Sodalis Fire Starters: Working in Senior Living
Meet the people who spark joy
Working in senior living means more than executing tasks. It means showing up every day with compassion, patience, and genuine care. It means noticing when a resident needs encouragement and celebrating small victories. It means being part of something bigger than yourself.
Our Fire Starters are team members who consistently ignite positive change at Sodalis Living communities. They are Activity Directors who remember what makes residents smile. Culinary team members who prepare meals with heart. Nursing professionals who respond to needs with urgency. Executive Directors who lead with integrity. These are the people who make senior living careers meaningful.
For families exploring senior living options, Fire Starters represent what to look for in a community. For those considering work in senior living, their stories show what’s possible when you join a team that values people as much as it values outcomes.
Introducing our Fire Starters
Each month, we spotlight team members who embody Operation Magic — our cultural commitment to excellence, compassion, and genuine connection. These profiles show what working in senior assisted living really looks like, from the daily moments of care to the professional growth opportunities available.
Whether you are a resident, family member, or potential team member, our Fire Starters remind us why senior living career opportunities matter. They are the backbone of thriving communities.
Fire Starter spotlights
Sodalis Cantonment
Month: August
Name: Sally Marquis
Position: Resident Assistant
Fun fact about Fire Starter: I can juggle
How they got into senior living: Started taking care of her family
Favorite part about working with seniors: I’m one of them
Favorite part about Sodalis family: Closeness
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Working on her mini farm
VIVERE Life Deer Park
Month: August
Name: Karla Tovar
Position: Med Tech
Fun fact about Fire Starter: Makes homemade detergent
How they got into senior living: Received CNA at age 17. Turns out I was put on this earth to do this.
Favorite part about working with seniors: The residents and staff
Favorite part about VIVERE Life family: When help is needed, no hesitation to help
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Love to bake
Sodalis DeFuniak Springs
Month: August
Name: Pamela Wild
Position: Resident Aid
Fun fact about Fire Starter: She is a motorcycle rider and actually owns a Harley bike
How they got into senior living: Truly has a servant’s heart and loves taking care of others
Favorite part about working with seniors: It’s like being surrounded by grandparents all the time
Favorite part about Sodalis family: We are like one big family
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Loves Alabama football and is one of the biggest Roll Tide fans that you will ever meet
Sodalis Flower Mound
Month: August
Name: Veronica Medina
Position: Med Tech
Fun fact about Fire Starter: Enjoys doing nails
How they got into senior living: Loves helping others
Favorite part about working with seniors: Helping out with needs
Favorite part about Sodalis family: Everyone gets along
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Movies, spending time with my children
Sodalis Jacksonville
Month: August
Name: Jalyn Sirmans
Position: KUW
Fun fact about Fire Starter: I am a twin
How they got into senior living: When I was younger, I had to take care of my 90-year-old grandma
Favorite part about working with seniors: They remind me of my grandma, and they are just so loving and tell funny stories
Favorite part about Sodalis family: We are all a family. We care for each other and have each other’s backs.
Hobbies/Interests outside work: I love to read and spend time with my son, family, and friends
Sodalis Lake Jackson
Month: August
Name: Sol Zuniga
Position: Med Tech
Fun fact about Fire Starter: Loves to cook
How they got into senior living: She wanted to try something new
Favorite part about working with seniors: Spending time with the residents and seeing the smiles on their faces
Favorite part about Sodalis family: Teamwork is the best for everyone
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Spending time with her family
Sodalis Milton
Month: August
Name: Jay Riley
Position: Transportation Driver
Fun fact about Fire Starter: He likes bowling
How they got into senior living: He has a family in assisted living
Favorite part about working with seniors: He enjoys making them laugh with his jokes
Favorite part about Sodalis family: He likes working with his colleagues
Hobbies/Interests outside work: His interests are fishing, the outdoors, taking short trips, and visiting new places
Sodalis Pensacola
Month: August
Name: Dequasia Wilson
Position: Med Tech
Fun fact about Fire Starter: Love doing hair and dancing
How they got into senior living: Took care of my grandma. I knew that’s what I wanted to do after she passed.
Favorite part about working with seniors: Love hearing their life stories
Favorite part about Sodalis family: We are family
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Braiding hair and bowling
Sodalis Stuart
Month: August
Name: Midly Ulysse
Position: Med Tech
Fun fact about Fire Starter: Studying for nursing
How they got into senior living: Through sister-in-law
Favorite part about working with seniors: What I learned from them, as far as their past and profession. Also how they elevate me.
Favorite part about Sodalis family: The flexibility, entertaining staff and residents
Hobbies/Interests outside work: I love nature, parks, gardens, and the beach
Sodalis Tampa
Month: August
Name: Princess Smiley
Position: Business Office Coordinator
How they got into senior living: I started out as a C.N.A. and worked my way to the Business Office by caring about others and wanted to make a difference
Favorite part about Sodalis family: Daily joy, meeting and greeting others, and sharing encouraging words make a difference in every life
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Spending time with family, gym, parks, and my most favorite time is with The Lord. He is my source of everything in my life.
Sodalis Temple
Month: August
Name: Cain Puig
Position: Housekeeper
Fun fact about Fire Starter: Always happy to do my diligence in the workspace
How they got into senior living: I got into senior living because I like to help others
Favorite part about working with seniors: My favorite part is the calm and respectfulness with seniors working here
Favorite part about Sodalis family: I love working with my co-workers and conversing with everyone here
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Performing music
Sodalis Texas City
Month: August
Name: Lindsay Crawford
Position: Resident Assistant
Fun fact about Fire Starter: I am a mom of twins
How they got into senior living: I moved to Texas in 2022 to care for my elderly grandparents. I then decided to get experience in elderly care to make sure I could provide my grandparents with the best care possible.
Favorite part about working with seniors: My grandma has been my best friend since I was a little girl, so every night at work is like taking care of someone’s best friend, someone’s grandma.
Favorite part about Sodalis family: My co-workers
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Thrifting with the twins, video games with friends, spending time with my family, and CRUISES
Sodalis Victoria Assisted Living
Month: August
Name: Sadie Ford
Position: Med Tech
Fun fact about Fire Starter: Sadie loves gardening and has twin grandkids, which she loves very much. They keep her busy on her days off.
How they got into senior living: Taking care of my own family
Favorite part about working with seniors: So unique. Each resident is special and has a story to share.
Favorite part about Sodalis family: Family. We are a big team, not perfect but always helping residents.
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Loves to garden and babysit for her family.
Sodalis Wharton
Month: August
Name: Pamela Oliverez
Position: Life Engagement Director
Fun fact about Fire Starter: Been in Wharton community for 24 years, 22 as lead Care Attendant and two years as an LED
How they got into senior living: Was driving by and stopped to see what they had to offer, not realizing I had found my home
Favorite part about working with seniors: The joy in knowing that I am making their lives somewhat happier and better
Favorite part about Sodalis family: This has truly been my second family for all these years. I have met many people over the years who have become friends.
Hobbies/Interests outside work: Spending time with family, enjoying all my extra time with my children and my grandson brings me the most joy
Join our team
Inspired by our Fire Starters? Senior living careers at Sodalis Living offer meaningful work, supportive leadership, and opportunities for growth across all roles and experience levels.
