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, Kechena Telismond – July Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest St. Lucie West!
Kechena proudly wears her core value nice daily in the community. Kechena states, “I like working at Watercrest because everyone is so kind.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Kechena!
Her director says, “Kechena is always here on time, does her job and goes beyond when another person asks her to do something. Leaves her areas clean, fills in for other coworkers.”
Congratulations, Latonya Childs – July Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Buena Vista!
Latonya proudly wears her core value loyalty daily in the community.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Latonya!
Her director says, “Latonya is a dedicated member of the team. Her patient nature and genuine compassion have made her more than just a caregiver. Latonya’s presence makes the residents feel safe, valued, and deeply loved. It’s no wonder they look forward to seeing her each day—she doesn’t just care for them; she cares about them.”
Congratulations, Colby Kynard – July Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Fredericksburg!
Colby proudly wears his core value Faith daily in the community. Colby states, “I chose faith as my core value because I am God-fearing and strive to live my life according to His teachings. My focus is on love, because I believe that without love, we have nothing.
My great-grandparents passed away from dementia, and their experience is my “why.” It inspires me to serve and support seniors with compassion and purpose every day.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is learning from our residents. They are incredibly wise, and I value the life lessons and perspectives they share. Their stories, experiences, and resilience make it easy for me to come to work each day and remind me why I love what I do.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Colby!
His director says, “Since his first day, Colby has consistently demonstrated dedication and leadership. Although he joined the team with no prior server experience, he never let that hold him back. He proved that paying attention, listening, and following directions are the foundation for success. Through his hard work, willingness to learn, and positive attitude, he has grown into the person he is today.
Today, Colby is one of our most important, reliable, and trustworthy associates. He consistently leads by example and can always be counted on to support the team. I am truly proud to have him as part of the team, and we look forward to seeing his continued growth and success.”
Congratulations, Simeaka Melton – July Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Richmond!
Simeaka proudly wears her core value integrity daily in the community. Simeaka states, “Integrity guides ever activity I lead, by creating activities that honor each resident’s abilities and celebrate their individuality and bring joy to their day. ”
It is WE who thank YOU, Simeaka!
Her director says, “Every activity Simeaka does is with such kindness and heart. She brings lights to our residents each day with her smiles, stories, laughter, and creativity.
Congratulations, Syntia Gonzalez – July Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Winter Park!
Syntia proudly wears her core value Compassion daily in the community. Syntia states, “I love working at Watercrest because I have such as great rapport with our seniors, and it brings me joy to be of service to them.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Syntia!
Her director says, “Syntia is an integral part of the culinary team. She helps out wherever is needed and the residents an families love her.”
Congratulations, Cindy Teeter – July Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Spanish Springs!
Cindy proudly wears her core value empathy daily in the community. Cindy states, “I chose empathy because I think it is important to put yourself in other people’s positions to help understand what they are going through and find a compassionate way to help them.
I love serving seniors because I respect what they have been through in their lives and find it very interesting.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Cindy!
Her director says, “I chose Cindy as Servant Leader because her leadership is defined by her kindness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering willingness to always help! From the moment she joined our team, she has filled our entire community with pure joy!”
Congratulations, Sophia Lawler – July Servant Leader of the Month at Watercrest Palm Beach Gardens!
Sophia proudly wears her core value faith daily in the community. Sophia states, “Faith allows me to keep going.”
It is WE who thank YOU, Sophia!
Her director says, “Sophia goes above and beyond to help care for our residents. She is always willing to step in and pick up extra shifts.”
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.”