About Us
Team Member Highlights
Melissa Murphy, RN – Embraces the wisdom of the aging
At 16, Melissa began working at Franke Tobey Jones in the kitchen as a waitress. No one predicted at that time that 12 years later she’d still be here, now providing nursing care to residents in the Health Care Center, FTJ’s skilled nursing facility.
“It’s been my only employer,” Melissa said, as she moved from waitress to receptionist, then attended school for her LPN, followed by more schooling to earn her RN. Next came the University of Washington Tacoma for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing – all the while continuing to work at FTJ. Melissa received help from the Franke Tobey Jones Employee Scholarship Fund for many years, allowing her to pursue these educational goals.
Melissa is the Lead Nurse of the team providing residents requiring the highest level of care at FTJ. “I love the relationships I have with the residents, being able to make a difference in their lives means a lot to me.”
After spending some time in a management position, Melissa recently returned to nursing care, saying she missed providing direct care to her patients, and the one-on-one relationships she develops while caring for them. “I really missed seeing our residents, and I feel like I can make more of a difference in this role.”
Melissa gives high praise to staff at Franke Tobey Jones, believing that the genuine care provided by the team is what sets them apart from other senior living facilities. “It’s the little things our staff does, like taking one of our residents down to the Bistro for coffee and paying for it out of her own pocket.”
Years of wisdom and life stories shared by residents provide many memorable moments for Melissa. “I’ve kind of grown up here, and I’ve learned something every single day. The residents have taught me about who I want to be, and really helped me grow as a person.”
When asked what the community should know about Franke Tobey Jones, Melissa is quick to answer that it’s a great place - friendly, loving and beautiful. And, Melissa says she finds her beliefs regularly reinforced when she hears the same sentiments from residents and staff.
Away from FTJ, Melissa, who is married, says her big family is number one, and she enjoys spending a lot of time with them. She also gets pleasure from traveling, to places like Maui, which happened to be the location of her wedding.
Serena Smith – Focused on maintaining the health and happiness of seniors
Duck
into the MJ Wicks Family Wellness Center at Franke Tobey Jones and chances
are you’ll find Serena Smith leading a strength class designed for seniors.
Check a little later in the day and she might be putting a group through the
paces of seated Tai Chi or a cardio class to improve balance and
coordination.
“Everything we do here is offered to all level of participants 55 and older, whether it’s chair, standing or floor, says Serena, the Wellness Director at Franke Tobey Jones. “It’s all about keeping everybody healthy and happy.”
Serena, a personal trainer and certified instructor, came to Franke Tobey Jones 11 years ago. She started teaching classes at the Pt. Defiance~Ruston Senior Center, and eventually her work evolved into full-time at Franke Tobey Jones, where she now serves as Wellness Director – a position she’s held the past eight years.
“It’s just an incredible job,” says Serena. It’s a job that gives back, and a wonderful place to work. I really feel the job was designed for me.”
As a non-profit, Franke Tobey Jones not only serves it residents, but the broader community as well. “We have so much to offer here, and there’s so much to do between our wellness programs and Senior University,” says Serena. “Between the two programs community members could be here all day.”
She points to the positive social interaction that occurs between the residents and community members “I think the interaction is great for all of them. I see it every day, and there’s a lot of laughing and talking. It’s a very welcoming retirement community, and I feel it’s like having a very large family.”
Along with Serena, there are six other instructors teaching between 29 and 39 classes a week. Belly dancing, ballroom dancing, strength training, Wii, seated classes – you name it, the Wellness Center offers it, including onsite classes at Pt. Ruston Senior Center, and for those residing in Franke Tobey’s Jones’ skilled nursing facility and memory care center.
Serena emphasizes the importance of everyone being able to work out. “If a new need arises and a new class needs to be formed, we do that. We’re constantly evolving.”
It’s no surprise that Serena maintains a very active lifestyle away from Franke Tobey Jones. When she isn’t helping improve the health of seniors, chances are you’ll find her surrounded by friends and family. She enjoys swimming and wakeboarding with her two boys and daughter-in-law. She also finds time to garden. And, she’s an avid reader that happens to be a member of the Wellness Book Club. “I’ve been reading a lot since we started it about five months ago. It’s a nice group that includes both residents and community members.”
Serena invites anyone 55 or older to check out the wellness classes offered for minimal fees at the Wellness Center. She believes they have a class just for you. Feel free to give her a call, 253- 752-6621.
Linda Lewis offers a calming voice and presence – all day long
It’s 5:30 a.m. and Linda Lewis, who’s already been up for more than an hour,
starts her day at the front desk of Lillian Pratt Hall, the Assisted Living
facility at Franke Tobey Jones. Today, may not be like yesterday, but her
focus of helping the residents in any way she can, never changes.
Assisting with a shirt button here and there, helping residents find their way to the dining room or back to their rooms, answering the phone, arranging appointments, troubleshooting internet issues, ensuring letters get mailed, greeting tours. You name it and Linda Lewis, who’s officially the day receptionist for Franke Tobey Jones gets it done.
Linda says the residents are the best part of her day. “I love hearing their stories, and learning more about their backgrounds.”
Most residents who move to Lillian Pratt move over from the independent living section at Franke Tobey Jones after they’ve reached a point where they’ve become less independent and need some additional care. Linda says they come in and think it’s the end of their life. “They start by saying, ‘oh my gosh, we have to go over to the big house,’ but they soon find out that there is so much interaction, a higher level of care, they feel less lonely and soon they love it.”
You might say Linda has practically grown up at Franke Tobey Jones. She’s been there 21 years and started as a nursing assistant, a role she held for six years before moving to afternoon receptionist. For the past 12 years, she’s served as the day receptionist and graced the front desk at Lillian Pratt.
“I feel good when I leave here every day; because I’ve helped them (the residents) make it through their day. They are like family.”
It’s of no surprise that Linda doesn’t stop giving back when her day is over. You’ll typically find her volunteering her time, including errands on the weekends. One weekend it’s grapefruits from Costco, the next weekend it might be makeup at Macy’s.
It wasn’t too long ago that Linda taught an eight-week scrapbooking class to residents with dementia. She worked with their families to bring in old photos and used those to help the residents make scrapbooks.
While Linda’s love for Franke Tobey Jones has her spending a lot of time
there, this lifelong Tacoma resident also finds the time to spend with her
two teenage children. You might also spot her at the Y, out walking her dog,
and even spending a little time on Facebook.
Cherilyn Williams helps promote life-long learning through Senior University at Franke Tobey Jones
Ask around the Puget Sound if there’s a place to take a genealogy class,
learn how to perfect your painting with water colors, improve your computer
skills and discover the world of rare books all in one location, and people
might immediately shake their heads. But, if you happened to inquire with
the right person, he or she would tell you that Senior University, at Franke
Tobey Jones, offers not only the classes mentioned, but many, many more.
While it was never meant to be the area’s best kept secret, Franke Tobey Jones is discovering that the word hasn’t fully gotten out that if you’re 55 or better, the door is wide open for you to attend any of the lifelong learning classes Senior University offers throughout the year.
“In fact, if there’s space in the room, come on in, regardless of your age,” says Cherilyn Williams, program director for Senior University.
In 2007, two employees at Franke Tobey Jones embarked on the idea of offering lifelong learning for seniors. Their dream was to make it affordable, and provide education opportunities for those no longer seeking degrees, but still interested in learning and expecting a certain quality level in speakers or presenters.
Determination and persistence paid off as partnerships began forming with arts organizations, University of Puget Sound and others who made commitments to be a part of Senior University.
And before long, lifelong learning was up and running at Franke Tobey Jones’ Senior University. Computers, sociology, music history, business and health care – the class offerings continued to grow, with many classes offered for free and others asking for only minimal fees.
“One thing we want people to know about Senior University is that we’re not trying to sell anyone on coming to live at Franke Tobey Jones. We’re a non-profit offering a community service. It’s truly about lifelong learning.”
Today, classes are offered both in a series and one-time only.
Whether it’s learning about the history of cars, human trafficking or engaging in a six week writing class, Williams says she never stops having fun seeing people learn something new or make something work. “It’s just cool. Every time it happens I get excited,” adds Williams.
“I’m also forever surprised by what people are interested in. Sometimes our lectures are so esoteric.”
Williams continues to build connections and partnerships in the community to bring in quality lecturers and speakers. “None of our instructors are paid what they are worth. These people are just incredible, and many don’t ask for or expect anything.”
Her goal is five class offerings a week, and this summer has been no exception, with the class slate including acupuncture, genealogy, computers, digital photography and many others.
While classes average about 15, Williams has had a session as large as 50. “Some programs are attended by 90 percent community members, some are attended by 90 percent Franke Tobey Jones residents,” says Williams. “It depends on the topic.”
If you’re interested in lifelong learning, we encourage you to take a look at our upcoming classes.
Meet concierge and problem solver extraordinaire – Shirley Robbins
While it’s not the concierge desk of a posh hotel, don’t be surprised if
you find the same high end service offered by Shirley Robbins, concierge at
Franke Tobey Jones, a senior retirement community in Tacoma.
For the past three years, Robbins has served as the concierge of Franke Tobey Jones’ Garden Apartments, where residents live independently but often need a little help here and there - and all they have to do is ask.
Mary Damonte, a resident at the Garden Apartments claims there aren’t enough superlatives to describe Shirley. “She’s brought a quiet strength and joy to us. Nothing is too much for her to tackle. She’s there and available when anything comes up.”
Robbins, who works about 20 hours a week staffing the service desk does everything from fixing computers, picking up prescriptions at doctors’ offices, running to the store for a much needed baking item or shuttling a resident to have her car fixed.
“Our residents don’t always like to ask their kids to do things for them, and some don’t have family close by, so I’m here to help them out when they don’t have someone else who can,” said Robbins.
Wander into the Garden Apartments lobby on Monday, Wednesday or Friday and you’ll find Robbins offering up continental breakfast. Or stick around for Friday afternoons and you’ll be treated to happy hour.
When asked about the breakfasts and Friday socials, Robbins explains, “I’m not there to facilitate conversation, just to encourage it. Socialization is very important to seniors.”
“I can’t imagine my life at the Garden Apartments without Shirley,” said resident Joanne Rieke. “She is an extraordinary person, the kind that is tuned in to our daily lives. She’s kind of our everything.”
Robbins says what makes her feel best about her role is when she can still help the residents feel independent and able to take care of themselves.
Computers are often a source of frustration, as Robbins recalls a recent experience where a resident hit a button on his computer and couldn’t figure out what he’d done. “He was totally frustrated and couldn’t get it to work, and I was able to help him figure out what happened and show him how to fix it in the future. That makes me feel good.”
Robbins laughingly admits she’s not a Mac person when it comes to computer, but says she’s learning. “I’ve even called a resident’s son in Oregon, and between him and I, we fixed his dad’s computer without him having to come up here and do it.”
No day is the same at the Garden Apartments. One day Robbins might be working with maintenance to figure out why the heat isn’t working properly, another day she’s helping residents bring food to another who’s not feeling well.
“I do surprise parties, I make arrangements for families to stay on or off campus, I offer a listening ear when its needed – it’s really just all about making our residents feel special,” said Robbins.
While Robbins has never worked in a hotel she has a background that lends itself well to being resourceful and helping people, serving as a home economics teacher, then a mom with a military husband and later at a church running a café and book store.
Residents and families come to quickly trust Robbins. She’s there when they need her and they know she’ll take care of whatever needs they have. And, Robbins knows and expects that residents’ needs differ every day. That’s what she loves about being their concierge.
