When you sit down with Rhonda Gillespie, don't expect her to sit still for long.
After nearly 29 years at Grand Traverse Pavilions, Rhonda is still happiest when she's moving, helping, and caring for residents. In fact, during her employee spotlight interview, she could barely stay in her chair. She laughs about it now, but it's part of who she is.
"I need to be moving and working," she said.
Rhonda joined Grand Traverse Pavilions in October 1997. She started her career in Aspen, later worked in Rehabilitation, and today Rhonda is part of the team in Birch.
"Birch is my favorite," she said. "It keeps me busy."
Caring for others runs in Rhonda's family. Several family members encouraged her to consider a career at the Pavilions, and today her daughter works here as an on-call nurse. Even with those influences, Rhonda admits she was hesitant at first.
"I didn't think I wanted to work in long-term care," she said.
That feeling didn't last long. Today, caring for residents is part of the job she loves most.
"I don't think I could do anything else."
Rhonda is honest about the challenges of being a CNA. The work can be physically demanding and emotionally difficult. But for her, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
"I like being the person who can brighten someone's life," she said.
In her nearly 29 years at Grand Traverse Pavilions, Rhonda has cared for generations of families in our community. Recently, a resident shared a story that reminded her just how much those connections matter.
"A resident told me, 'You took care of my mom, and you gave her great care.' I told her, 'I did, and now I'll give you great care too.’
Moments like that are what keep her going.
For anyone considering a career as a CNA, Rhonda offers simple advice:
"Be yourself and enjoy the people. They have great stories; you just need to listen."
