New Administrator at Greenfields of Geneva Treasures Everyday Interactions with Residents

After completing extensive on-the-job training in a program that is unique across the country, Jenna Thieding has taken on the role of administrator at GreenFields of Geneva senior living community in Geneva, Illinois. There, she is overseeing the assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing departments.

A Strong Educational Foundation

Thieding is well prepared for the role, having majored in healthcare administration and minored in gerontology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. While there, she participated in a yearlong administrative residency focused on building management and leadership skills.

Hands-On Experience at Sister Community

Her residency was at The Waterford in Juno, Florida, a sister senior living community to Greenfields. Both are among the 15 senior living communities owned and operated by Lifespace Communities.
“It is the only program like it in the country,” Thieding says about the administrative residency that prepared her for her current role. She says it gave her the kind of real-life experience she needed to provide the best possible care for residents.

“It was transformational,” she says. “There is only so much that books can teach you. Having that hands-on experience, working alongside an interdisciplinary team and the administrator, teaches you so much.”

A Lifelong Calling to Caring

Thieding’s interest in healthcare goes back to her childhood. “Both my mother and sister are nurses. My mother worked in skilled nursing while I was growing up, and she would bring my sister and me to the community. We’d always hang out with the residents and do activities and all sorts of things,” she says.

While being a nurse didn’t interest her, Thieding wanted to work in a career that would still allow her to have a positive impact on others.

“I didn’t really know where I would fit in. I looked up healthcare administration degrees and came upon the program at the University of Eau Claire. My mom and sister are both alumnae of UW Eau Claire, so it was the perfect home for me.”

A Role That Wears Many Hats

“I’m a jack of all trades,” says Thieding, who reports to the executive director of Greenfields. She is in the process of earning her state license as a nursing home administrator and obtaining certification from the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards.

Her role involves managing her team, ensuring that the community is following regulations, meeting with residents and families to acquaint them with the community, overseeing operations and assisting with any concerns residents may have.

Thieding’s responsibilities also include supporting the clinical staff and helping residents transition to different levels of care.

“That beautiful part of our community is that we offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. Residents are able to move through the continuum of care if they need more help.”

Drawn By Community and Compassion

Thieding was drawn to Greenfields because of the many amenities it offers for residents, including arts and activity rooms, a fitness center and spa, wellness programs, a beautiful campus and the attention that staff give to the residents.

She also likes that Lifespace Communities is a non-profit organization.

“The thing I love about working for a non-profit is that all of the revenue goes back into enhancing the communities,” she says. “Lifespace is a wonderful organization that gives back to the residents and the team members.”

She says the best part of her job is the everyday interactions with residents.

“There are some residents who will come by and pop in to check on me or to ask how I’m doing, and I just love those interactions,” she says. “It really brightens my day.”

GreenFields of Geneva

GreenFields of Geneva is a luxury senior living community providing a vibrant retirement lifestyle in an ideal location. As a Life Plan Community, formerly known as a CCRC, GreenFields offers a complete continuum of care: independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. GreenFields of Geneva is owned by Lifespace Communities, a non-profit organization with more than 45 years of experience in senior living. For additional information, call 630/578-7969 or visit www.GreenFieldsGeneva.org