All Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS) team members — not just at Marjorie P. Lee (MPL) but also at other ERS flagship communities — strive to ensure our residents feel like they're being cared for, not by expert professionals but by people who seem like family. We accomplish this goal by creating opportunities for residents and their loved ones to build close relationships with staff. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has made this goal a bit more challenging. Hence, we’d virtually like to take this time to introduce you to our new receptionist, Ebony Canty! We recently sat down with Ebony to learn about her role at MPL and her experiences at our retirement community thus far.

Q: Will you describe your role at Marjorie P. Lee? 

EBONY: I’m a receptionist in the Tom Craig Lobby at Marjorie P. Lee. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my administrative responsibilities are a little different than usual. But I know once we open back up, the lobby will be bustling!  

Currently, I assist residents with non-direct care and support their families with inquiries related to visits, their loved one’s care, and more. I handle drop-off items and ensure that it reaches the appropriate resident. I answer a busy multi-line telephone directing calls to the appropriate department or individual. I also answer all phone inquiries related to any recent correspondence from the corporate office. 

Every day, I manage various administrative duties: filing, copying, mailings, laminating, composing and typing confidential/medical material, formatting/revising existing documents, data entry, and all other administrative necessary tasks requested from staff.  

Q: You’re relatively new to the Marjorie P. Lee team. What was your previous experience like? 

EBONY: My previous experience is multi-faceted. I have experience as a medical administrative assistant with over twenty years of customer service, medical claims processing, and authorization coordination. On top of that, I am a certified Personal Fitness Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). 

Q: What are you most looking forward to learning about in your new role at Marjorie P. Lee?

EBONY: I joined ERS during the pandemic, which was a true blessing. However, I missed out on the “good old days” when Marjorie P. Lee had open access for all residents and their families. I am looking forward to when the dust of the COVID-19 pandemic settles and MPL re-opens. I look forward to seeing what my role will look like then. 

Q: Do you get to interact with a lot of residents? What is your relationship with them like? 

EBONY: Not right now, unfortunately, but I still shower them with lots of positivity and love from six feet away! I’ve made several buddies from afar with socially distanced conversations, kind words of affirmation, my silly humor, and lots of encouragement — which is much needed during this tough time. I also send residents cards to remind them that the MPL team cares a great deal for them. My heart goes out to the residents and their families during this hard time.  

Q: What do you like most about working in the Tom Craig Lobby at Marjorie P. Lee? 

EBONY: I love that I am the first face that residents, their families, and staff see when they come to the Tom Craig Lobby. I feel it’s my responsibility to create a warm, positive atmosphere down here for everyone in my way! I love making everyone smile or laugh as they pass by. 

I love that I am the first face that residents, their families, and staff see when they come to the Tom Craig Lobby. I feel it’s my responsibility to create a warm, positive atmosphere down here for everyone in my way! I love making everyone smile or laugh as they pass by. 

- Ebony Canty, Receptionist

Q: What do you like most about your career at Marjorie P. Lee so far? 

EBONY: This job was literally an answered prayer by God. I prayed for a job that has a positive and diverse work environment with happy, healthy, and positive co-workers in a job role that I love to do. Now, here I am at Marjorie P. Lee, shining my bright light and doing what I absolutely love to do — helping people in all kinds of forms! I loved participating in the We Can Do Better Panel, helping bring awareness to racism, racial injustices, and the Black Lives Matter movement so that we can strive toward change.

I also have to be honest and say that the food from MPL Dining Services is SO good that I have literally gained 10 pounds since starting here in June! You can’t beat $2.75 for an employee lunch with all of the fixings that you receive! Needless to say, I started packing my lunch, except for Friday salmon and mac and cheese dinners! Thank goodness the Fitness Center is open up to employees — I’ve been in there after work, which is incredible and very convenient for me. 

Like Ebony, if you are a dedicated individual who is passionate about serving older adults, click here to browse our open job opportunities and join the Marjorie P. Lee team! If you or a senior loved one is interested in moving to our premier retirement community, you can learn more about our levels of care here or fill out an information request form.