Author: Amee McGough

Dian Knight was recently promoted to Administrative Assistant at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). She joined the OAW community in June, working as primary server and as a front desk specialist. As an administrative assistant, Dian supports the leadership team, manages meeting preparations and supports operations in the front office as well as behind the scenes. We caught up with Dian for a fun Q and A to get to know her better. Read more about her below.

What are you passionate about regarding your professional role?
I am passionate about serving others with kindness and spending quality time getting to know people on a personal level. I enjoy creating and maintaining organization, seeing projects through and supporting the community by thoughtfully meeting needs. I love learning from those around me and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and fulfilled.

What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities?
OAW maintains an exceptional standard of care that centers on the well-being of residents. Leadership makes time to listen and make thoughtful decisions with residents’ comfort and satisfaction in mind. This community is filled with kindness and compassion for both residents and teammates. It is a place where people truly care for one another, and that spirit of connection makes it very special.

What is something that makes you feel proud?
I’m incredibly proud of stepping into my new role as Administrative Assistant. When I first joined the community, I thought I would only be here temporarily before pursuing graduate school. However, the warmth and encouragement I experienced inspired me to grow here. Leadership saw my potential, supported my development and welcomed me into a role where I can contribute in meaningful ways for the long term. The residents’ support through this transition has truly touched my heart.

Share about your family:
I am grateful for my family. My parents have shown me the power of unconditional love and empathy through the way they care for our family. I have an Irish twin sister, meaning we’re only eleven months apart. She has been one of my greatest teachers through all of life’s twists and turns. We’ve always shared a close bond, and now she’s happily engaged to be married. My younger brother, who plays professional basketball in Japan, recently got married. Both siblings are preparing to start families, and I am thrilled to become an aunt. I also have an older brother who lives in Columbus, Ohio, my hometown. In addition, I have a beloved fur baby named Neo, a Rat Terrier-Mini Pinscher mix, who fills my days with joy.

Tell us about your hobbies:
I enjoy astrology, yoga, painting, dancing, singing and playing guitar.

On the weekend, you can find me:
Playing with my pup at the dog park, hiking, kayaking at a nearby lake with my mom, sharing tea with a friend or enjoying a musical or movie with my sister.

What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
My favorite dish to order if I am dining out is Pho, a hot and savory bowl of comfort, but my favorite restaurant is my kitchen. I love cooking and baking wholesome, delicious and flavorful food. With autumn in the air, I have been experimenting with pumpkin-inspired recipes and warm spices like coffee cake muffins, pumpkin spice cheesecake bars and chocolate swirl pumpkin fudge.

How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as wise, patient and thoughtful. They consider me an old soul in a 31-year-old body.

What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a bit of a nutrition and wellness enthusiast, and I bring that same detail-loving energy from the office into my kitchen. I follow a ketogenic lifestyle and enjoy creating low-carb, high-fat versions of my favorite comfort foods. Whether I’m meal-prepping or trying a new recipe, I enjoy keeping things tasty and on track.

It was a crisp and windy morning at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) as residents and resident veterans gathered to honor those who have served our country for a Veterans Day salute. Special guests from Plano Senior High’s JROTC proudly and respectfully led a Veterans Day flag-folding ceremony. OAW residents, teammates and students stood solemnly while reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who served to protect our freedoms. After the ceremony, everyone warmed up while enjoying breakfast in Outriders, where students pulled up chairs with residents to hear stories and share some laughs. The day was a good reminder of the courage and commitment of our veterans and the importance of gathering to honor them.

By Amee McGough

Fall is in full swing at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), bringing fun-filled opportunities for residents to enjoy all things autumn. OAW’s Independent Living (IL) residents and teammates kicked off Halloween with a “Spook-tacular” Sip and Swirl Happy Hour. Many dressed in creative costumes and enjoyed light bites while sipping wicked brews to celebrate “Spooky Season.”

IL residents got crafty during a Halloween wreath-making activity, using colorful strips of festive fabric to create one-of-a-kind decorations to hang on their front doors.

In Assisted Living (AL), residents joined a festive trick-or-treat social with the AL nursing and therapy teams. Residents passed out candy to teammates and their families, sharing lots of smiles and sweets.

AL residents also baked pumpkin pie bites at the weekly Baker’s Table, rolling up their sleeves to mix, knead and create delicious pumpkin-inspired treats.

October was a wonderful reminder that joy often comes from savoring the simple pleasures of the season.

By Amee McGough

Residents at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) gathered for an informative safety session with Officer Christopher Bianez from the Plano Police Department. About 83 residents attended the event where Officer Bianez shared practical tips on staying alert and remaining safe in everyday situations.

Key reminders included being aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots, keeping valuables out of sight when leaving your car and using caution when opening doors for unfamiliar visitors. He encouraged residents to trust their instincts and reminded them to report any suspicious behavior to the Plano Police Department.

The session provided residents with valuable tools to help them stay safe in their community.

Ever wondered how your neighbors have decorated their homes? Curious residents had the chance to find out during a special Fall Progressive Sip and Stroll Tour at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). Seven OAW residents opened their apartment homes to give guests an up-close look into the ways they personalized their spaces.

Residents strolled from apartment to apartment, enjoying sips and dips along the way, while checking out the personal details and creative touches that made each home feel welcoming and unique. It provided a wonderful opportunity to visit with neighbors and spend an afternoon discovering the individual charm of each space.

A big thank you goes out to our hospitable resident hosts: Kay, Pat, Cathy, Diane, Marty and Stacie! Thank you for reminding us that being neighborly never goes out of style. Everyone enjoyed the tour so much that another Progressive Sip and Stroll is planned for the spring.

September has been a lovely month for residents in Assisted Living (AL) and Memory Support (MS) at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). From special celebrations to creative activities and time spent together, there’s been no shortage of meaningful moments. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights.

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Labor Day Luncheon

Assisted Living and Memory Support residents celebrated Labor Day with a festive luncheon, featuring a live musical performance by Phil Rogers.

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Crockpot Creations

For Crockpot Creations, residents mixed, stirred and let the slow cooker work its magic to make a delicious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.

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Baker’s Table

On National Cherry Jubilee Day, September 24, residents baked up a sweet treat for the Baker’s Table! They mixed, and created delicious cherry muffins together, baking up joy one bite at a time.

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Residents enjoyed a tropical Piña Colada Social with a cool and delicious taste of island vibes.

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Cozy Creations

Residents crafted sew blankets to comfort and warm some furry friends at the Plano Animal Shelter.

Summer ended on a high note at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) with a Sunset Luau, which brought together residents for an evening of tropical food and entertainment. Dressed in their favorite Hawaiian prints and festive attire, residents gathered to enjoy island-inspired hors d’oeuvres, frozen piña coladas and traditional Polynesian dancers. OAW neighbors celebrated the end of summer in true aloha spirit. The fun night wrapped up with an exciting Hawaiian fire performance that lit up the courtyard.

The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) residents continue to enjoy the community’s weekly “Line Up and Dance” line dancing class, taught by OAW teammates and dancing queens, Katie and Courtney. The class’s popularity led to a growing resident interest in learning new dance styles. By request, OAW residents are now trying something new during a six-week Ballroom Dance class led by professional dance instructor, Lisa Solomon.

Open to everyone, no matter the skill level, the dance class combines fun and fitness while teaching something new. Residents are learning classic ballroom dances like the waltz, tango and foxtrot, while building balance and coordination. The class also helps boost confidence and provides a fun way to spend time together. About 20 residents attend the weekly class where no dance partner is needed, instead participants just bring their readiness to move!

This class is another example of how OAW residents are enjoying community life and learning new skills at every stage.

By Amee McGough

Teammates from the Forefront Living Foundation (FLF) joined The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) residents for the community’s September 10 happy hour to share details about two upcoming fundraising events benefiting FLF: North Texas Giving Day (NTGD) on September 18, and the Each Moment Matters (EMM) Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole on October 16.

A gift to FLF on NTGD makes the extraordinary possible by providing essential funds for specialized programs, integrated therapies and compassionate care that empowers individuals to thrive. Click here to make a NTGD gift to FLF through September 18.

OAW residents were enthusiastic to learn more about these vital fundraising efforts directly from the FLF team. One couple even purchased a table for EMM and look forward to inviting friends to join them for the occasion. EMM, FLF’s signature fundraising event benefiting Faith Presbyterian Hospice, helps fund compassionate end-of-life care and grief support services for families. Discounted luncheon tickets are available to all residents of Forefront Living communities and sponsorship opportunities are still open. For details on resident pricing, please contact Sarah Jones, FLF Philanthropy Officer, at (214) 355-9584.

For more than 40 years, FLF has supported the mission and vision of the Forefront Living family of organizations, which today includes Faith Presbyterian Hospice, the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center, and three senior living communities: Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, The Outlook at Windhaven in Plano and Bella Vida, currently under construction in San Antonio. Through community support, FLF helps individuals live with dignity and compassion at every stage of life.