Jessica Desjarlais
Director of Associate Experience
At Watercrest, we believe in rewarding outstanding work, promoting from within, and building long-term relationships. Our culture inspires associates to recognize and celebrate one another’s gifts through service. Whether experienced or new to Senior Living, we provide in-depth training preparing each associate to make a real-life difference. Our in-house programs pave the way for associates to advance through our Career Development curriculum, and for college students to explore their Senior Living interests in our Internship program.
Watercrest associates answer a calling to serve our cherished residents and their families every day, and we are committed to continuously investing in our families of servants’ hearts.
We believe our associates deserve a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits options including health, dental, and vision, voluntary life insurance and company-paid life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, supplemental plans, 401k with employer match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement program, volunteer paid time off and associate referral program.
Our growth is your opportunity. Career Development is designed to assist associates in advancing their careers within the Senior Living industry.
Congratulations, Nahomie Charles – March Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Winter Park!
Nahomie proudly wears her core value “Compassion” daily in the community. Nahomie states “I felt like seniors need someone who is compassionate to treat them with respect, honesty and value them. I feel I bring all of those to my residents.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Nahomie!
Her director says, “Nahomie has a true spirit of teamwork that is always willing to step into any role, in any department, with a can-do attitude and unwavering support for the team. Residents love her gentle presence and compassion!”
Congratulations, Marlene Jimenez – March Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Buena Vista!
Marlene proudly wears her core value “Friendly” daily in the community. Marlene states “A friendly smile and a caring heart can make all the difference in a resident’s day. It’s not just about providing care it’s about creating a home where they feel valued and respected.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Marlene!
Her director says, “Marlene has been a valued associate at Watercrest Buena Vista for the past 7 months. The joy and empathy that she injects into the residents that she serves is truly infectious. She embraces each one of them as if she were caring for a member of her own family. By forming these meaningful connections, Marlene has been able to enhance the daily experience of each resident making their days brighter and more fulfilling.”
Congratulations, Valrie Wilson – March Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Palm Beach Gardens!
Valrie proudly wears her core value “Compassion” daily in the community. Valrie states “Compassion shapes me, not just because I chose it, but because I was raised to embrace kindness in every moment.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Valrie!
Her director says, “Valrie is committed to her job! She doesn’t just show love and compassion towards the residents, she takes care of them but also to her peers. She always has a smile on her face. Her calm and caring personality sets a remarkable example to everyone around her.”
Congratulations, Jennifer Curtis – March Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Richmond!
Jennifer proudly wears her core value “Compassion” daily in the community. Jennifer states “I chose this core value because it fosters stronger connections, promotes well-being, and creates a more positive and supportive environment for everyone, both for themselves and others.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Jennifer!
Her director says, “Jennifer has a heart of gold and is willing to help out whenever and wherever in the community. We are so blessed to have her a part of the team!”
Congratulations, Pierre Williams – March Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest SLW!
Pierre proudly wears his core value “Loyalty” daily in the community. Pierre states “I chose this core value because value being loyal to all. I love working with our team and providing an excellent experience for the residents and their families.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Pierre !
His director says, “Pierre is always willing to help out. He will pitch in wherever needed and will never say no. He truly goes above and beyond and can put a smile on your face.”
Congratulations, Victoria Copeland-Caldwell – March Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach!
Victoria proudly wears her core value “Humble” daily in the community. Victoria states “I chose this core value because I believe in showing respect and putting others’ needs before my own. Serving seniors is meaningful to me because my grandparents raised me, and I carry their love and wisdom.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Victoria!
Her director says, “Victoria is incredibly kind and generous. She takes the time to connect with our residents, learning their stories and making each one of them feel valued. The bonds she builds go beyond care-they bring comfort, trust, and a true sense of family!”
Congratulations, Lucretia Chatman – March Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Spanish Springs!
Lucretia proudly wears her core value “Dedicated” daily in the community. Lucretia states “I chose this core value because my determination comes from all the challenges I’ve faced. It’s pushed me to think differently about decisions and tasks. I find joy in serving seniors, especially when something simple brings them a smile. Their happiness inspires me and keeps me motivated to keep going.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Lucretia!
Her director says, “Lucretia exemplifies servant leadership through her dedication as both a Med Tech and RCS. She consistently prioritizes resident care with empathy and professionalism, while supporting her team with knowledge and collaboration. Her commitment to continuous improvement and leadership by example make her a true asset to her patients and colleagues.”
Congratulations, Tamera Pollard – February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Myrtle Beach!
Tamera proudly wears her core value “Loving” daily in the community. Tamera states “I enjoy prioritizing genuine care, empathy, and compassion for our residents, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, and treating each person with dignity and respect.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Tamera!
Her director says, “Tamera is willing to come in and cover shifts to assure our residents’ care needs are met. This month we have had numerous families complete Servant Leader of the Month cards using the following adjectives to describe Tamera: hardworking, smiling, helpful, kind, caring, supportive, compassionate, efficient, and respectful.!”
Congratulations, Mary McCormick– February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Richmond!
Mary proudly wears her core value “Kindness” daily in the community. Mary states, “I chose Kindness as my core value because I am a very kind person who believes that when serving seniors, you have to be kind as they really need us”.
It is WE who thank YOU, Mary!
Her director says, “Mary is a proven team player while also providing to be a wealth of knowledge in many fields whin her scope of practice such as flower arranging, cooking, baking, and event planning.”
Congratulations, Darcy Rodriguez – February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest St. Lucie West!
Darcy proudly wears her core value “Kindness” daily in the community. Darcy states “Our collective energy inspires positive change..”
It is WE who thank YOU, Darcy!
Her director says, “Darcy exemplifies servant leader by taking on every challenge. No job is too big or too small. Not only does she serve our residents, she also serves our team and expresses kindness and positivity to all those around her..”
Congratulations, Cheyenne Clowers – February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Macon!
Cheyenne proudly wears her core value “Growth” daily in the community. Cheyenne states “I chose Growth as my core value because when life presents challenges, I effectively leverages them as opportunities.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Cheyenne!
Her director says, “Cheyenne is an exemplary young professional who consistently showcases a robust work ethic and surpasses expectations..”
Congratulations, Shannekar Johnson – February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Palm Beach Gardens!
Shannekar proudly wears her core value “Compassionate” daily in the community.
It is WE who thank YOU, Shannekar!
Her director says, “Shannekar is always willing to help. Her dedication shines through in her flexibility and her readiness to pick up shifts whenever we need her.”
Congratulations, Olivia Fairweather Richardson – February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach!
Olivia proudly wears her core value “Considerate” daily in the community. Olivia states “I picked Considerate because this means valuing other people’s feelings as you would your own.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Olivia!
Her director says, “Olivia is an exceptional servant leader. She takes the time to connect with every resident, ensuring they always feel valued, respected, and treated with dignity. Olivia’s always smiling and brings a positive energy to everything she does, constantly coming up with new ideas to support and improve our residents’ well-being.”
Congratulations, Liliana Cook – February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Spanish Springs!
Liliana proudly wears her core value “Compassionate” daily in the community. Liliana states “I chose Compassionate as my core value because I think that’s one of the most important traits a person and should have in work or life.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Liliana!
Her director says, “Lileana is an incredibly talented and compassionate caregiver, and her leadership in this role has been invaluable. She consistently goes above and beyond in caring for our residents, showing tons of patience and resilience, even when faced with challenging situations. Her ability to handle difficult moments with grace and dedication is something that sets her a part!”
Congratulations, Shawanna King – February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Winter Park!
Shawanna proudly wears her core value “Family” daily in the community. Shawanna states “I have always worked with seniors and it is something I enjoy doing, they are all like family to me.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Shawanna!
Her director says, “Shawanna brings compassion and dedication to her work every day making a meaningful impact for our residents and families. Whether its taking the time to chat with a resident or noticing someone that needs a little extra help and the small details that makes each resident feel valued.”
Congratulations, Joseph Vandenburgh – February Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Buena Vista!
Joseph proudly wears his core value “Compassion” daily in the community. Joseph states “The reason my Core Value is Compassion is because I care about people, and it makes my work more meaningful.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Joseph!
His director says, “What stands out most about Joseph is his ability to create meaningful connections with others. He approaches every resident and guest with warmth and attentiveness, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Whether it’s remembering a residents favorite order or offering a kind word to someone having a rough day, his compassion shines through in every interaction.”
Whether a career in Senior Living has always been your calling or you’re still exploring the idea, Watercrest is a great place to learn about Senior Living.
“The longer I am with Watercrest, the more I realize this is much, much more than a career. This is the place I have been waiting my whole life to be. Here, there is the heart that is missing in most companies.”