We're excited to introduce Shelly Jones, the new Executive Director at Starling at San Jose. With an impressive 35-year career dedicated to senior living, Shelly brings both extensive expertise and a genuine passion for helping residents live their best lives.

Starting Each Day with Purpose

For Shelly, being an Executive Director isn't about sitting behind a desk. It's about being present with residents and her team. As an early bird, she arrives at the community each morning, five days a week, to join residents for breakfast.

"I'm here for breakfast, rounding in the community, checking in with residents, seeing how their morning's going so far," Shelly explains. "Touching base, if I have to help with a little bit of coffee in the morning and say good morning, that's kind of a good way to start the day."

After breakfast, she connects with her team, rounds in the nurse's office, and ensures everyone has the support they need for the day ahead.

What Makes Starling Special

When asked about her favorite part of working at Starling at San Jose, Shelly's enthusiasm is evident. "Everything is such an elevated experience for the residents," she shares. "From the dining services to just the care that's delivered, and then the programs here are excellent."

She particularly appreciates the multiple beautiful outdoor spaces (perfect for Florida living) and the various common areas that encourage residents to be social and thrive in their environment.

What sets Starling apart from competitors, according to Shelly? "You really are in an apartment. You're not in a room where other companies may offer a room. You're in a true apartment and it feels like you've got that wonderful living space to be in that you can make it your own."

A Career Built on Meaningful Connections

Shelly's 35 years in senior living aren't just about professional experience. They reflect a deep personal commitment to making a difference. "I just find it very personally meaningful and professionally fulfilling just to help people really as they enter a different phase of their life and help them to make the connections with new friends, new interests," she says.

One of her most rewarding experiences since joining Starling has been getting to know a remarkable resident who is over 100 years old and has lived in the community for many years. "It's been amazing getting to know somebody really of her age and her longgevity living here and really how much she does love living here and how much it benefits her," Shelly reflects.

Why Team Members Stay

Shelly values the stability and longevity of the Starling team, where employees like Chef Drew and Activities Director Andy have dedicated years to the community. She attributes this to the company's accessible leadership structure.

"You can reach our chief operating officer," she notes. "If we need something, they're very accessible. We can pick up the phone, let them know what the need might be or what support might be needed, and they're right there to do it... You're not going to have your chief operating officer come to your holiday party at any other organization."

Aging in Place with Dignity and Care

When it comes to Shelly's vision for Starling at San Jose, one commitment stands out: helping residents age in place. "We really are able to care for people as they change and as their needs change," she explains. "We really try to dig deep and problem solve for people that are changing... Communities will not be open to helping people age in place. So I feel like we do a great job of helping people age in place and really partnering with the families on solutions."

This approach ensures residents can maintain their quality of life and continue calling Starling home, even as their care needs evolve.

Life Outside of Work

When Shelly isn't at Starling at San Jose, she's an avid traveler who recently returned from a week-and-a-half trip to Spain. She and her husband, a retired Marine with nearly 40 years of government service, take at least one big trip annually and enjoy weekend getaways in their small RV exploring Florida.

Shelly is also a proud mother of two daughters who followed in her footsteps into healthcare: one is an occupational therapist and college professor, and the other is a registered nurse.

A Perfect Fit

As Shelly settles into her role at Starling at San Jose, she's excited to continue learning "the Starling way" and supporting the community's amazing events and programs. "So far, I feel like it's an amazing fit for me and I'm really enjoying my time here, very much so."

With her decades of experience, genuine compassion for residents, and commitment to excellence, we couldn't be more thrilled to have Shelly Jones leading our Starling at San Jose community.

Welcome to the Starling family, Shelly!