Exton Senior Living Team Members Bring 118 Years of Experience

Exton Senior LivingThe Exton Senior Living includes 10 team members with a combined 118 years of experience at the senior community, with starting dates as far back as 2002. Among those are, top row, from left, Manuel Huertas, a hospitality executive associate who has been part of the team for 20 years, Irene Karpeh, a hospitality associate, Precelia Jallah, certified medication aide; and bottom row, from left, Millie Cedeno, certified medication aide, Mohamed Kargbo, resident assistant, and Kevin Cooper, cook. (Submitted Image)

EXTON, PA — At a time when discussions about “The Great Resignation” or worker apathy are prevalent, an entirely different perspective continues to unfold at Exton Senior Living.

More than two years into a pandemic that’s challenged workforces worldwide, Exton Senior Living relies on the experience of a team of dedicated caregivers. Among that group are 10 people with a combined 118 years of experience at the IntegraCare-operated senior living community.

The seasoned group has helped Exton Senior Living receive prestigious recognition as a U.S. News & World Report Best of Assisted Living community in 2022-23.

“This is a great place to work,” said Casey Counseller, Executive Operations Officer at Exton Senior Living. “The staff here is so loyal to our residents. The team members stay here for a long period of time, and the residents are treated well. It’s a mutual respect and appreciation of each other.”

“In some ways, our team knows the residents better than the residents know themselves,” Counseller said. “They’re able to give exceptional care and hospitality because they know and understand what the residents want and need.”

The Exton Senior Living team members with at least seven years of experience at the community include:

  • Manuel Huertas, Housekeeping Supervisor, 20 years.
  • Precelia Jallah, Certified Medication Aide, 18 years.
  • Kevin Cooper, Cook, 13 years.
  • Savbah Dawon, Certified Medication Aide, 12 years.
  • Ana Dasilva, Certified Medication Aide, 11 years.
  • Millie Cedeno, Certified Medication Aide, 11 years.
  • Pauline Kungu, Licensed Practical Nurse, 10 years.
  • Gail Brownlee, Concierge, eight years.
  • Moses Johnson, Certified Medication Aide, eight years.
  • Mohamed Kargbo, Resident Assistant, seven years.

Huertas said he applied for positions at three senior communities in 2002 and received three job offers in a relatively short time. He is glad he decided to accept the position in Exton.

“I had three interviews in one day, and all three wanted to hire me,” said Huertas. “I got home and I had three phone calls. I came back the next day and Exton Senior Living hired me. That was 20 ½ years ago. I like working with the seniors. It feels like they’re my parents.

“I’m still here. It’s just a great place to work. I’m happy. This is the place I’m going to retire from.”

Huertas, 69, enjoys his work and says as long as his health remains good, he would like to continue to serve the seniors in the Exton community.

“My favorite part of the job is serving the residents and making sure we meet their needs in housekeeping,” Huertas said. “Just being there and making people happy is most important.”

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