If you’ve been by the Park Gables front desk, you may have noticed a new smiling face. Lizzie Smith started as the hospitality associate earlier this fall but isn’t new to VMRC. Read on to learn more about Lizzie.

What’s a typical day in the role of Hospitality Associate?

Lizzie: A typical day starts with a warm good morning to residents and follow-up with guests and residents on things from the evening or weekend before. Throughout the day, I answer and direct phone calls across campus and have the pleasure of assisting residents with work orders, transportation needs and other requests. There are also a variety of small but important miscellaneous tasks that need care and attention throughout the day.

Most of my days also involve working with the K4 Community App. I post updates and information on the app and assist residents in answering questions. I enjoy serving the Park Gables community at their front desk and the chance to form meaningful relationships with the residents of VMRC’s campus. 

You’re new to the hospitality associate role, but not new to VMRC. Can you share a little more about that?

Lizzie: Before my role as the hospitality associate, I served as a Certified Nursing Assistant and shahbaz in Oak Lea and Woodland Park for five years from 2015 to 2020. I cherish the time I had serving the residents and patients and appreciate having the opportunity to still visit with staff and residents I formed lifelong friendships with. 

In the time I was away from VMRC, I had a baby and established my role as a patient services coordinator and technician at an eye doctor. I was ecstatic when I was given the opportunity to come back to VMRC as the hospitality associate. 

What do you find most rewarding about working at VMRC?

Lizzie: I love my job because everyone shares the same vision, and is dedicated to the mission of aging well and living fully. The welcoming campus and friendly community make VMRC a second home, not only for me but for my family members who also work on campus. I believe there are many staff and residents on campus that feel the same way about our tight-knit community. 

About Lizzie:

I am originally from Mount Jackson and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School. My significant other and I met and work at VMRC. We have a daughter named Cali who turned one just a few short weeks ago. We also have two large dogs – a German shepherd named Kya and a yellow lab named Ducky. My favorite thing to do is spend time with family. We enjoy taking our dogs to swim at the river, taking walks at the park, finding new projects to do and build, and playing games together. I also enjoy traveling and am looking forward to visiting Disney World soon!