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, Amelia Basile – September Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Richmond!
Amelia proudly wears her core value “Loveable” daily in the community. Amelia states “I chose loveable as my core value because I love to be around others and make them smile.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Amelia!
Her director says, “Amelia always has a positive attitude and is willing to help out wherever needed.”
Congratulations, Robin Serna – September Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Spanish Springs!
Robin proudly wears her core value “Community” daily in the community. Robin states “I chose community because working at Watercrest Spanish Springs provides an opportunity to create bonds and relationships with seniors, which helps create NEW communities within our community.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Robin!
Her director says, “Robin’s gift for engaging residents is infectious. He has a natural ability to put people at ease and draw them in to whatever activity he is leading. He has been an excellent addition to the Watercrest Spanish Springs family, and we are blessed to have him on our team.”
Congratulations, April Morse – September Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Buena Vista!
April proudly wears her core value “positivity” daily in the community. April states “I chose positivity because it helps me focus on the good, even when things are hard. A positive attitude makes a big difference for me and the people around me. I love having fun and making people smile and laugh. I love serving seniors. I enjoy hearing their stories. I love giving and brightening their day. We can learn from each other.”
It is WE who thank YOU, April!
Her director says, “I am honored to recognize April as our Servant Leader of the Month for her outstanding dedication, positivity, and commitment to excellence. Her uplifting spirit, reliability, and genuine care inspire those around her and make a lasting impact on both our residents and team every day. April’s positive energy truly reflects the heart of our Watercrest community!”
Bottom tag line: Thank you, April for demonstrating that “The Difference is Our People!”
Congratulations, Mayla Izquierdo – September Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Palm Beach Gardens!
Mayla proudly wears her core value “Optimism” daily in the community. Mayla states “I chose my core value because I feel like I live by every day being optimistic. Even if I do not know the exact way or route of how something will get done, achieved or resolved with the right determinations and positive outlook I know my optimistic view on life will grant future success in whatever I put my mind to.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Mayla!
Her director says, “Mayla is a servant leader for our residents, and team.
Her positive attitude and always willing to jump in and help goes a long way.
All the positive feedback from families and residents on how she is on top of items and her follow through.”
Bottom tag line: Thank you, Mayla for demonstrating that “The Difference is Our People!”
Congratulations, Michelle Montgomery – September Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest SLW!
Michelle proudly wears her core value “Happy” daily in the community. Michelle states “From the moment I came to Watercrest 5 years ago I could tell it was a special place. Our residents are some of the most amazing and interesting people. This is not just a job here, its family. I grew up around seniors and skilled nursing. I never had a question what I was going to be when I grew up. I was always going to be a nurse. Working for Watercrest and being part of one of the #1 ALF throughout the country is one of my greatest achievements. I am so proud to be a part of this team.”\
It is WE who thank YOU, Michelle!
Her director says, “At Watercrest, the experiences, everything! Nurse Michelle provides an amazing experience for all of her residents every single day by providing exceptional care and bringing smiles to their faces. She overheard that one of our residents was having a hankering for Ruby Tuesdays! She arranged for him to get to the restaurant, and she met him there and bought him dinner just to make him smile!”
Bottom tag line: Thank you, Michelle for demonstrating that “The Difference is Our People!”
Congratulations, Jordan Mondrey – August Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Richmond!
Jordan proudly wears her core value “Gratitude” daily in the community. Jordan states “I chose gratitude as my core value because I deeply value the opportunity to serve the senior population. For me, it’s not just a job-it’s a privilege to support, learn from, and connect with individuals who have paved the way for future generations. Each interaction is a reminder of the strength, wisdom, and resilience they carry, and I feel honored to give back with compassion and respect. ”
It is WE who thank YOU, Jordan!
Her director says, “Jordan was chosen as Servant Leader of the Month for her consistently warm and welcoming attitude, especially when training new staff. She leads by example-always willing to go above and beyond to support her team and ensure everyone feels valued, prepared, and encouraged. Her dedication to service and kindness makes a lasting impact on both her colleagues and the people she cares for.”
Congratulations, Adam Cornell – August Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Buena Vista!
Adam proudly wears his core value “Faith” daily in the community. Adam states “I chose faith as my core value because it is my faith in god that gives me hope for today and tomorrow. I enjoy helping people, especially those who may have a hard time helping themselves.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Adam!
His director says, “Adam has a serving heart and comes to the community with a special passion for helping others. He ensures that all his interactions with the residents are one of excellence!”
Bottom tag line: Thank you, Adam for demonstrating that “The Difference is Our People!”
Congratulations, Janet Edwards – August Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Palm Beach Gardens!
Janet proudly wears her core value “Compassion” daily in the community. Janet states “I chose compassion as my core value because I care for others and a desire to serve others.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Janet!
Her director says, “Janet is very helpful and willing to help whenever and wherever she can. She has a true passion for serving our residents and their families.”
Bottom tag line: Thank you, Janet for demonstrating that “The Difference is Our People!”
Congratulations, Tim Waugh – August Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest SLW!
Tim proudly wears his core value “Passion” daily in the community. Tim states “Working for Watercrest gives me the opportunity to serve our seniors and that makes me very happy.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Tim!
His director says, “Tim is always willing to help, but it is the most heart-touching when you see him assisting in activities in Memory Care or having coffee with a resident. Handles a hundred tasks a day and completes them with excellence. Tim is living out his purpose with his Watercrest Family.”
Bottom tag line: Thank you, Tim for demonstrating that “The Difference is Our People!”
Congratulations, Benjamin Pickard – August Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Winter Park!
Benjamin proudly wears his core value “Adventurous” daily in the community. Benjamin states “I chose Adventurous as my core value because I like stepping into each day with curiosity and openness. Serving residents gives me a chance to connect with people who have lived full and interesting lives, and I enjoy learning from their stories.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Benjamin!
His director says, “Ben brings such genuine warmth to our dining room. I love how he goes beyond serving meals to truly connecting with residents. He makes them feel valued every day.”
Bottom tag line: Thank you, Benjamin for demonstrating that “The Difference is Our People!”
Congratulations, Jasmine Norton – August Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Spanish Springs!
Jasmine proudly wears her core value “Outgoing” daily in the community. Jasmine states “I always find myself being the first one to lead a hand or introduce myself. I easily connect with our team and resdients and enjoying listening to them.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Jasmine!
Her director says, “Jasmine is hardworking and believes in putting our residents first.”
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.”