Nuala had a special fondness for older adults early in life. When her aunt exhibited Alzheimer’s, teenage Nuala volunteered as a candy striper at her aunt’s community. That experience was so fulfilling that she continued helping out with activities while studying to be an elementary school teacher.
“I learn so much from people’s stories,” she said. “They make me laugh and sometimes cry.”
Nuala made the leap from classroom to senior living a few years back, and discovered a new outlet for teaching and sharing with others.
“I love putting smiles on residents’ faces. Every day is a new opportunity for joy, connection and looking forward,” she said. “In everything I do, I care for our residents like family – like I’d want my mom or dad to be treated.”
Maggie Schleimer, Nightingale Suites Nurse Coordinator
With Springwood since 2020, Maggie prides herself on the help and open ear she provides residents. “I love hearing stories about older people’s life experiences,” she said.
Maggie realized senior care was her strength early in her career. A nurse since 1977, she has worked in hospitals, skilled nursing, rehab facilities, doctors’ offices and in home nursing.
An Iowa native, Maggie has lived in Colorado for 35 years, along with five of her siblings. She credits her good health to a love of veggies, which were cultivated in the family’s large garden. Maggie is mom to two mini dachshunds, Beanie and Roxie. Both pooches learned sign language because Roxie was born deaf. “They are my babies and such little clowns,” exclaimed Maggie.
Kasey Dutton, Fountains Manager
Fountains manager, driver and activities coordinator, Kasey enjoys working at Springwood because he believes that the residents represent one of the greatest American generations. Kasey was born in Arizona, and lived in Georgia and Washington before moving to Colorado in 2018. Married to Charlie, the couple’s grown children include Tyler, Joshua, Dustin and Wyatt who live in Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, and Colorado. A self-described clown, Kasey believes there is no better medicine than laughter. He likes all schools of thought as long as they are positive and labels himself a hopeful, half-full kind of guy. In his free time, Kasey is an artist, dabbling in digital painting and sculpting.