Meet Renee Pickerel, Executive Director at Legacy Arbors of Legacy Retirement Communities (legacyretirement.com/communities/legacy-arbors).
Tell us a little about your business. – At Legacy Arbors, we have a passion for serving those with memory loss and their families. Our extraordinary, caring and compassionate staff go above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment where people thrive. We pride ourselves on being the best resource for memory care. We are passionate about helping families understand and embrace the changes that accompany Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. There is a common thread you will find among all Legacy Retirement Communities. We believe in building relationships and establishing trust and rapport between residents, families and friends. We are your partner in caring for your loved one.
How did you get started in the business? – Before I moved to Lincoln 32 years ago, I worked in a senior center as an in-home services coordinator. I have always liked to be in the helping profession. So when I moved to Lincoln, I got a job with a homecare company. I did take a break from healthcare for two years and worked as a travel agent which I loved but found I missed healthcare. I discovered the healthcare profession is where I really wanted to be and could make a difference. I’ve worked in hospice and assisted living/memory care most of my career.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I have to say COVID was the biggest challenge I’ve faced professionally. It went against everything we do in healthcare. When loved ones could not see their families, had to visit through a window, could not participate in group activities and was quarantined to their room, it was the hardest thing to go through.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being named Nebraska Healthcare’s Assisted Living Administrator of the Year and Network Chapter Woman of the Year from the American Business Woman’s Association.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am married to a wonderful man Dan, and we will be celebrating 32 years this year. We love our two dogs, Niki and Jasper, who are Pomskies. We have many nieces and nephews that we enjoy.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – In the summer, I love to swim in my pool, go boating and camping in our RV, get together with friends and basically anything outside. In the winter, we love to travel somewhere warm.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have swam with sharks in Tahiti. I am actually shy (sometimes) around people I don’t know.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou.
What descriptive word would you like to be remembered by? – Compassionate.
What local nonprofit are you passionate about and why? – Any nonprofit organization helping or saving animals. They are God’s creatures who are defenseless.
What is your favorite TV show? – Yellowstone.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 466-3777; renee.pickerel@legacyretirement.com; www.legacyretirement.com.