Ashley H. started working at her senior living community in Santa Clarita, CA the summer after her high school graduation. Recommended by a friend, she joined the community as a server.
That was nearly 19 years ago. Today, Ashley serves as Restaurant Coordinator at the same community, Atria Santa Clarita. She oversees the restaurant, manages the Waitstaff team and works alongside the Director of Culinary Services to ensure residents enjoy delightful dining experiences every day.
During her time at the community, Ashley has built a long-term career in senior living dining. The department has earned consistent quality scores in the high 90s, as well as a perfect 100% Quality Award.
But numbers only tell part of her story. For Ashley, this work has always been about something deeper.
“I love getting to see the residents every day. Getting to interact with them is why I love working at this community,” she says.
What is it like to work in senior living dining?
Working at Atria Senior Living is more personal than traditional types of restaurant work, Ashley notes.
“The residents are what make the difference,” she emphasizes. “They have so many stories that they share. And we enjoy joking around together. It’s not like a typical restaurant. You see and connect with the same people every day, every meal.”
She knows the residents who take their coffee black, who like to linger after dinner and who will be waiting to greet her when she arrives in the morning.
How does Atria Senior Living support career development over time?
Ashley didn’t start with a plan to move into management or pursue career growth in senior living. She came as a server and did her job well. Over time, she started taking on more without being asked. She would make sure tasks were covered, like a natural leader.
When the Restaurant Coordinator role became open, community leaders came to her.
“They approached me about it because I had already started stepping up and taking on those responsibilities,” she recalls. “I was a little hesitant at first, but I am glad I went for it. I love my job.”
Her upward trajectory did not stop there. Atria has since talked with Ashley about traveling to other communities to train and support fellow Restaurant Coordinators. She’s open to it, but only if it allows her to keep caring for the residents in her own community.
That kind of ongoing commitment reflects what professional growth and advancement opportunities can look like inside a large senior living organization. Ashley is a sterling example of the types of opportunities people find at Atria Senior Living when they have a passion for the communities and residents they serve.
How does Atria keep residents and families feeling cared for?
Dedicated team members make residents feel at home, day after day. Ashley describes her approach to resident care in very specific terms.
“It’s just the little things,” she says. “When the kitchen is closed and they didn’t get a sandwich, I will be sure to take a sandwich up to them. Showing them you care sticks with them. It’s just those little things. Just the little extra effort.”
Those small moments add up. Families have reached out to the community over the years specifically to recognize Ashley’s work.
Larger gestures matter too. The annual holiday party is one event Ashley cites as a highlight of the dining calendar. Here is what residents can expect from it:
- Specialized tables and chairs bring a holiday banquet feel
- Santa visits the community, offering cheer to residents and family members
- A prime rib dinner is served – a favorite with residents
“Even days or weeks after, they’ll say things like ‘Oh, that was so fun. It was so nice. Everything was so wonderful,’” Ashley recalls.
Can you build a long-term career at Atria Senior Living?
Absolutely. For Ashley, this incredibly rewarding work has continued to offer connection and purpose throughout the years. Each day, she engages with residents in ways that matter. She talks with them every dinner shift and comes back the next day to do it again.
“I love it here and I love this work. Obviously – I’ve been here for 19 years,” she laughs.
For those exploring senior living dining jobs or a career in senior living dining, or for families considering Atria communities for a family member, Ashley’s record speaks clearly. Atria Santa Clarita allowed her to grow, lead and do work that she finds inherently worthwhile.
Ashley has chosen to serve her community, consistently, for nearly 19 years. The community at Atria Santa Clarita benefits every day from her passion and dedication.