Thank You For 15 Years
Thank You For 15 Years
This May Sonata Senior Living is celebrating our 15th Anniversary. As CEO and Co-Founder of Sonata, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the countless families, partners, and amazing Sonata team members who have made these 15 years possible.
Sonata was founded to “raise the bar in senior living.” Over the years, our constant pursuit of excellence and commitment to being the “best of the best” helped Sonata receive numerous awards and establish ourselves as a trusted employer and provider of senior living. If awards and growth are any indication of success, then we’ve done a pretty good job, but the reality is, NONE of it would have been possible without each of us committing to the core values that drive our daily actions and the devoted team members that embrace them.
Most companies have corporate values, but at Sonata, our team members don’t just talk about them, they live them. Here’s how:
Excellence – people who work at Sonata are never content to stop at “good enough.” Instead, I see team members challenging themselves to provide outstanding service to everyone at all times. It’s an amazing sight to witness!
Integrity – honesty, principles and authenticity are three words that come to mind when we talk about our team members who give selflessly of themselves to our residents every day.
Passion – we wouldn’t be working in senior living without a shared enthusiasm, genuine and heartfelt drive to serve seniors in our communities. We love and treat them like family.
Respect – we are in constant awe of the consideration, thoughtfulness, and attentiveness that our team members bestow on our residents. It’s what sets Sonata apart.
Teamwork – as the “T” in our Sonata STARS, every team member working in a Sonata Senior Living community understands that the sum of our efforts is far more important and greater than the parts. It gives us the right to brag about our culture.
I am so grateful for the past 15 years and incredibly excited for the next. It is truly a privilege to get out of bed every day and do what we do. We are continually inspired by older adults and by the residents that call Sonata home. We believe in being true partners with our families to help improve lives, enrich life, and support healthy aging. I personally know many team members who feel the same way and give them all the credit for giving our vision and values purpose.
To all of our Sonata families, residents, partners and team members, THANK YOU for 15 amazing years.
Shelley Esden, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Sonata Senior Living
About Sonata Senior Living
Sonata Senior Living is a nationally recognized owner, developer and operator of innovative and award-winning independent living, assisted living and memory care communities in Florida. Recognized by Argentum as a Best of the Best Award recipient, Sonata is committed to enriching the lives of older adults through programming, technology, care and services that empower residents to live their best life. To learn more about Sonata Senior Living, visit www.sonataseniorliving.com.
Expect More At Sonata
Visit a Sonata community and find out why putting service first has allowed us to continually raise the bar in senior living and exceed our residents' expectations.
Sonata Senior Living Names Dr. Keisha McDaniel as VP of Marketing
Sonata Senior Living Names Dr. Keisha McDaniel as Vice President of Marketing
Orlando, FL, April 27, 2023 – Orlando-based Sonata Senior Living is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Keisha McDaniel as Vice President of Marketing. Dr. McDaniel will be responsible for leading and executing the company’s marketing and brand strategy, lead generation, digital marketing, public relations, and communications.
Dr. McDaniel joins Sonata with more than 20-years experience in marketing, communications, branding and journalism, successfully driving strategic growth and revenue across diverse industries, including for Fortune 500 brands and major media outlets. She has a proven track record of marrying technology with sound marketing and communication principles to deliver innovative and engaging experiences across multiple channels.
“We are excited to have Keisha join the Sonata team with her extensive marketing background and leadership,” said Chief Operating Officer Jamie Merrill. “Her objective view and innovative approach align well with our core values as well as our vision for the future.”
Prior to joining Sonata, Dr. McDaniel held leadership roles and helped create best-in-class marketing and communications for Cuhaci Peterson, Darden Restaurants, Abbott Laboratories, America Online (AOL), WebMD Health, Tampa Bay Times, ABC News, and Lebhar-Friedman Publishing.
Dr. McDaniel sits on the Board of Directors for the University of South Florida, George Washington University and the YMCA of Central Florida. She holds a doctorate degree from Walden University, an MBA from Florida Metropolitan University and a bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University. She lives in Central Florida, enjoys volunteering and spending time with her family and pets.
About Sonata Senior Living
Sonata Senior Living is a nationally recognized owner, developer and operator of innovative and award-winning independent living, assisted living and memory care communities in Florida. Recognized by Argentum as a Best of the Best Award recipient, Sonata is committed to enriching the lives of older adults through programming, technology, care and services that empower residents to live their best life.
To learn more about Sonata Senior Living, visit www.sonataseniorliving.com.
Expect More At Sonata
Visit a Sonata community and find out why putting service first has allowed us to continually raise the bar in senior living and exceed our residents' expectations.
Sonata Senior Living Expands To Windermere, Florida
Sonata Senior Living Expands To Windermere, Florida
Orlando, FL—March 24, 2023 – Orlando-based Sonata Senior Living will be adding a new location to its growing portfolio of senior living communities. Formerly known as Azpira of Windermere, the 118-unit assisted living and memory care community in Windermere, Florida, will be rebranded as Sonata Windermere in the coming months.
The new community site reflects a commitment from Sonata’s executive team to expand the operator’s footprint throughout Florida, consistent with the company’s growth strategy previously announced in 2022.
“We are thrilled with this opportunity to add the Windermere site and further expand our legacy of serving seniors in Central Florida,” said Shelley Esden, President and CEO of Sonata Senior Living. “Windermere is a perfect location for Sonata to offer the rental-based model and upscale amenities preferred by Florida’s seniors.”
Sonata Windermere will represent Sonata Senior Living’s 13th community added to its portfolio and the second community to be added in the last 30 days. The news came within days of the grand opening of the newly constructed Sonata Lake Mary, also located in Central Florida.
Through multiple new developments and partnerships, Sonata has added significantly to its senior living portfolio in recent years. These include the acquisition of Sonata Hunter’s Creek in 2020 and the construction and opening of Sonata East at Viera in 2021.
All communities managed by Sonata Senior Living offer a continuum of care along with technology innovations, upscale amenities, and the personalized service that has become the Sonata Senior Living trademark.
At Sonata Windermere, COO Jamie Merrill will oversee a comprehensive strategic improvement plan comprising talent recruitment, staff training, technology innovations and marketing, among other improvements.
“Each new property managed by Sonata Senior Living reflects a carefully orchestrated transition period to ensure the highest standards are met in operations and customer service,” said Jamie Merrill, COO of Sonata Senior Living. “Our process is designed to replicate Sonata’s culture of service excellence to uphold our reputation throughout Florida.”
About Sonata Senior Living
Sonata Senior Living is a licensed owner, developer, and operator of innovative independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities located exclusively in Florida. Recognized by Argentum as a Best of the Best Award recipient, Sonata is committed to enriching the lives of older adults through constant innovation, programming and services that recognize individuality and promote healthy aging. For more information, visit www.sonataseniorliving.com.
DISCOVER SONATA LAKE MARY
Now open, Sonata's new state-of-the-art resort-style senior living community is located in Lake Mary and features the latest in technology, upscale amenities and wellness programs for active seniors who prefer worry-free retirement living.
The Lake Mary White Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cookie
The Lake Mary White Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cookie
The best holidays always feel like coming home to family. That’s our theme at Sonata Senior Living. And nothing feels more like home than the heavenly smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies.
A festive preview to the dining creations future residents look forward to at our newest community Sonata Lake Mary, enjoy these White Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cookies courtesy of Chef Brandon Rowley.
The Lake Mary White Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cookie
Ingredients:
¾ cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
½ cup Brown Sugar
½ cup White Sugar
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (I like to use Madagascar Bourbon)
1 Egg
1 Large Egg Yolk
2 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus 2 Tablespoons)
2 teaspoons Cornstarch
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
add pinch Salt
1 cup Dried Cranberries
1 cup White Chocolate Chips or Chunks
Instructions:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, brown sugar & white sugar with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and egg to combine. Lastly, beat in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and pinch of salt until a soft dough has formed. Stir in the cranberries and white chips by hand.
Refrigerate the cookie dough for AT LEAST 1 HOUR. You can chill it overnight if you’d like, but one hour chill time is mandatory to prevent cookies from spreading and to create that light, soft and chewy texture.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with silicone liners or mist lightly with cooking spray. Remove chilled dough from fridge and roll into Tablespoon-sized balls. Place onto the cookie sheets about 1-2″ apart from one another.
Bake for approx. 8-10 minutes, rotating pans halfway through baking time to ensure an even cook. Cookies may appear slightly undone, but do not over-bake them! They will continue to set up more as they cool.
This is one recipe you will treasure for its simplicity.
EXPECT MORE FREEDOM
Find out how rent-based independent living at Sonata provides financial freedom and more time to live life to the fullest!
Family Letter Limelights: Sonata Coconut Creek, November 2022
Family Letter Limelights: Sonata Coconut Creek, November 2022
This month our Family Letter Limelight features a shout out to Sonata Coconut Creek. Thank you, Sonata Coconut Creek, for understanding the importance of connecting with family.
Letter To Sonata Coconut Creek
On October 6th of this year, my darling wife will celebrate her first year as a resident at your Sonata Coconut Creek facility. While her memory continues to slip, her physical appearance has improved so much, and I am very grateful for the care she receives from Sonata.
I want to give thanks to the whole staff of genuinely caring people. The staff is wonderful towards the residents and the families that come and visit.
I do miss my wife every day, but when I come to see her and then leave, I do so with so much confidence and assured that my darling is in good hands and well taken care of.
Don’t want to take too much time, but I believe that this was needed to be said. Thank you for the wonderful people that work for the Sonata facilities. God bless you all!
Sincerely,
Tony R.
About Family Letter Limelights
We think it’s important to illuminate the amazing work and service our team members provide at Sonata Senior Living by sharing letters we receive from our families. Family Letter Limelights represent unedited, unsolicited letters we have selected to share with the public.
We share these letters in a spirit of gratitude to acknowledge the dedication of our team members and associates who make it possible for Sonata to fulfill its mission of enriching the lives of older adults through innovation, care and services that honor individuality and personal choice. At Serenades Memory Care, our personalized approach is evidenced through purpose-built design and person-directed care, as well as our unwavering emphasis on service excellence. Community, care and programming are all designed to support freedom and independence, while celebrating the individuality of every resident affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
About Serenades Memory Care
Serenades by Sonata is an award-winning memory care program unlike any other found in the state of Florida. By focusing on what remains of the memory, Serenades Memory Care integrates the personal preferences and abilities of residents into daily activities to promote independence, support freedom of choice, and improve quality of life in those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Using a purpose-built model, Serenades Memory Care communities incorporate features proven to positively affect the treatment of dementia symptoms. These include beautiful, yet simplistic floor plans, color-coding, and cueing for easy orientation and navigation.
About Sonata Senior Living
Sonata Senior Living is a licensed owner, developer, and operator of independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities located exclusively in Florida. Recognized by Argentum as a Best of the Best Award recipient for memory care programming and design, Sonata Senior Living is committed to enriching the lives of older adults through constant innovation, programming, and services that recognize individuality and personal choice. Partners include the Florida Senior Living Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® and Argentum. For more information visit sonataseniorliving.com.
GUIDE TO THE DEMENTIA DIET
As much as dementia disrupts one's appetite, it also increases your need for food. Find out how dementia care experts prevent weight loss and promote nutrition at Serenades Memory Care.
2022 Retirement Living Awards
Sonata Senior Living Wins 2022 Retirement Living Awards
Congratulations to Sonata Senior Living for being named Best Assisted Living Community and Best Independent Living Community by Orlando Magazine in its 2022 Retirement Living Awards. As a premier provider of resort-style senior living, all of our Central Florida communities were recognized as among the best in the Orlando area, including Sonata Hunter’s Creek, Serenades at Longwood and Serenades at West Orange.
Retirement Should be Rewarding. And Occasionally, Awarding.
When Sonata Senior Living set out to become the premier choice for seniors in central Florida, winning awards wasn’t a motivation. Still, it’s gratifying to have our communities recognized as among the best in the Orlando area in the 2022 Retirement Living Awards from Orlando Magazine. Especially as this recognition helps us to focus on the purpose that got us here.
Locally owned and operated, Sonata was founded on the idea that each day should offer up more opportunities to live life to the fullest. At Sonata, you’re choosing more than simply a maintenance-free style of living. You’re choosing a retirement with more choices. More attention paid to your personal interests and aspirations. More security and safety features to remove worry from your life. And more innovative options for resort-style retirement living.
At Sonata Senior Living, Our Roots Run Deep
At Sonata Senior Living, even as we continue to grow, our roots are firmly planted in Florida to stay closely connected to the communities we serve and nurture innovation in senior living.
Our emphasis on innovation has led to our pioneering advancements in memory care at Serenades by Sonata. As with our independent and assisted living communities, personal choice is at the heart of our memory care communities. Purpose-built architectural features are integrated with our award-winning programming and personalized care to promote independence and dignity while assuring safety in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Pioneering advancements in memory care includes research-based concepts such as these:
- Purpose-built design to encourage independence and freedom while assuring safety in the daily lives of those having Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
- Integrating the personal preferences and abilities of residents into daily planning, encouraging greater personal choice in activities.
- Architectural features, personal care and life enrichment, all integrated to provide greater freedom, dignity and sense of control.
- Integrating research-based architectural planning into memory care with features proven to positively impact symptoms and behaviors of dementia, including small neighborhoods and open floor plans that help to promote personal interaction between caregivers and residents.
- Innovative design features such as special lighting, color coding and cueing to ease wayfinding, build confidence and help reduce anxiety in finding the way home.
About Serenades Memory Care
Serenades by Sonata is an award-winning memory care program unlike any other found in the state of Florida. By focusing on what remains of the memory, Serenades Memory Care integrates the personal preferences and abilities of residents into daily activities to promote independence, support freedom of choice, and improve quality of life in those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Using a purpose-built model, Serenades Memory Care communities incorporate features proven to positively affect the treatment of dementia symptoms. These include beautiful, yet simplistic floor plans, color-coding, and cueing for easy orientation and navigation.
About Sonata Senior Living
Sonata Senior Living is a licensed owner, developer, and operator of independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities located exclusively in Florida. Recognized by Argentum as a Best of the Best Award recipient for memory care programming and design, Sonata Senior Living is committed to enriching the lives of older adults through constant innovation, programming, and services that recognize individuality and personal choice. Partners include the Florida Senior Living Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® and Argentum. For more information visit sonataseniorliving.com.
Expect More At Sonata
Visit a Sonata community and find out why putting service first has allowed us to continually raise the bar in senior living and exceed our residents' expectations.