Author: Amee McGough

Each month, residents of The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) look forward to a special visit from furry friends with wagging tails through Love on a Leash. This nonprofit organization provides opportunities for volunteer teams to engage in pet therapy. Typically, three or four volunteer handlers and their therapy dogs spend time with OAW Assisted Living and Memory Support residents, offering moments of happiness and comfort.

During each visit to the Plano senior living community, the therapy dogs make their way from resident to resident as they gather in the living room, giving and receiving love through playful interactions. Many of the same dogs return to OAW each month, helping build a sense of familiarity that residents appreciate.

Therapy Pets are different from Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals because they are personal pets who work with their owner to provide stress relief to others. To become certified by Love on a Leash, each pet therapy team must pass a control evaluation and complete a minimum of 10 supervised, one-hour visits.

For program participants, these visits offer more than just a fun activity. OAW teammates have reported that residents become more alert and responsive as soon as the therapy dogs arrive.

“One of the most common things I notice after these visits is residents reminiscing together about the dogs they had growing up. While some may feel a bit sad thinking about those memories, what really stands out are the smiles and laughter,” shared Hannah McKnight, OAW Assisted Living Community Life Coordinator.

A resident’s love for dogs is evident by the way they light up when they see them, and it is a great reminder of how much joy these visits bring. Pet therapy has long been known to support emotional well-being, particularly for those living with dementia, and these visits are a simple way to bring comfort and happiness into daily community life. In many cases, just one visit from a therapy dog can completely brighten someone’s day.

LeadingAge Texas hosted Senator Angela Paxton at The Outlook at Windhaven to present her with the Aging Services Legislative Champion Award. The recognition highlights her leadership in improving guidelines that protect property tax exemptions for charitable organizations providing housing and related services to older adults.

These exemptions support non-profit senior living communities across the state. Without them, funds that would support resident services, healthcare and community programs could be redirected to property tax requirements. Senator Paxton’s efforts help safeguard the long-term stability of mission-driven communities, especially as the senior population in Texas continues to grow.

Forefront Living is grateful for leaders who recognize the key role aging services organizations play in supporting families and helping seniors age with independence and security.

By 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