IL) Building, 3^rd floor
• Construction of IL Building, 4^th floor
• Continuing finishes in IL residences and community areas
• Continuing furniture installation for Commons areas including Wine Bar, Bistro, The Hall (Multi-Purpose Room), Private IL Dining Room
• Continuing landscaping and hardscaping around Commons Building and IL Pool Courtyard

We are pleased to announce that Adam Thompson joined the Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) team as the Director of Culinary Services. Adam began his role in June, and is responsible for leading culinary innovation, menu development and kitchen operations. With extensive hospitality experience, he is dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience to our new community.

“My motivation comes from seeing the smile on a resident’s face when they walk out of the dining room, knowing they were impressed and enjoyed the time spent with us,” shared Adam.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University and brings more than 12 years of experience in restaurant and hospitality management to OAW. Prior to joining us, he served as General Manager for multiple venues at The Village Dallas. One of Adam’s favorite quotes, by Maya Angelou, resonates with his leadership approach: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget with you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This philosophy guides him as he leads the culinary team to create lasting impressions for OAW residents.

In his free time, Adam enjoys golfing, watching sports and playing with his four dogs. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Adam to The Outlook at Windhaven and Forefront Living family!

Recently, a group of residents from The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) took a fun trip to the ArtCentre of Plano, located in historic Downtown Plano. The event was made possible thanks to OAW resident Bob Drotman, a well-known and loved art enthusiast in the community. Bob and his late wife, Judy, volunteered at the ArtCentre for years, where a gallery is named in their honor.

The group enjoyed an exclusive tour led by local artist Monica Cowsert, whose solo exhibition, “Where Art Meets Happy,” was on display. Monica’s artwork is inspired by her life and each piece has a unique story behind it. Her collection is full of bold colors and creative scenes that celebrate nature and imagination.

The vibrant colors and Monica’s stories truly bring her paintings to life. Katie Snezhkova, OAW Director of Resident Services, couldn’t resist purchasing one of Monica’s prints called “Where’s My Momma?” As an animal lover, the piece resonated with her. “It just spoke to me,” Katie said. “It feels like it could be anyone’s pup, waiting for their mom to come home.”

It was a memorable outing filled with art and creativity for this growing community.