Meet Avanel Jarka, Director of Housekeeping Operations
How long have you been in your position? Can you tell me a bit about your training/previous positions?
I started at Episcopal Homes in September of 2018. Previously, I worked in a Senior Living Community in Mystic Connecticut as well as Property Management before starting here. My career in Hospitality Management started with the Hyatt Hotels where I worked for many years. Then motherhood took me away until 2010; I then returned to the workforce but used my experience in senior communities rather than hotels.
What qualities make a good leader?
Having the ability to listen to my team! I never want the people on my team to think I do not have time for them or that my work (or anyone else’s) is more important than theirs. They contribute to the campus day in and day out.
What are the most important skills you use as a leader?
I always consider myself to be approachable and reachable for my team. Since as a department we are scattered all over campus, it is important my team knows they can always reach out even if they do not see me. I make it a priority to walk around campus at least once a day so that I can touch base with the Housekeeping Team members to check in.
Please share an accomplishment you are especially proud of:
For the past four years that I have been in my position, our department has done very well in all the Department of Health surveys in the skilled nursing buildings. We have not received one deficiency from the Health Department. My team’s positive attitude is contagious and I am so proud of the hard work and joy they bring in everyday!
Please share a goal(s) for your area for 2022:
Our goal is to continue with our current success!! I would also like to encourage and help (with our housekeepers) the residents to clean out and declutter their living spaces. We all need a little help and push to downsize.
A short sentence or two about you personally:
I am an extremely outgoing and love visiting and seeing all the residents in every building on campus! This job affords me the opportunity to keep moving and see all areas of this community!