Get to know Marisha, her four decade history at Sunnyside Manor, and her unique role as Resident Wellness Ambassador.

What if you had an extra set of eyes and ears in your loved one’s senior living community, just to be sure they’re really comfortable?

At Sunnyside Manor, that’s Marisha Kilcullen, Resident Wellness Ambassador.

From the moment a resident arrives, to the routines of daily life and to times of change or recovery, Marisha is there to ensure residents each have the support they need to live well.

Her role as Resident Wellness Ambassador is unique to Sunnyside Manor – it’s like having a family member on-site for conversation, for comfort, and for attention to each person’s needs and preferences.

We sat down with Marisha to talk about her unique role at Sunnyside Manor, and her four-decade path from mastering hospital corners, to delivering medications, to coming out of retirement with a personal mission to help residents – and their families – feel safe and at home. 

The Resident Wellness Ambassador: It Started With Coffee

When you see Marisha in the community now, you might be surprised to learn that she’d retired in 2020. But, after a chance meeting with Owner/Operator MaryEllen Keane, she enthusiastically returned to Sunnyside Manor as a concierge in 2022. The role was a natural fit; the community, staff, and even the rhythms of daily life felt like family.

“Sunnyside Manor has been wonderful to me in more ways than I can ever say,” Marisha reflects. “I’ve been to other places, but I never wanted to work anywhere else. I felt I was always at the best.”

As concierge, Marisha began hosting a coffee hour with residents. Whenever she noticed a resident seemed a little “off,” she’d check on them later – after all, it’s what anyone would do for family or a good friend.

Sometimes, she’d find the day was a difficult anniversary or that they’d received some bad news and needed someone to lean on. Or, her instinct as a caregiver would kick in that perhaps that person was unwell.

Then, she’d tell other staff, so that they could respond, too.

For Marisha, this was a natural extension of her role, and just what you do for family: check in on them and offer them what they need, whether it’s a listening ear, company, or some extra TLC.

Not only did residents appreciate the extra attention, but staff did, too. Care and activity staff had more nuanced information about the lives of residents they see every day. With that information, they had more ways to connect with each resident, to address minor issues before they became big concerns, and to alert families when needed.

In fact, Marisha’s thoughtful and caring check-ins with residents were so helpful – for residents, staff, and families – that the next step became obvious, “What if we did this for everyone?”

A Unique Role, 40 Years In The Making

Marisha’s role as Resident Wellness Ambassador is as unique as her path. She came to Sunnyside Manor in 1987 as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in skilled nursing at our original location in Manasquan. When the community expanded to our current location in 2015, she obtained her CMA (Certified Medication Aide) certification, and transitioned to our assisted living neighborhood.

Reflecting on her early days with Sunnyside Manor, Marisha says, “It was strict! We were taught how to make the beds with hospital corners and the head nurse came around to examine each bed. I didn’t think I’d like it, but I grew to love it. I thought, ‘This is it!’”

And, she notes what hasn’t changed. “There is a wonderful family atmosphere and a lot of very caring people. That’s something special that other places don’t have.”

Over time, Marisha developed deep relationships with residents, families, and other long-time staff here at Sunnyside Manor. “Residents and their families, you get a bond with them, and you start to form a friendship with them,” she says.

“And I have longtime friendships [with other staff] because I’ve been here so long – Joanna, Tracy… they’ve been here as long as me, Joanna even longer. It’s almost like a sisterhood.”

When Marisha returned from retirement, hospital corners were far behind her – instead, her focus became hospitality. “I meet families and residents when they’re moving in.” Marisha says.

“I like them to know that everything’s going to be okay. And gradually, they adjust. And the family members adjust, too, because they know their [loved one] is okay and calm.”

The Resident Wellness Ambassador, Day-to-Day

Marisha’s history is unique, and so is the role that evolved around her. The Resident Wellness Ambassador role goes beyond the boundaries of a traditional care or senior living role and spans both our assisted living and skilled nursing neighborhoods.

Marisha is at the intersection of care, activities programing, dining, and the environment. She’s focused on each person’s overall wellbeing: how they’re feeling, how they’re living, and what can make their life better, happier, and more meaningful.

For some residents, that might be ongoing encouragement to participate in particular programs. Or, it may be extra attention for residents at risk of isolation. Marisha is there to meet the need, whether it’s communicating a resident’s changing preferences or alerting care staff to subtle shifts in a resident’s demeanor or ability.

From the day of move-in to changes in health, to the day-to-day rhythms of life, the Resident Wellness Ambassador checks in with residents regularly – not just about their physical health or even their mental health, but how they’re adjusting, what they enjoy, and what will help them thrive.

For residents, she’s a singular, trusted sounding board for all things related to life at Sunnyside Manor. For staff, she’s a knowledgeable partner in creating a wholesome environment. And for families, she’s another set of eyes on their loved one, offering guidance and reassurance through transitions, and the extras that make life special.

About her work, Marisha says, “You have to love it. People need comfort, reassurance… I like to give them a little peace.”

The Philosophy Behind the Resident Wellness Ambassador Role

The Resident Wellness Ambassador role grew from a simple observation: Marisha’s way of showing up for residents embodied what Sunnyside Manor has always stood for – putting residents and their families at the center of everything we do. Truly caring for residents means clinical excellence and also asking deeper questions. Is this person connected? Are they thriving, or just stable? Do we know what they need before they ask for it?

It’s a commitment that has earned outside recognition as well. Sunnyside Manor is a recipient of the Silver – Achievement in Quality Award from AHCA/NCAL (American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living), that recognizes our approach to quality care and resident satisfaction. (Learn more about the Silver Award here.)

The “Small Things” That Mean Everything

When we asked Marisha what she loves most about her work, she didn’t talk about protocols or checklists – she talked about the laughs she shares with residents, the friendships that have grown over years, the satisfaction of knowing someone is comfortable and happy because of her efforts.

“It’s the small things,” she says. “I just want people to be calm and happy and content and have what they want.”

For families, and for all of us here at Sunnyside Manor, that’s far more than a small thing – it’s the heart of what we do.

—

As Sunnyside Manor’s Resident Wellness Ambassador, Marisha is dedicated to keeping lines of communication open from move-in, to the routines of daily life, to times of transition. Her warm, gentle, and thoroughly knowledgeable presence is one of the keys to smooth and seamless transitions for Sunnyside Manor residents and families.

Learn More About Why Families Rely On Sunnyside Manor

When you have questions about senior living, we are here to help. Sunnyside Manor offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Learn more about Sunnyside Manor’s resources for caregivers. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term plan, begin with our “Getting Started” guide. Please call us at 888-696-2052 to speak with a senior living expert.

Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier family-owned senior living community. The community features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care, and Long-Term Care & Short-Term Rehabilitation. Respite stays and palliative care are available in all neighborhoods.