Kansas City, MO — Bickford of Okemos Health & Wellness Director Grace Keenan was recently honored as one of three nominees for 2023 Health & Wellness Director of the year at the company’s annual Pearl Ceremony in Kansas City. As part of the annual awards ceremony, Bickford headquarters sent a video crew to capture Okemos’ residents and resident family members talking about the impact she’s had on them, and why she deserves the recognition. Here’s what they had to say. Congratulations, Grace! We’re proud to have you on our team.

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Cris Morgan: I worked in a business where I had hundreds of employees and I would have killed for an employee like Grace. She does everything she needs to do, and she would definitely be some one in my business that I would value tremendously. She’s smooth and easy and can do even the hard things without aggravating others. That’s important in Grace’s position. She’s professional and yet efficient and does what she says she’s gonna do, and can still be thought of fondly.

Geraldine Smith: It matters to her that we are all right and she comes and she’s there if we need her. Thank you very much, Grace, for all that you do here. I’m very glad that you’re here.

Marianne Schmid: I think I feel like I could go to her if I needed help. She’ll listen. She’ll help me. You can bring any kind of problems to her. She’ll help you solve it. And I feel like I can go to her if I need to talk to somebody. Thank you for making us feel at home here.

She is the nicest lady I ever met and I like to be with her. Thank you, Grace, for everything you did for me, and thank you. I love you, and I love your cat, and I love everybody here, and I like the food.

Deborah Canja: Grace came in as the new RN. And let me tell you, she was a breath of fresh air because you know, the RN is so central to what we do as family members in terms of trying to keep my mom safe and happy and well adjusted. And to have someone who is as responsive as Grace makes a big difference. The thing that’s so amazing about Grace and the characteristics that really make her stand out is how accessible she is. That’s the first one. I mean, it’s one thing for, someone to say to you, call me anytime. I’m always here. It’s another thing for you feel comfortable that you actually can call them, that they will answer the phone, that they will get back to you, and that it’s important to them and that they care about it. With Grace in this position, this branch of Bickford has just a wonderful, caring atmosphere. I feel very confident having my mom here. I think she fits in here beautifully and truly makes a difference in making this, I think, an excellent facility.