Marjorie P. Lee resident Kate Powers enjoys using the fitness center, especially when Monique Lamb
is there working. Kate and Monique have formed a wonderful relationship.
Today’s young professionals are looking for work they are passionate about that creates space for growth and encourages a work/life balance. Though caring for older adults may not be the first area young professionals consider when choosing a new job, it can be very fulfilling at Episcopal Retirement Services. It’s a place to consider when starting or growing your career.
An ERS advantage
“Meaningful work is so important for young professionals, and at ERS, you can definitely make an impact. Service is embedded into our culture,” said Madeleine Kipperman, Director of Talent Acquisition at ERS.
ERS also promotes and supports great talent, she added.
“Our President and CEO (Laura Lamb) started out as an intern. This is a place where you can explore opportunities and grow,” Kipperman said.
ERS is a safe space to grow your skills, says Alexis Ryles, Director of Talent Development.
“When you are new in your career and truly putting your education and brief work experience to the test, it is important to do so in a space where you can ask for help, make mistakes, pilot your bright ideas, and share your unique experiences with others comfortably. I certainly wish I’d discovered ERS when I started my career. It’s an organization that believes in its team members and all aspects of their growth and development,” Ryles said.
Three YPs tell us their stories
We asked three young professionals about their work at ERS and why they chose a career in caring for older adults.
Becky Burns, ECH Administrative Assistant, with Shanika Strowder
Shanika Strowder
Q: What is your current role at ERS?
A: Human Resource Partner at Episcopal Church Home
Q: What was your experience before starting at Episcopal Retirement Services?
A: I was in Human Resources for over 15 years. I did HR in affordable housing before I came to ERS. I also did HR management for the city of Detroit.
Q: What first inspired you to pursue a career serving older adults?
A: It was something that I had never done before. I had gotten bored with HR and thought I had reached my cap. I’ve always had a passion for the elderly and did community service for the elderly. When I had the opportunity to work 100 percent with them, it brought back that fire for my work.
Q: What do you like most about your role here?
A: The support of my team is one of the best things about my job. Being able to interact with our seniors personally is a great part of the job. I can go out of my office downstairs and be with them. I have full access to our seniors, and they have full access to me.
Megan Greatorex, MPL Life Enrichment Specialist, with Hannah McCarren
Hannah McCarren
Q: What is your current role at ERS?
A: Memory Support Household Coordinator at Marjorie P. Lee.
Q: What was your experience before starting at Episcopal Retirement Services?
A: I received my master's degree in Gerontological Studies from Miami University in May 2022.
My prior experience involves home care, being in a group that went to hospice and sang to people, and an internship with ERS in 2018.
Q: What first inspired you to pursue a career serving older adults?
A: I received my bachelor's and master's degrees in Gerontology (the study of aging). I have pretty much always wanted to work with older adults. As a young child, my grandma was my best friend. We spent most afternoons and weekends together until she passed away from dementia. As a teen into adulthood, I developed close relationships with a group of older adult ladies who have maintained an important place in my life. When it comes down to it, I deeply connect personally and professionally with older adults, and it is where I derive the most meaning.
Q: What do you like most about your role?
A: I truly enjoy spending time with the residents. When it comes to my role specifically, being a part of a team that provides safety, quality of life, and peace of mind for families is what I enjoy most.
Hayden Willhite with Driver Mike Gabennesch at Deupree House
Hayden Willhite
Q: What is your current role at ERS?
A: Transportation Manager of Marjorie P. Lee, Deupree House, and Deupree Cottages.
Q: What was your experience before starting at Episcopal Retirement Services?
A: My first job, at 16, involved managing a skating rink called Fun Factory. I was in charge of birthday parties, balancing drawers, playing music, etc.
Q: What first inspired you to pursue a career serving older adults?
A: I heard about Marjorie P. Lee through a good friend who had a spouse who worked for ERS. I was told how fair the company treated its employees and residents. The culture here was like nothing I had experienced early on. My mother, I remember, worked as an aide serving the elderly and always had stories to tell about how much she loved her residents. I started first as a dishwasher and then was promoted to the floor care technician for Marjorie. My first impression of ERS was a little intimidating at how professional and how high the standards each department held their employees to. It was motivating, though, because I knew I worked for an organization that cared not only for those it served but also for the employees. I quickly learned how rewarding it was to serve the elderly and build new relationships with those who allowed me to come into their homes to serve them.
Q: What do you like most about your role at Marjorie P. Lee & Deupree House?
A: I love that I am in a position where not only do I get to meet and create new relationships with the residents I serve, I can continue to care for those relationships daily. It is so important to serve as a friend to many of our residents. Being able to be the person who talks and interacts with the residents makes my job so enjoyable. It’s very important to have that in a community like ours because It contributes to the mental well-being of our seniors. Many of our residents are leaving the homes where they have lived for many years, and it all can be an adjustment. If I can bring just a little peace by being a companion, then it is all worth it in the end. The quote “it takes a village” comes to mind because it’s so important to have that community. I’m so blessed to be a part of a great one. I say this because being a part of this organization feels like I am a contributor to such a wonderful culture that brings a safe and healthy environment for our senior family members and staff. It’s just great to work for, with, and around wonderful people.
ERS Core Values and Ways of Working
At ERS, we devote energy and resources to making our culture the lifeblood of our workplace. We often refer to our culture as the “secret sauce.” With our Core Values at the center of our culture, we do our best to apply them so they are much more than a framed piece of artwork.
“Relationships are vital to our well-being,” says Joan Wetzel, Vice President of Organizational Development & Human Resources. “We need strong, positive interaction with others and friendship just as much as we need air, water, and food. The better our relationships are at work, overall, the happier we will be.” Our value of “Relationships” goes beyond our relationships with our teammates. “ERS expects us to engage in deep and meaningful relationships with our residents and clients." When we take the time to interact and really get to know our residents, we perform our jobs better.
We are so proud to offer a workplace that truly celebrates our employees’ talents while also honoring them as individuals. It’s really about whether employees feel inspired and are given room to do great things.
As a result of our positive, rewarding work environment, ERS has some of the highest staff, resident, and family member satisfaction scores. After all, when you love what you do, it shows!
For open opportunities at our Cincinnati and Louisville locations, click here.
Need more inspiration? See ERS YP team member Jomiya Coleman talk about our inclusive workplace and tell her story about making a difference in the lives of older adults every day.
