Author: Amee McGough

On October 18, an audience of prospective residents of the Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) were captivated by Kathryn Childers, a trailblazing icon who paved the way for women in the United States Secret Service. During an hour-long session, she shared her adventures as one of the pioneering five female special agents in the agency’s history and also presented her book, “Scared Fearless: An Unlikely Agent in the US Secret Service.”

In 1971, Childers fearlessly entered the ranks of 1,100 male agents, immersing herself in investigations related to counterfeiting and shouldering the responsibility of protecting the President as well as global leaders. Fondly known as the “pistol packin’ nanny,” she cleverly balanced her duties with safeguarding the Kennedy children and accompanying former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on international ventures.

Beyond her groundbreaking role in the Secret Service, Childers charted an influential path as a broadcast journalist and a dedicated community advocate. Her personal journey was further marked by her unwavering support for her husband during his battle with Alzheimer’s as they traveled the country in their Airstream trailer.

OAW prospects were delighted to hear from such an inspiring speaker and Forefront Living was honored to host her. Click here to learn more about Kathryn and her incredible life.

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

• Finish framing Independent Living (IL) and Assisted Living/Memory Care (AL/MC) buildings
• Set windows in Commons, IL and AL/MC buildings
• Waterproof Commons, IL and AL/MC buildings
• Run mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering (including heating, ventilation and air conditioning) through Commons, IL and AL/MC buildings
• Continue exterior finish work for Cottages
• Begin interior finish work for Cottages

Forefront Living (FL) is pleased to introduce Kristen Jordan as the newly appointed Executive Director of The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), a FL senior living community currently under construction in Plano, Texas, with plans to open its doors to residents in 2024.

Kristen’s professional journey began in the hotel and hospitality industry in 1996, where she gained valuable expertise over the years. In 2020, she transitioned professionally into the senior living sector, bringing with her an impressive track record of leadership and hospitality experience in sales and marketing spanning more than 25 years.

Her remarkable service industry background includes accomplishments such as successfully opening five hotels and earning prestigious accolades such as the Hospitality Impact Award in 2013, Sales Director of the Year in 2011 and the President’s Award in 2008. Kristen holds certifications from the Texas Assisted Living Association in Texas Assisted Living Standards and Assisted Living Management. Before joining the FL family, Kristen served as Executive Director at The Village of River Oaks, a luxury senior living community located in Houston, Texas.

Kristen expressed her enthusiasm for her new role stating, “I am incredibly proud to be joining the OAW team as Executive Director. I look forward to helping lead the community to a successful opening while building strong and heartfelt relationships with our residents, their families and my teammates.”

Kristen and her husband, Bill, recently made the move from Houston to Dallas. Kristen has called many places home including Ohio, as well as Venezuela, Virginia, Nevada, Florida and New York. She is the proud mom of two daughters, Melissa (age 29) and Angelica (age 28). Her family is completed by two beloved dogs, Brownie, a Chocolate Labrador, and Dallas, a Plott Hound mix.

During her free time, Kristen enjoys watching movies, cycling, playing pickleball and volunteering with the Mile High Labrador Retriever Mission. This organization rescues Labrador Retrievers and relocates them to new loving homes in Colorado, a cause close to Kristen’s heart.

The powerhouse sales and marketing teams from The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) and Bella Vida at La Cantera (BVALC) recently attended Greystone’s Sales School, dedicated to senior living professional development. This three-day, in-person training program provides sales specialists with the opportunity to explore the senior living market in greater depth, while strengthening their confidence in sales strategies and transforming their performance.

Sales School “students” were immersed in a program centered around Greystone’s distinct philosophy – “Relationship Focused, Metrics Driven.” This unique approach to senior living sales was showcased through a series of informative presentations highlighting the latest industry trends and the best techniques for success.

Perhaps the most entertaining portion of the event was the closing “Oscars” ceremony, where participating teams delivered engaging skits, songs, games and more to illustrate the wealth of knowledge they gained throughout the seminar. The OAW team won an Oscar for “Best Performance”, followed by the BVALC group in which Arturo Munoz handsomely portrayed the Golden Bachelor. Lots of laughs were shared and memories were made by these dynamic and hard-working colleagues as they headed back to their respective campuses with renewed energy and additional skills.

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

• Finishing wood framing of Independent Living (IL) building
• Beginning exterior finish work for Commons and IL buildings
• Framing metal for the roof of Assisted Living/Memory Care (AL/MC) building
• Hanging drywall in Cottages
• Continuing exterior finish work for Cottages

With the landscape of senior living transforming, residents feel empowered to choose the lifestyle they desire while considering their health and safety. This transformation has opened the door to an exciting reality of seniors remaining in residential settings rather than dated and institutional environments. The idea of “aging in place” emphasizes a lifestyle promoting freedom, companionship and personalized care. Seniors, ages 65 and above, account for 17% of the American population making the need for distinct spectrum of care services evident.

This forward-thinking philosophy was showcased at a recent presentation on “The Future of Care” for The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) VIPs given by Joni Watson, Forefront Living’s Director of Business Development. Her presentation emphasized the importance of seniors living at the level they prefer, while having access to the resources necessary to live a life of vitality and health. Joni explained each level including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, personal assistant care and hospice.

One remarkable shift in senior care is the declining need for long-term care services. Seniors today are healthier, more vibrant and living longer than ever before, thanks to innovations in medicines, therapies and technology.

OAW understands that while the need for long-term care nursing services has decreased, a demand for short-term nursing services remains, particularly during recovery from health incidents. Should circumstances necessitate nursing care, OAW will assist residents in finding the most suitable long-care facility. OAW will continue to evaluate the necessity for nursing services, reflecting the community’s dedication to remaining responsive to the changing landscape of senior care for their future residents.

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

• Framing roof of Independent Living building
• Setting windows in the Commons, Assisted Living and Independent Living buildings
• Continue exterior and interior work on Cottages
• Framing roof of Assisted Living building

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

• Framing Independent Living building, floors 3-5
• Electrical boxing and plumbing top out in Independent Living building
• Complete trusses in commons area of Independent Living building
• Continue metal framing for Assisted Living/Memory Care building
• Finish roofing of Cottages
• Continue waterproofing Cottages