When Katrina Williams began her journey in senior living almost 17 years ago, she never dreamed that her housekeeping job would lead to her true calling. Now, Katrina is an Area Director of Operations, and has the privilege of leading and supporting several communities in the Jacksonville area.
“It’s definitely not what I envisioned when I signed up,” said Katrina. “Although I started out as a housekeeper, I was very passionate about learning more about the business.”
While she was working in housekeeping, she started helping out in reception when she would pitch in to relieve the receptionist for lunch. Her passion for learning and growing carried her through several different communities and positions throughout the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area. In 2008, she finally received her first executive director role in Jacksonville. As an area director, she now gets to help other associates get to that level.
“I really enjoy getting to mentor and train new executive directors,” said Katrina. “I love to pass along the things I have learned through the years.”
With so many years on the job, she has a lot of wisdom to pass on from her tenure. She advises other associates to take the time to make good decisions and to never be afraid to ask for help. She also urges other associates not to focus on their backgrounds or perceived limitations, but instead to focus on where they want to go.
“If you have passion, personality and heart, you can go really far at Brookdale,” said Katrina. Through it all, it’s her love for the residents that pushes her forward each and every day.
“I love the people I work with, the team that I work with and I love the residents,” said Katrina. “Whenever I’m having a difficult day, I go spend time with memory care residents. I truly love spending time with them.”
She also wants to demonstrate the value of hard work and perseverance to her beloved 17-year-old daughter, Lailah. “I want to model a good example for her and try to teach her about passion and responsibility,” she said.
As she continues to uplift everyone around her, Katrina looks to the future. “I’m always looking for the next goal,” she said. “I don’t want to stop here.”
