Face of Caring – August 2021

Did you know August is National Wellness Month? As social workers do so much to foster wellness, we are featuring Chapel View Director of Social Services Sandy Perkins. Sandy worked in senior services for about 47 years, starting in 1973 as a nursing assistant in Northbrook, Illinois as she worked her way through college. In 1977, she moved to Minnesota where she again worked for Covenant Retirement Communities.  She moved into therapeutic recreation and the adult day center before eventually assuming the role of director of the adult day center position that she held for 18 years. Once transitional care came into being in their nursing home Colonial Acres, she moved into social services in 1996 and was the director there until joining us here at Chapel View in 2017.

“Sandy represents all that Cassia stands for:  integrity, excellence, collaboration, respect, compassion, innovation and stewardship,” writes Chapel View Administrator Paula Sparling. “She is one of the most humble, unassuming people I know. She’s kind and definitely has a servant’s heart. I once asked Sandy why she went into social work and how she feels about being a social worker and she told me her goal in life was to do the best she can for seniors. At the end of her career, she hopes to hear Jesus say, ‘well done good and faithful servant.’ Many times families and residents credit Sandy or her team for being so great to work with, informative with good follow up and kind.  She mentors two other social workers at Chapel View and as a result, we have a first rate social services department. We are very thankful to have Sandy at Chapel View.”