Bernita—Quad Cities Senior Center Administrator
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: The best part of my job is interacting with the seniors at Quad Cities Senior Center. I love to hear everything about them, where they grew up, how many siblings, children, and grandchildren they have, their hobbies and careers, etc.
Q: What is an achievement you are proud of?
A: The achievement that I am most proud of is being the RCA at Quad Cities, making the atmosphere inviting by adding a variety of activities and special events such as the Cardinals Home Opener Celebration, Mother’s Day Tea, and Ice Cream Social to name a few.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: The thing that keeps me motivated is seeing how our centers provide opportunities for socialization to seniors. Also being able to help so many homebound seniors in our local community.
Q: How do you like to spend your spare time?
A: I love to spend my spare time going to the beach, taking float trips, and antiquing with my husband. I also love to read and cook.
Q: What’s the most valuable career advice you’ve been given?
A: The most valuable career advice I have been given is to always be willing to learn new things and to be a collaborator.
Christie—Affton Senior Center Administrator
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: Best part of my job is getting to know and be a part of the lives of our participants. Learning from them and being able to support them in a variety of ways.
Q: What is an achievement you are proud of?
A: I’m proud of the fact that I went back to school and have almost (!!!) completed my degree.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: My family and my coworkers keep me motivated by reminding me we’re in this together and helping me maintain a sense of humor through the good and bad (which means sharing lots of stupid “dad jokes” along the way.
Q: How do you like to spend your spare time?
A: I spend far too much of my “spare time” doing schoolwork right now!! I do make time for singing in the community choir I’ve been a part of for the past 7ish years.
Q: What’s the most valuable career advice you’ve been given?
A: The most valuable career advice I’ve been given is that it is never too late to pursue something new.