For Whitney Ariza, a career in senior living has always been about people, connection and continuous improvement. Now, after years of serving residents in various roles across Kintura communities, she is taking the next step in her journey as Associate Executive Director at Friends Homes West.
Whitney most recently served as Director of Campus Life at Friends Homes West, where she provided leadership and vision for a team responsible for resident programs, events and engagement opportunities. Before joining Friends Homes, she worked as Wellness Director at River Landing at Sandy Ridge, giving her valuable experience serving residents in different areas of the organization.
Her new position became available when former Associate Executive Director Matt Beam accepted the role of Executive Director at the Well-Spring community, creating an opportunity for Whitney to continue growing within Kintura.
"It's been incredibly rewarding to stay within the same organization and continue growing professionally," said Whitney. "Being able to advance while remaining connected to the people and communities I care about is meaningful to me. I hope it encourages others to see that there are opportunities to build a career and grow within Kintura."
In her new role, Whitney continues to oversee Campus Life while also providing leadership for resident services, spiritual wellness and resident wellness. She works closely with the Resident Association to ensure resident voices are heard and that feedback helps shape the community experience.
"I've always enjoyed understanding how things operate and looking for ways we can make them even better," she said. "I'm excited to work more closely with different departments and learn new aspects of community operations."
Whitney credits the Friends Homes West leadership team for helping make the transition seamless.
"We have a strong leadership team that genuinely supports one another," she said. "Their collaboration and willingness to share knowledge have made this transition both smooth and enjoyable."
Throughout her time at Friends Homes, Whitney has helped lead memorable initiatives including Veterans Day celebrations, wellness programs, lifelong learning opportunities and the popular Ice Cream and Music Social for Healthcare residents and their families. She has also focused on strengthening communication throughout the community through the newsletter and Icon, helping residents stay informed and connected. She is especially proud of the collaboration between departments that helps bring these experiences to life.
When asked what she loves most about Friends Homes, her answer is simple.
"It's the people," she said. "This is a place where I enjoy coming to work every day. It’s a positive and welcoming atmosphere, and I'm grateful to be part of a team that is always striving to raise the bar for residents and for one another."
As she begins this new chapter, Whitney remains focused on listening to residents, supporting her team and continuing to strengthen the community she loves.