Tag Archive for: john knox village

Headshot of Jennifer Stevens, VP Healthcare at John Knox Village

Meet the Experts at JKV: Jennifer Stevens, VP of Healthcare, Leading the Charge for Senior Care Excellence at JKV and Beyond

In an era where the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, Jennifer Stevens, Vice President of Healthcare at John Knox Village (JKV), has become a beacon of leadership and advocacy in the senior living sector. With an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults, Stevens is not only a key figure at JKV, but also a respected thought leader among Florida’s Life-Plan Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).

Stevens’ extensive experience and dedication have propelled JKV to the forefront of senior care in South Florida. Under her guidance, JKV has earned accolades for its high standards of care, with a comprehensive range of services. JKV’s proactive approach to meeting the diverse needs of its residents has solidified its reputation as a leader in the field.

Stevens has been a strong voice for maintaining adequate government funding to ensure that essential services for older adults remain accessible.

In addition to her role at JKV, Stevens also serves on the Board of Trustees for LeadingAge Southeast, where she is a passionate advocate for senior living communities across Florida. LeadingAge Southeast is a regional association dedicated to supporting nonprofit senior living and aging services organizations in the southeastern United States. It is a part of LeadingAge, a national association that represents nonprofit providers of aging services across the country.

Through her involvement with LeadingAge, Stevens engages directly with state legislators, working to shape policies that impact the senior living industry. One of her key legislative achievements was her successful efforts to delay a bill that could have imposed regulatory overreach on CCRCs. Stevens, along with colleagues from LeadingAge Southeast and the Florida Life Care Association (FLiCRA), lobbied to revise the bill’s language, preventing potential harm to CCRCs and their residents.

Her advocacy doesn’t stop there. Stevens is deeply invested in the financial stability of long-term care services, particularly in relation to Medicare and Medicaid funding. Having engaged directly with state representatives, she has been a strong voice for maintaining adequate funding to ensure that essential services for older adults remain accessible.

“Cutting reimbursement for Medicaid would be devastating and leave many seniors without the support they need,” she warns, emphasizing the critical role that policy decisions play in the sustainability of senior care services.

At JKV, Stevens continues to innovate and push for the highest standards of care. Her leadership ensures that JKV adapts to the ever-changing needs of seniors, providing a full spectrum of care that includes Gardens West (assisted living), Seaside Cove (long-term care), The Woodlands (short- and long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing), Home Health (in-home care), and Wellness Nursing (preventative care).

Through her tireless efforts, Stevens has shaped JKV into a community that not only prioritizes the health and well-being of its residents but also serves as a model for excellence in the senior care industry. Her work continues to inspire and empower those in the field, championing a future where older adults receive the dignity, resources, and care they deserve.  Jennifer is just one of the many experts who make the experience of living at JKV unparalleled.

 

More Than a Move—A Lifestyle Upgrade

For more than 50 years, JKV has set the standard for delivering an all-inclusive, resort-style lifestyle tailored to every stage of retirement. The community offers world-class fitness programs, state-of-the-art amenities, delicious and healthy dining, and countless activities designed to promote overall well-being. Residents enjoy peace of mind with unlimited access to on-campus healthcare services, 24/7 EMTs, and security. Plus, with no time or financial limits on long-term care benefits, a Life-Plan contract at JKV provides a fiscal safety net and an unparalleled quality of life.

We invite you to experience the vibrant community, world-class amenities, and remarkable residents, and exceptional team members who all make John Knox Village extraordinary.   Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

Portrait of JKV resident Scooter Hayes in a wheelchair, official headshot from the U.S. Paralympics

Pride Month Resident Spotlight: “Scooter” Hayes

Paralympian, Veteran, Champion: Scooter Hayes, PLY, Lives Life Large at JKV

Even though Paralympic athlete, fencing champion, and U.S. Army veteran Terry “Scooter” Hayes, 66, has a progressive brain disease, she continues to live life large in every way imaginable.

Scooter served as a heavy equipment operator in the Army from 1977 through 1979. After leaving the army, she shifted gears and became a special education teacher. In 2011, her life took a sharp turn when she was diagnosed with primary cerebellar degeneration — an incurable and untreatable neurological disease that causes nerve cells in the cerebellum, the area of the brain that controls coordination and balance, to deteriorate and die. Today, she is paralyzed from the waist down.

Scooter and her wife, Freda Routt, 73, moved to John Knox Village (JKV) in November 2024, leaving behind their home at the Carefree Resort in North Fort Myers.

For them, JKV is a place where life is not only manageable — it’s vibrant.

At 58, while searching the internet to find a wheelchair sport she could participate in, Scooter came across wheelchair fencing, now known as Parafencing.  She watched videos and loved what she saw. She began lessons soon after.

The Veterans Administration provided her with a fencing wheelchair, and that gift opened doors she never imagined. “The fencing wheelchair the VA provided has opened the whole world to me,” she says. She was immediately drawn to the sport’s blend of physicality and strategy. “Fencing is a combat sport, a cat-and-mouse game where you must anticipate your opponent’s next move and keep your brain sharp.”

Parafencing was developed for athletes with physical impairments, including those affecting their lower limbs. Athletes compete in fixed wheelchairs, using their upper body strength, agility, and reflexes to score hits on their opponents with a sword. Three types of swords are involved in fencing competitions, Foil, Sabre, and Epee. The sport features individual and team events, both of which Scooter has competed in, using the same three weapons that able-bodied fencers use.

Scooter, who ended up training six hours a day, competed in her first international Parafencing tournament in Canada in 2018. Just one year later, she was selected for The U.S. World Championship Team. In 2020, at the age of 63, Scooter represented Team USA at the Tokyo Paralympic Games — an extraordinary milestone in a remarkable journey.

Throughout her fencing career, Scooter has been able to travel the world along with Freda, always by her side, and always her biggest cheerleader. They’ve trained in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and have competed all over the U.S. and internationally at World Cups in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Warsaw, Poland, Cheongju, South Korea, Eger, Hungary, Amsterdam, and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

At the 2020 Paralympics in Japan, as a 63-year-old competitor, Scooter was the oldest team member. There is no age limit for the sport, but one has to be at least 14 years old. And indeed, one of her teammates started at 14.

One of three daughters to her mother and father, who served in the Army, Scooter was born in Nebraska but grew up living on military bases in Germany and around the country. She and Freda met 26 years ago at church in Norfolk, Virginia. Freda, also a veteran who served in the the U.S. Air Force, was an inventory manager before retirement.  Today, Scooter and Freda have found their forever home at John Knox Village.  

As an Army veteran, Paralympian, and a woman who courageously faces tremendous physical challenges resulting from her neurological condition—Scooter is a remarkable inspiration. She lives life on her own terms, never allowing self-imposed boundaries or obstacles to define her journey. Scooter’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to embrace challenges with resilience and grace. She stands among the many extraordinary individuals who make John Knox Village such a special place to call home—and we are truly privileged to share in her inspiring legacy every day.

 

About John Knox Village (JKV)

For more than 57 years, JKV has set the bar when it comes to delivering an all-inclusive resort lifestyle designed for living life to the fullest at each stage of retirement. JKV emphasizes fitness and overall well-being with world-class programming, state-of-the-art amenities, healthy and delicious dining, and much more. Residents are entitled to unlimited use of healthcare services and 24/7 healthcare professionals on campus. There are no time or financial limits on the long-term care benefits that residents receive, regardless of the level of care required. Simply put, a life plan contract at JKV provides a fiscal safety net with an unparalleled community geared to a wide range of needs for living life to its fullest at every stage of retirement.

Want to learn more about what John Knox Village has to offer?  Contact us today to come visit our campus, or for a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life Plan Consultants.  

Your future, like Scooter’s, can be full of possibility.

GAZETTE – June/July 2025

John Knox Village Gazette - June/July 2025 - Front page

READ THE FULL EDITION HERE!

 

 

Move-In Manager Phyllis discusses design options with two residents, Jackie and Dave while standing in the Design Center

Meet the Experts at JKV: Making Moves Easy: How Phyllis Juber Ensures Seamless Transitions

Whether it’s just around the block or across the country, moving can often be a stressful experience. Transitioning from a long-time house to a new community can be overwhelming. However, new residents to John Knox Village (JKV) in Pompano Beach, Florida, find this move refreshingly smooth. How is that possible? It’s all thanks to our dedicated Move-In Manager, Phyllis Juber, who brings a wealth of expertise to ensure a seamless transition from their old house to their new villa or apartment home at JKV.

Personalized Support Every Step of the Way

Phyllis personally meets with each new resident to understand their unique needs—whether it’s downsizing, packing, handling valuables, or making home upgrades before they move in. She coordinates with trusted vendors, oversees renovation work orders, and ensures new homes are move-in ready, complete with updated flooring, appliances, and any requested improvements.

On move-in day, Phyllis is hands-on, managing logistics, answering last-minute questions, and even providing lunch to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

A Reputation for Excellence

“Phyllis makes the process seamless,” says Kim Ali, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “She’s a trusted resource, turning a stressful experience into an enjoyable one.”

With 12 years of dedicated service at the internationally-award-winning Life Plan Continuing Care Retirement Community, Phyllis quickly advanced from a Marketing Assistant to her current role due to her strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Prior to JKV, she spent 25 years in Sales and Marketing at an international manufacturing company, where she honed her expertise in vendor coordination, event planning, and marketing strategy—skills that now benefit every new JKV resident she assists.

Resident Testimonials: The Phyllis Difference

Residents Leland and Linda B. share their experience:

“Phyllis worked very hard for us and provided everything exactly as she promised.  As we left our 4,000 sq ft. home for our new Heritage apartment, we found the adjustment unexpectedly easy.  Phyllis became a friend whom we enjoyed working with so very much.  She has the skills to meet your needs and worked tirelessly to make our transition effortless.”

Resident Clark R. shares his experience:

“Kudos to Phyllis Juber! I had the pleasure of working with Phyllis TWICE! My first experience was moving to Cassels Tower in 2020. She helped facilitate my move—from the selection of the house movers to the day the last box was unpacked. She was patient and kind, answering all my questions. She could not have made it any easier! My second move at JKV to Westlake took place just a year ago. Many thanks to Phyllis for making everything look so easy!”

Sherri K., a resident of Village Towers, echoes this sentiment:

“Phyllis holds your hand throughout the move-in process. She has a calming effect, always positive and ready to do whatever is necessary to help. She became my friend and troubleshooter even after my move, and she’s just fantastic.”

More Than a Move—A Lifestyle Upgrade

For more than 50 years, JKV has set the standard for delivering an all-inclusive, resort-style lifestyle tailored to every stage of retirement. The community offers world-class fitness programs, state-of-the-art amenities, delicious and healthy dining, and countless activities designed to promote overall well-being. Residents enjoy peace of mind with unlimited access to on-campus healthcare services, 24/7 EMTs, and security. Plus, with no time or financial limits on long-term care benefits, a Life-Plan contract at JKV provides a fiscal safety net and an unparalleled quality of life.

Ready to Make Your Move?

At JKV, your transition to a new chapter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Phyllis Juber’s expert guidance, you can experience a stress-free move and start enjoying all that JKV has to offer right away.  Phyllis is just one of the many experts who make the experience of living at JKV unparalleled.

Your new adventure awaits!

We invite you to experience the vibrant community, world-class amenities, and remarkable residents, and exceptional team members who all make John Knox Village extraordinary.   Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

GAZETTE ACE – May/June 2025

Enjoy the latest edition of the Gazette ACE, a digital flipbook that showcases the best of John Knox Village’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment!

John Knox Village Gazette ACE

 

JKV in the News: At the Apex: ‘Best in Wellness’ Senior Living Communities

John Knox Village of Pompano Beach, Florida, proudly announces being awarded a 2023 ICAA NuStep Pinnacle and Beacon Award for “Best in Wellness”.  The “Best in Wellness” awards shine a light on senior living communities that lead the way in a comprehensive and evolving approach to wellness that enhances the lives of residents and employees.

Although the Journal on Active Aging previously announced the names of 2023’s winners, they are being featured again as part of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) published series, highlighting the ICAA NuStep Beacon and Pinnacle Awards’ winning communities.

ICAA awards 25 senior living communities each year with their NuStep Beacon award, recognizing senior living communities that lead the industry in making wellness an integral part of community life. With only the Top 5 receiving the prestige of the Pinnacle award, John Knox Village of Florida is proud to be recognized as one of them.

 

 

Front page of article featuring 'Best in Wellness' Senior Living Communities award winners

 

 

Read the full article here!

 

 

GAZETTE – April/May 2025

READ THE FULL EDITION HERE!

 

 

Fitness Instructor Erik Nenortas stands poolside teaching water aerobics to seniors in the pool

Meet the Experts at JKV: Fitness Manager Erik Nenortas Helps Residents Achieve Their Personal Best

John Knox Village of Florida, Inc. (JKV), an internationally award-winning Life-Plan Continuing Care Retirement Community in sunny Pompano Beach, Florida, is renowned for its innovative wellness and life enrichment for all residents.

Fitness Manager Erik Nenortas, a 28-year employee, is a fitness professional and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) who leads the Best-In-Class team of licensed professionals, full-time trainers, and class instructors who teach throughout JKV’s 70-acre campus.

Erik is responsible for all fitness staffing, gym equipment, and class implementation. JKV currently has 47 fitness classes per week. Individual personal training and classes are held at the Fitness Studio, Aquatic Complex, Village Centre, Cassels Tower, Heritage Tower, and Village Towers apartment building party rooms. There are many classes to choose from including aerobics, strength & balance, aquatic fitness, karate, Tai Chi, Pilates, yoga, pickleball, meditation, and Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery.

Erik states, “Do your very best to help others succeed in life! By believing in those words, I have based my education and career on making sure I engage in work that assists others to improve both physically and cognitively. Working at John Knox Village for the past 28 years has enabled me to assist residents by promoting various specialized programs to help improve their spiritual, social, physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.”

According to Gail Sutton-Pauling, Vice President of Hospitality at JKV, “Erik is truly in tune with our residents. He has an incredible knack for understanding their needs and desires, and he consistently implements programs and activities that resonate with them. His dedication and insight make a significant positive impact on the lives of our residents every day.”

Erik Nenortas, Fitness Manager at John Knox Village

Erik Nenortas, Fitness Manager at John Knox Village

Erik earned his Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy from the University of Florida in 1996. For 20 years, he dedicated himself to enhancing the well-being of residents at JKV through structured activity programming. Working closely with individuals of varying cognitive abilities, he embraced each challenge as an opportunity to foster meaningful connections and help residents maintain their functional abilities.

In 2009, Erik expanded his expertise by earning his Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Group Fitness Instructor certifications from the World Fitness Association. His passion for health and wellness led him to transition from Recreational Therapy to the JKV Fitness Team in 2017. Over the years, he continued to advance his skills, earning additional certifications, including AEA Aquatic Fitness Instructor, PWR! Moves Teacher, Group Meditation Certification, and National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer Certification.

In May 2024, Erik was promoted to Fitness Manager at JKV, where he now leads a talented team dedicated to helping residents achieve their fitness goals. His approach to his career is rooted in positivity, guided by the philosophy, “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”

Reflecting on his journey, Erik shares, “I am most proud of managing two departments — first, assisting residents socially and cognitively in Recreational Therapy, and now, as Fitness Manager. I love working with my team and supporting residents at every skill level.”

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, remarkable residents and exceptional team members like Erik who all make JKV extraordinary.  Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

Jody Leshinsky Life Enrichment Manager at John Knox Village with the Jersey Tenors

Meet the Experts at JKV: Life Enrichment Manager Jody Leshinsky Brings Big Talent, Elevated Programming to Residents & Guests

Always innovative and forward-thinking, John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida is an international award-winning Life-Plan Retirement Community that is proud of its robust programming, thanks to Jody Leshinsky, Life Enrichment Manager at JKV for the past 3 years.

Jody’s passion for planning exceptional activities for JKV residents shines when she introduces a cultural event or new program. “Every day is an adventure,” she says.

She has elevated the programming at JKV, bringing in an impressive lineup of local, regional, national, and international performers. Notable guests include Grammy Award-winning flutist Nestor Torres, Latin jazz sensation Tito Puente, Jr., the renowned Miami City Ballet, and the South Florida Symphony, to name a few.

Beyond performances, Jody has brought art installations to the campus, both with residents’ work and shows by local artists through our partnership with ArtServe. She has expanded arts and educational opportunities for residents, offering a diverse range of creative cultural classes. Residents can explore watercolor, acrylic, fused glass, gel painting, life drawing, pastel drawing, and tile and mosaic.

Other classes include sign language, Spanish lessons, group vocal instruction, ukulele classes, improv, monologue, as well as mindfulness and wellness workshops.

Through these initiatives, Jody continues to enrich residents’ lives, fostering a vibrant and engaging community.

Jody began her career in Broward County Parks and Recreation in 1981, and then moved to the Broward Cultural Division, the designated local arts agency for Broward County in 1986.  She retired from County government after 30 years and switched to the nonprofit world where she worked with the company responsible for the Pompano Beach Amphitheater and the opening of the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. The following year, she was hired to run two cultural organizations for the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

Most recently, Jody was the Cultural Venues Programming Manager for the newly created Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department where she was responsible for the programming of four cultural venues, the Green Market Pompano Beach, Old Town Untapped, and Pompano Beach Jazz Fest.

As someone deeply embedded in the Pompano community, Jody knew that JKV was growing exponentially, and its new Pavilion would include a 330-seat Cultural Arts Center. With this performance space, JKV was ready for a new level, and higher frequency, of hosting world-class events. With her many years of experience in the Broward arts scene, she knew she wanted to be part of the future of JKV.

“We have an exciting year ahead full of wonderful events and performances that include our jazz series, film lectures, life-long learning opportunities, and performers that include MusicFor America, Fushu Daiko Japanese Drumming Troupe, Dance NOW! Miami, Jason Hudy Magic, Across the Universe Beatles tribute band and so much more,” Jody states.

To see our full schedule of Cultural Arts Events, visit our events page.

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, remarkable residents and exceptional team members who all make JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

GAZETTE ACE – March/April 2025

Enjoy the latest edition of the Gazette ACE, a digital flipbook that showcases the best of John Knox Village’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment!

John Knox Village Gazette ACE