Find a Belmont Village Community
Rising Stars
The Rising Stars initiative recognizes outstanding Belmont Village employees who have risen through the ranks due to their dedication to service and our seniors. A new group of Belmont Village Rising Stars and their stories are featured on a regular basis on our careers page and posters are distributed to each of our communities to recognize individual career achievements among teams.
To learn more about team members who have experienced career growth at Belmont Village communities nationwide, check out the interviews below!
Alex D.
CHEF MANAGER – ALISO VIEJO
ABOUT Alex: Alex started his career at Belmont Village as a Cook and was promoted to Sous Chef at another Belmont Village community before being promoted to a traveling Sous Chef. With his success in that role, he started the Chef Manager-in- Training program and was promoted to Chef Manager and has been in that role at 3 separate Belmont Village communities. When he is not working, Alex enjoys barbecuing and some fun swimming pool time.
What was the first step you took in expressing your interest in career advancement at Belmont Village?
“I worked hard every day and got the attention of my regional manager of which I expressed my interest in career growth. Through hard work and requesting to take on more responsibilities, I was able to prove I was serious.”
How is Belmont Village inspiring you for the next step in your career?
“Having the opportunity to train others in our Chef Manager in Training program has inspired me to become a Multi-Unit Chef Manager as my next step for advancement. The opportunities to grow at this company are truly inspiring.”
Candice S.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – WEST LAKE HILLS
ABOUT Candice: Candice started her career at Belmont Village as a H.R. Generalist at our Turtle Creek community and was later promoted to Sr. Administrative Assistant. After applying for and successfully completing our Executive Director in Training program, she was promoted to Executive Director. When she is not working, Candice enjoys traveling, shopping, and anything self-care related.
What advice do you have for other employees who are eager to experience career growth at Belmont Village?
“Go for it! Make sure the appropriate parties are aware of your career goals and gain as much exposure as you can to various departments and corporate team members – make it known and show you want it!”
How has working at Belmont Village changed you as a person?
“I am more empathic with our staff – they juggle and balance many things outside of caring for our residents all while giving top-notch care. They inspire me every day to continue to make Belmont Village a great place to work.”
Collette P.
DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES & MEMORY PROGRAMS – THOUSAND OAKS
ABOUT COLLETTE: Collette started her career at Belmont Village as an Enrichment Leader before being promoted to Senior Enrichment Leader. After much success in that role all while receiving multiple awards, she applied for and successfully completed the Memory Programs Coordinator in Training program and was then promoted to Director of Activities & Memory Programs. When she is not working, Collette enjoys time at the beach, traveling, hiking, and bird watching.
What advice do you have for other employees who are eager to experience career growth at Belmont Village?
“Always put the needs of our residents first and you will be successful at Belmont Village. Be assertive and let your manager know your goals so they can support your growth.”
What accomplishments during your journey at Belmont Village are you most proud of?
“Completing the Memory Programs Coordinator in Training program and now getting the opportunity to train Memory Programs Coordinator in Training participants for success.”
Cynthia M.
DIRECTOR OF RESIDENT CARE SERVICES – BUFFALO GROVE
ABOUT CYNTHIA: Cynthia started her career at Belmont Village as a PAL and after completing nursing school, was promoted to a Nurse role. After much success, she was then promoted to Wellness Coordinator and then completed our Director of Resident Care Services in Training program before being promoted to her current role. Cynthia has been awarded Employee of the Month multiple times. When she is not working, Cynthia enjoys traveling – especially internationally.
What was the first step you took in expressing your interest in career advancement at Belmont Village?
“While working as a PAL, I discovered I had the passion to care for seniors and then quickly chose to go back to school and continue my education. When I became a nurse, I found it very rewarding to provide comfort to families and their loved ones in this new role at Belmont Village.”
How has working at Belmont Village changed you as a person?
“Belmont Village has helped me grow throughout my career by challenging me in many ways and helping me develop my communication skills, problem solving skills, and how to be a better leader for my team. I feel that I am able to empathize with my team of PALs and Nurses with the ability to understand their frustrations and work alongside them for support.”
Stephany D.
EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF – WESTWOOD
ABOUT Stephany: Stephany began her career at Belmont as a Bistro Attendant and then was promoted multiple times to the roles of Cold Cook, Hot Cook, Sous Chef, and then to Executive Sous Chef, excelling in all roles. She has been awarded Employee of the Month and as an Extra Mile Champion. When she is not working, she enjoys quality time with her family, taking her dog on walks throughout the city, and exploring new restaurants.
What was the first step you took to express your interest in career advancement with Belmont Village?
“I expressed my interest in advancing at Belmont when the line became very appealing to me. I grew fascinated in learning more and more each day.”
What is the next step for you in your career at Belmont Village?
“Definitely to become a Chef Manager. I have helped many other communities and I was able to see how each one of them have their own rhythm to the same menu and items.”
Evelyn O.
DINING ROOM COORDINATOR – ST. MATTHEWS
ABOUT Evelyn: Evelyn began her career at Belmont as a Food Server several years ago excelling in that role before being promoted to Dining Room Coordinator. She continues to support her team for success and has received several awards such as Customer Service Superstar, Employee of the Month, and the prestigious Employee of the Year. When she is not working, she enjoys gardening.
What advice do you have for other employees who are eager to experience career growth at Belmont Village?
“Be happy, positive, and give your best at serving and caring for your residents. You will truly stand out.”
What is the next step for you in your career at Belmont Village?
“I don’t know yet, but all I can say is that I will continue to give my best and dedicate myself at serving our residents and fellow team members at my community.”
Benny V.
COOK – GLENVIEW
ABOUT Benny: Benny began his career at Belmont as a dishwasher before being promoted to cook. He takes a lot of pride in his role and continues to champion the Belmont values every day. When he is not working, he enjoys playing basketball, running, and exercising.
What advice do you have for other employees who are eager to experience career growth at Belmont Village?
“Just work hard and follow the guidance and instructions of your supervisor. Don’t be afraid to learn.”
What accomplishments during your journey at Belmont Village are you most proud of?
“Serving our elder residents. By having my Chef Manager mentor me while assisting him with food prep, that allowed me to get promoted to the cook role.”
Megan K.
CHEF MANAGER – BURBANK
ABOUT Megan: Megan began her career at Belmont several years ago as a Cook and was quickly recognized as a top performer and future leader. She was promoted to Sous Chef and then to
Executive Sous Chef before being promoted again to her current role. During her time at Belmont Village, she was recognized as an Employee of the Month. When she is not working, she enjoys hiking, time at the beach, and spending quality time with family and friends.
What initially brought you to Belmont Village?
“I was recruited by Belmont Village. I had been working in restaurants before and was not happy with the late nights and high stress environment.”
How has working at Belmont Village changed you as a person?
“It has helped me gain more confidence in myself. I have expanded my skills as a leader and as a professional chef.”
Julienne R.
MEDICATION TECHNICIAN & PAL TRAINER FT. LAUDERDALE
ABOUT Julienne: Julienne began her career with Belmont as a PAL before being promoted to PAL Trainer and Medication Technician. She recently won her community’s annual Rising Star award and is currently attending nursing school. She thrives on being a problem solver, seeing her fellow employees grow in their skills, and developing herself professionally. When she is not working, she is focused on self-care.
What was the first step you took to express your interest in career advancement with Belmont Village?
“I asked my manager about my job growth with the company and we created a plan from there.”
How has working at Belmont Village changed you as a person?
“I am even more motivated to take that step forward with expanding my education. My dream to grow in my career has become a reality at Belmont Village and I’m willing to work hard for it.”
Mae O.
LEAD PAL BUFFALO GROVE
ABOUT Mae: Mae began her career with Belmont as a PAL before getting promoted to Lead PAL. She is another one our Employees of the Month. Over the span of 10+ years with Belmont, she has found her calling by working with seniors especially those in memory care. When she is not working, she enjoys movies, bowling, and spending time with her family.
What accomplishments during your journey at Belmont Village are you most proud of?
“Helping others! Being at Belmont Village, I’m proud to have been recognized for my hard work and getting the opportunity to promote in my role.”
What advice do you have for other employees who are eager to experience career growth at Belmont Village?
“You must love what you do from your heart and do the best job you can while treating others with respect. Your management team will take notice.”
Maria M.
NURSE BURBANK
ABOUT Maria: Maria began her 3+ year career with Belmont as a part-time concierge and was promoted to Medication Technician, and then promoted to nurse. She continues to be rewarded with numerous “thank you’s” she receives from her residents. When Maria is not working, she enjoys fishing and dancing.
What initially brought you to Belmont Village?
“Belmont Village continues to innovate different areas in senior living and I wanted to be a part of it.”
What advice do you have for other employees who are eager to experience career growth at Belmont Village?
“Have a plan, execute the goal, and work hard – it will pay off!”
Darlene F.
MEDICATION TECHNICIAN MEMPHIS
ABOUT Darlene: Darlene began her career with Belmont as a PAL and then Lead PAL before being promoted to Medication Technician. In her past 5 years with Belmont, she received the Shining Star and Employee of the Month awards. When Darlene is not working, she enjoys shopping and caring for others.
What advice do you have for other employees who are eager to experience career growth at Belmont Village?
“Being able to come into a company as a caregiver and advance to be a lead, and later being acknowledged with more responsibilities by management.”
What is the next step for you in your career at Belmont Village?
“Becoming a nurse. Belmont Village is encouraging me to go back to school to further my education.”
