Careers in Aging

Debra Sykes began her long term care career decades ago in New York, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and providing essential care to residents. Her caregiver journey continued as she earned her advanced credentials and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

After more than 20 years, Debra relocated to Florida and, as an LPN, has been an essential member of the Seaside Health & Rehabilitation Center team since 2021.

Debra plays a significant role in the lives of Seaside’s residents, monitoring their health and clinical care needs. She also helps guide CNAs in their daily tasks. She’s constantly bringing a smile to residents’ faces, which is one of the many reasons she enjoys working in long term care.

“I love it,” Debra says, “because it makes you feel like you are making a difference in their lives.”

Kylie Skoda is making a meaningful impact on residents’ lives every day. As Marianna Health & Rehabilitation Center’s Dietary Manager, she’s managing the health and happiness of residents by ensuring their nutritional needs are met. Beyond the kitchen, she’s making sure resident mealtimes are personalized, so their experiences feel more like home.

Every day, Kylie is working to make a meaningful difference in residents’ recovery and quality of life. To her, food is more than nourishment. It’s care, compassion, and dignity served on a plate.

 “Working in healthcare food service gives me a true sense of purpose because I know the meals I prepare directly support healing, comfort, and well-being,” she says.

Rosie Pingel focused her college studies on recreational therapy and quickly learned that she could use play to support individuals’ physical, cognitive, social and emotional improvements.

After an internship in long term care, Rosie realized that she could use her knowledge as a certified therapeutic recreation therapist to enrich the lives of residents. Through activity programs, Rosie helps people rediscover purpose and learning – and that gives her much joy.

As the Activity Director at Orange City Nursing & Rehab Center, Rosie gets to know every resident as complete person – she takes time to listen and learn about their families, careers, hobbies and interests and develops activity programs around those unique needs. She knows that she’s not just providing care, she’s becoming a part of her residents’ lives.

Her enthusiasm for her role is inspiring. “It’s awesome making a positive difference in residents’ lives during their major life transition into long term care,” says Rosie. “What a joy to be able to do that every day.

As administrator at Lanier Rehabilitation Center, Joe Lewis faces many competing demands for his time and attention to ensure the center is running smoothly, with a team that is engaged and working together to meet residents’ needs.

Joe’s inspiration comes from his staff and residents. Watching his staff succeed in their roles is essential to the culture and quality care at Lanier, so Joe works hard to lead by example.

Joe also understands that for many residents, the transition from living independently to requiring nursing center care can be difficult. His own personal experience with needing rehab services gives him a greater perspective of the empathy, patience and kindness that is needed in long term care.

Joe leads in a caring, supportive way and works hard to make a meaningful difference. When it comes to working as a long term care administrator, Joe believes “there’s nothing more rewarding than caring for someone who can’t care for themselves.”

Michael Losagio serves as the Activity Director at Moultrie Creek Nursing & Rehab Center. He works to coordinate social events and arrange entertaining and educational opportunities for the residents. 

Michael finds inspiration in significant moments. He has witnessed a resident who once felt isolated, take a leap of faith to join an activity and discover friendships with others who share their same interests. He finds joy in seeing residents participate in their favorite activity and their smiles light up the room. 

“These moments are a powerful reminder of the impact an Activity Director can make in fostering community and belonging for our residents. These moments not only enrich residents’ lives but also reinforce my passion for creating engaging experiences that bring joy and companionship to our residents.”