New Resident Services Coordinator Plans Engaging Events

Devonshire, the Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is considered home to more than just its community members. 

"I completely understand what community members mean when they say, 'It just feels right,'" says Ashley Hobbs, who was looking to embark on a new career path after raising three children. "I explored a variety of options, but only Devonshire felt like home. As soon as I stepped on campus, I immediately felt inclined to work here!"

Last fall, Hobbs became Devonshire's resident services coordinator, responsible for planning, organizing, and executing events for community members. 

"I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others," she recalls. "My position at Devonshire is the perfect fit. The community members and staff are friendly, making this an inviting place to work every day. It makes it easy to go above and beyond in making a difference in people's lives."

The road to Devonshire

Hobbs, a native Floridian who grew up in Coral Springs, has an impressive resume in sales and training. She frequently traveled, meeting with distributors and setting up corporate events.

Following the birth of her twin girls Taylor and Mackenzie and her son Brett, Hobbs turned her focus to caring for her family. As her children grew older, she helped set up events and training for her husband Kevin's financial business.

"I've always been a people person," she says. "I look for opportunities where I can spend time with people, rather than behind a desk."

In 2023, when Taylor and Mackenzie left for college at Florida State, Hobbs began exploring job postings. While considering several options, she learned about the resident services coordinator position at Devonshire. She applied and visited the community to interview with Resident Services Manager Marty Bores--and got the job. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to our team," says Bores. "She is a tremendous asset to our community, bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to resident services."

'Team effort'

Now settled in her role, Hobbs has helped plan a wide variety of events for Devonshire community members. 

"Everything we plan is driven by community members. When someone makes a request, I research the details and organize the specifics," she says. "My door is always open! Community members love to bring me ideas, sharing with me the things that interest them the most."

She also presents her own event ideas to community members, allowing them to choose their favorites. 

"It's very much a team effort," she says. 

Out and about

Recently, Hobbs organized an on-campus visit from a local jewelry vendor, specializing in restringing jewelry and replacing hooks with magnet closures.

"The visit was a big hit!" she notes. "It was a wonderful opportunity for community members to fix jewelry they may not have been able to wear anymore."

Each month, she plans two excursions as well as a dinner and lunch out at a local restaurant. Often, an excursion will be combined with one of the local restaurant meals, allowing community members to make the most of their day out and about. 

"They really enjoy having lots of activities to choose from, which makes planning so much fun. The sky's the limit!" says Hobbs. "There are also fan favorites, so I make sure to incorporate those into our schedule. For instance, every three months, I plan a visit to the nearby Festival Marketplace."

On the most recent trip to the Festival Marketplace, she added a same-day excursion to nearby Butterfly World. 

Other recent destinations include the Flagler Museum, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and the Elliott Museum.

Rewarding work

Since joining the community last fall, Hobbs finds her position to be more rewarding than she ever imagined. 

"I love the community members and I love my coworkers," she says. "And I appreciate that no day is exactly the same--I'm always working on something new." 

This summer, Hobbs spent countless hours planning and organizing several events to celebrate Devonshire's 25th anniversary. 

"The entire community was excited to celebrate this milestone," she recalls. "The highlight was our anniversary gala."

Currently, she's planning ahead for the fall and winter months. 

"I find it rewarding to plan activities that engage our community members who, in turn, are so appreciative of our efforts," says Hobbs. "It truly is a partnership, working together to identify creative ways to have fun."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Devonshire, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.