Jessica Valleskey

I attribute my success to God's purpose and guidance in my life. Witnessing the effects of isolation on others inspired me to create meaningful connections through my work. I have never let the fear of rejection stand in my way, and I've been incredibly blessed to have my Mother, Paula Richter, Uncle Jeff/Aunt Paula Ferrara-Perrish's unwavering encouragement, support, and contribute an abundance of ideas throughout my journey. Above all, my faith gives me the confidence, purpose, and determination to keep moving forward every day.

The best career advice I've ever received comes down to three simple principles: never say, "That's not my job," because every role contributes to the bigger picture; treat everyone with the same love, kindness, and respect you would want for yourself, and don't rush the process. Everyone has purpose. It took decades for me to discover mine. You won't know everything right away, so stay humble, keep learning, and never make assumptions.

Don't be afraid to explore different paths within your industry and take risks by trying new roles or specialties. Discover where your strengths lie, embrace opportunities to develop a diverse skill set, and don't limit yourself to one area. Most importantly, continue investing in your education and personal growth. In today's rapidly evolving world of technology, lifelong learning is one of the greatest advantages you can have.

One of the biggest challenges in senior care is helping families understand the importance of staying actively involved in their loved one's life. As people age, especially those facing memory-related conditions, it's easy for loved ones to become disconnected because of fear of that they will not be remembered/recognized, distance, busy schedules, or uncertainty about how to help. Encouraging consistent communication (even as simple as sending a card in the mail) and meaningful connection is essential, as family involvement plays a vital role in a person's emotional well-being, sense of belonging, and overall quality of life.

The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are transparency, honesty, and strong ethics. I believe in working hard, leading with integrity, and treating others with respect and compassion. Character and intent is the foundation of everything I do, and I strive to build trust by doing right by the families as well as individuals.