Author: Amee McGough

Charlotte Slaver serves as a Senior Living Counselor on the Sales and Marketing team at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), a Forefront Living senior living community currently in the construction phase in Plano. Charlotte was the second teammate to join the OAW team, starting her role in February of 2021. Forefront Living is grateful for hard-working teammates like Charlotte, who are committed to building relationships while working together to grow a new community. We sat down with Charlotte 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?
Professionally, my passion lies in fostering connections between people. At the OAW Information Center, I have the privilege to meet with older adults and learn about what matters most to them. I want to know what their aspirations are for the future, how they like to spend their time and identify any concerns. This helps me provide tailored recommendations to ensure that their coming years are the most fulfilling and enjoyable. It is an honor to offer encouragement and support as they embark on the journey to a maintenance-free lifestyle that offers ease, social and wellness opportunities and peace of mind.

You’ve been at OAW from the beginning, what have you learned?
Through my interactions, I’ve realized that life can really throw some unexpected curveballs. But what’s remarkable is the VIPs who maintain a positive attitude are the ones who carry on with joy. A phrase I’ve heard repeatedly, “It is what it is,” encourages me to not dwell on the negative but instead to keep moving forward. 

Favorite moment during your time at OAW?
I have lots of favorite moments, but a more personal moment that reaffirmed my path and purpose was when a VIP told me they thought I was in the right place, doing the right thing and they encouraged me to keep doing it.

What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities?
Of course, the community is going to be gorgeous but what sets us apart is the people! Our VIPs are friendly, vibrant, interesting, well-traveled folks who are open to new adventures.

What are you most looking forward to when OAW opens?
I can’t wait to see our residents enjoying all the amenities and connecting with their neighbors who have become friends.

What is something that makes you feel proud?
I am most proud of being awarded “Best Sales Team of the Year in 2023” at last year’s Sales Adventure conference. This recognition is a testament to the positivity, fun and hard work that defines our team. 

Tell us about your family:
I’m completely head over heels for my husband, Monte! Together, we’re blessed with four amazing grown kids and their spouses, eight adorable grandkids and two spoiled dogs, Cisco and Cowboy and a middle-aged quarter horse, Gypsy. With our family scattered across the country, I’ve enjoyed taking on my mother’s tradition of sending creative and personalized birthday boxes. With our growing family, that means we prepare a birthday box (or more) each month!

Tell us about your hobbies:
Gardening, painting and trail riding are my go-to hobbies. On the weekend, you can find me outdoors. Whether I’m riding my horse, walking my dogs, or cheering on my husband at his softball games, I’m happiest when I’m soaking up the fresh air and enjoying the sunshine!

What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
While we don’t go out to eat often, my favorite restaurant is typically something Tex-Mex because I enjoy chips, salsa, fajitas and margaritas for a special treat. As for my favorite food, Monte’s healthy cooking is delicious and his daily lunch salads are a refreshing treat during my work hours. I look forward to whatever culinary creation he whips up for dinner and I happily take on clean-up duty as my contribution.

How would your friends describe you?
A good friend is someone you can trust, who cheers you on and always makes time for you. I hope my friends will say they can count on me to pump them up when feeling down and as someone who is available for a deep conversation or to just relax and enjoy a margarita together.

Jennifer Campbell, OAW Director of Sales and Marketing, shared the following about Charlotte, “Charlotte truly connects with her prospects, our VIPs and her teammates. She is caring, creative and passionate. She is our leading sales person, with the most sales in the past two years, and is always willing to go the extra mile for those she serves.”

Revitalize, recycle and rejuvenate! The Outlook at Windhaven and WellRive, a full-service moving and management organization tailored for seniors, partnered to host a donation drive at the OAW Information Center. VIPs were invited to bring donations, recycle electronics and shred documents and they showed up in force with more than 40 OAW VIP vehicles participating in the event to drive-thru, drop-off and shred to make a difference! Participants were happy to positively impact the local community while also lightening their loads to prepare for upcoming move-ins to OAW. Donated items will be distributed to various charities and local nonprofits.

More than 30 senior living communities were represented at Greystone’s Annual Sales Adventure, a two-day conference tailored for senior living sales and marketing professionals. This year’s conference theme was “Opportunity Never Dies, 00SALES” a clever spin on the infamous 007 James Bond theme. The Forefront Living communities of Bella Vida (BV), The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) and Presbyterian Village North (PVN) received several impressive nominations and awards at this year’s Sales Adventure Awards Ceremony. These distinctions included:

BV

• Awarded Blue Sky Sales Team of the Year

OAW

• Jennifer Campbell – nominated for Marketing Director of the Year
• Rachel McGowan – nominated for Move-in Coordinator of the Year

PVN

• Awarded Operational Sales Team of the Year
• Marc Mallory – nominated for Rhino Award, recognizing professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and determination
• Celeste McCloskey – nominated for Marketing Assistant of the Year
• Heather Porch – nominated for Marketing Director of the Year

Forefront Living is proud of these amazing teams for their unwavering commitment to delivering excellent customer service and fostering growth within their communities!

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

• Complete Cottages
• Install drywall in Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living/Memory Support (AL/MS) and Commons
• Begin interior finish work in IL, AL/MS and Commons
• Continue exterior façade work on IL and AL/MS buildings
• Begin hardscape and landscape work outside of main buildings

Katie Snezhkova is the newly appointed Director of Resident Services for The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), a position she was excited to begin on January 15. In this vital community role, Katie looks forward to developing engaging and enriching resident programs, while helping to grow a positive and welcoming community. Forefront Living is grateful for teammates like Katie, who are committed to establishing genuine personal connections with residents and teammates by creating a culture of warmth and inclusivity. We sat down with her to learn more about her through a fun question and answer session. Read about Katie below.  

What are you passionate about regarding your professional role?
I am passionate about senior living, of course! I began my career in the industry as a 16-year-old server at a senior living community. There hasn’t been a time in my professional life where I wasn’t working in senior living in some capacity. Never could I have imagined that a weekend, part-time job would lead me to where I am today.

What are you looking forward to most once the OAW community officially opens?
I look forward to walking the halls, seeing friendly faces and getting to know the residents and teammates. Most of all, I can’t wait to watch families and friends gather to enjoy the beautiful neighborhood of OAW. I am excited to showcase our community to all who visit.

What is something that makes you feel proud?
I am proud of myself for being able to take risks in life. This is a personal and professional accomplishment for me. Years ago, when an opportunity presented itself for me to leave my hometown of Chicago, Illinois, and move to Houston, Texas, I made that leap. I didn’t have friends or a support system waiting for me, but I figured it out. The move to Houston propelled me to other advancements in my career, including my recent move to Dallas. I wouldn’t be here now without taking that initial leap! 

Share about your family:
Due to my unusual last name, one of the most common questions I am asked is: “Where are you from?” I was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, but my family moved to the United States when I was 11 years old. I grew up in Chicago and my parents, older brother and his family all still live there. I also have family back in Ukraine and I keep in touch with them as much as possible. Here, my pets are my family, and they include two cats, Emma and Patches, and my four-legged best friend, Missy. Emma and Patches (13 and 12, respectively) have been with me for most of my adult life and we have weathered many storms together. I adopted Missy in 2015, when she was two years old. She was one of those dogs that no one wanted and had been returned twice to the Humane Society. The first time I met her was at a baseball game and the rest was history! Now, Missy is a Certified Therapy Dog and Emotional Support Animal. Over the years, she has brought comfort and joy to many senior adults and helped emotionally during hurricanes, storms and freezes. Throughout her therapy career, she’s brought smiles to resident’s faces when visitors weren’t allowed during the pandemic and even helped college students relax between finals. Missy has made me more patient and compassionate and an overall better human being. 

Tell us about your hobbies:
My hobbies revolve around animals. Adopting Missy from the Humane Society really opened my eyes to the great need of fostering shelter dogs and cats. I started fostering animals in 2017, right around the time that Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. About a year later, my friend and I started a non-profit group to help shelter dogs in the city of Bellaire, located inside Houston proper, and more than 100 dogs have been fostered through that venture. Once we settle into our new home in Dallas, Missy and I will get right back to fostering and helping animals in Plano and the DFW area! 

On the weekend, you can find me:
On the weekend back in Houston, you would probably find me at Minute Maid Park, working an Astros game. I began working in the Guest Services department and then transitioned to the Astros Foundation 50/50 Raffle Team. That was my constant for eight years. Now, you can find me exploring my new city, binge watching mystery shows on Netflix and spending time at the dog park with Missy. 

What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
I have always enjoyed a really good cheeseburger! Many moons ago, when my waistline was more forgiving, my friends and I would drive around the city looking for hole-in-the-wall places with great cheeseburgers. Now, I enjoy a delicious margarita (with sugar on the rim) or a stuffed baked potato from a local barbeque restaurant. Chicken Alfredo will always top my list of favorite dishes to order. 

How would your friends describe you?
In my friend group, I am usually the voice of reason and someone my friends trust to listen to them without judgement. My friends would say I am loyal and always willing to tell the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. I try to be whoever my friend needs at that moment, whether it’s a listening ear, a partner in crime for a fun night out or someone to stay in and gab with over a glass of Moscato.  

The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) hosted a Resolution Luncheon for the New Year, welcoming nearly 40 prospective residents to Plano’s Seasons 52 restaurant. The event highlighted the significance of a well-rounded diet, endorsing the inclusion of fruits, vegetables and protein, while debunking the misconception of vilifying all carbohydrates. Stacie Ellis, featured speaker, shared invaluable insights on establishing and maintaining health-focused goals, touching on aspects like regular exercise and social well-being. These aspirations align seamlessly with the lifestyle offered at OAW. As the OAW community prepares to open later this year, it promises a chance to live a happier, healthier and longer life, supported by the assurance of a continuum of care if ever required.

William Mockabee is the newest teammate to join the dynamic Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) Sales and Marketing team, serving as Marketing Assistant, a role he was excited to begin on January 2. In his position, some of his tasks include assisting with processing files, event coordination and serving as the helpful face and voice of inbound phone calls and visitors to the Information Center. Forefront Living is grateful for enthusiastic teammates like William, who are committed to providing excellent customer service while establishing a vibrant community. We sat down with William to learn more about him through a fun question and answer session. Read about William below.  

What are you passionate about regarding your professional role?
I am passionate about providing a good experience for our prospects and VIPs from their very first encounter and throughout the entire journey. They are making a big decision to join the OAW community, and I want to do my part to ensure that this process runs as smoothly as possible.

What is something that makes you feel proud?
I am most proud of graduating from college this past year and earning a BBA in marketing with minors in Italian, history and European studies. I am a first-generation university graduate and attending Southern Methodist University (SMU) was a rewarding experience. I would recommend SMU to anyone considering a smaller school in the region.

Tell us about your hobbies:
Last year, I bought an old chess manual from a bookstore and decided to dedicate some time to the game. I have an ELO (measurement of performance in chess) of only 1,100, but I am improving and hope to continue. I also enjoy reading, as time allows. Currently, I’m reading The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Other books that I have recently read include The Demon and the Quantum by Robert Scully and Politics by Aristotle.

On the weekend, you can find me:
On the weekend, I enjoy visiting my friends and family. My friends and I participate in a small film club, where we exclusively watch horror movies. My three current horror favorites include Halloween 3: Season of the Witch (1982), Candyman (1992) and Skinamarink (2022).

What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
I like all types of food, but one of my favorite restaurants is Burger House, located in Snider Plaza. It’s a small restaurant that serves great hamburgers, fries and milkshakes. My second favorite restaurant, located just a block away from Burger House, is Bubba’s. They offer large servings of classic Southern food at a good price. My favorite items to order are the fried chicken and fried okra.

How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as someone who is a good listener, open to others and amicable.

Jennifer Campbell, Marketing and Sales Director for The Outlook at Windhaven, shared the following about William, “William has jumped right into this position. We love his dry sense of humor. VIPs and others visiting our offices have commented on his polite demeanor. One VIP even suggested that we thank his mom for ‘raising him right’!”

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

• Continuation of drywall installation in Commons, Independent Living (IL) apartments and Assisted Living/Memory Support (AL/MS) residences
• Continuation of interior finish work in Cottages
  • Several Cottage residences are nearing completion
• Continuation of hardscaping and landscaping in areas surrounding Cottages
  • Began work in The Grove (Cottage Courtyard)
• Completion of exterior façade finishes on Commons, IL and AL/MS buildings

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

• Installation of drywall in Commons, first set of Independent Living (IL) apartments and Assisted Living/Memory Support (AL/MS) residences
• Continuation of interior finish work for Cottages
• Continuation of hardscaping and landscaping for Cottages
• Beginning and continuation of exterior façade finishes for Commons, IL and AL/MS buildings

The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) recently hosted a fun-filled VIP Holiday Party! VIPs were encouraged to wear their most festive sweater to the seasonal gathering. The merry event was held at Plano’s Haggard Party Barn, with more than 100 VIPs in attendance, as well Forefront Living Leadership teammates. Party guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon filled with delicious food, drinks and the company of future neighbors. The lively celebration featured talented singer and husband to Charlotte Slaver, Monty Slaver, who serenaded the crowd with traditional holiday songs. Laughter and music filled the air as VIPs mingled and enjoyed refreshments. At the conclusion of the party, prizes were awarded for the most creative and best overall sweaters. As we bid farewell to 2023, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming year. With some residents set to move into The Outlook at Windhaven in the spring of 2024, we look forward to an exciting new year filled with the spirit of community and more shared experiences.