Her Story
About LaDonna
LaDonna Stacey is the Director of Community Relations at Canterbury Inn Independent & Assisted Living, where she leads community outreach, resident and family engagement, admissions, and partnership development. With more than 15 years of experience in community relations, marketing, and nonprofit leadership, she is recognized for her ability to build meaningful relationships that create a welcoming and supportive environment for seniors and their families. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, authentic communication, and a commitment to ensuring every resident feels valued and connected within the community.
Prior to joining Canterbury Inn Independent & Assisted Living, LaDonna served as Director of Operations for a marketing startup, where she helped guide the company from its launch through acquisition while overseeing business operations, team development, and organizational growth. She also served as a Kelso City Council Member, advocating for initiatives that strengthened community accessibility, economic development, and public infrastructure. Complementing her professional experience, LaDonna earned a degree in Corporate Finance from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a degree in Organizational Psychology at Capella University, further expanding her expertise in leadership, team development, and human behavior.
Outside of her professional career, LaDonna is an active community leader dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and civic engagement. She serves as President of the Kelso Sister City Exchange Program, where she leads initiatives that promote international partnerships and student exchanges between Kelso, Washington, and Makinohara, Japan. She is also an active member of the Kelso Rotary and supports educational and community development efforts throughout the region. Through her work in senior living and community leadership, LaDonna continues to make a meaningful impact by bringing people together, cultivating trust, and helping individuals and communities thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with LaDonna
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust themselves. Trust your instincts, your expertise, and the perspective you bring to the table. You have earned your place, and your voice matters. Don't let self-doubt diminish what you know, or what you have to offer. Confidence isn't about having all the right answers; it's about believing in your ability to grow, learn, and navigate challenges. When you trust yourslef you give others permission to do the same.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Senior living is an interesting intersection of healthcare, hospitality, human connection, business, and social change. That creates opportunities for someone in the field to have an influence far beyond the walls of a community. Perhaps the biggest opportunity for someone in my field right now is redefining senior living. Moving beyond "care" and toward communities centered on purpose, belonging, autonomy, wellness, and meaningful relationships.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe that people thrive when they are truly seen, trusted, and given a meaningful place within a community. That belief shapes how I approach every relationship and every community I am part of. From the people closest to me to the people I work alongside and the communities we create together. To truly see someone is to recognize their humanity, their experiences, their strengths, and the perspective only they can bring. To trust someone is to create space for their voice, autonomy, and growth. And to give someone purpose is to affirm that they matter and that their contribution has meaning. When people thrive, they help others thrive alongside them.
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