Getting to Know Jillian Perry, Windsor Run's Resident Services Manager

"I've always worked with older adults and felt drawn to the work," says Jillian Perry, who joined Windsor Run, the Erickson Senior Living community in Matthews, N.C. , in 2023. "A huge part of who I am is my work. I feel this is my purpose in life."

Her wholehearted commitment to the community is just one of the many reasons why she was recently promoted to resident services manager.

Finding her calling

A native of Charlotte, N.C., Perry earned an undergraduate degree in recreation therapy and a master's degree in gerontology at UNC Wilmington, which is where she found her professional calling.

"My relationship with my grandfather was monumental. During my freshman year of college, he passed away," she says.

"At that point, I still had the flexibility to determine my college path. I decided to study recreation therapy as a way to help others, and I chose a path in gerontology because I wanted to work with older people."

Moving to Colorado shortly after graduation to pursue an internship, Perry subsequently worked as a resident services coordinator at Wind Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., where she stayed until 2023.

Perry and her husband Alex moved back to North Carolina after her son Holt was born last year, to be closer to family. Eager to continue her career with Erickson Senior Living, Perry joined Windsor Run's resident services team and was promoted to manager in March.

Recently, Perry sat down with the Tribune to discuss her new role, including the many ways she and her team work diligently to meet--and exceed--the needs of Windsor Run residents.

Tribune: What do you enjoy most about your new position?

Perry: On a broad level, I believe that the Erickson Senior Living culture is amazing. You can find a supportive work environment at every community. During my time at Wind Crest, my team became my family, and they will always be my family. My team at Windsor Run has become family, too. Connections like this are companywide!

On a community level, my favorite part of the position is working with a wide variety of people. We truly are one team. The level of support I feel from everyone, across departments and levels, is inspiring. Everyone is ready to jump in and help each other.

At the heart of my position is the residents--I find them all to be inspiring. Everyone I meet is incredibly kind. Even now, residents continue to reach out to me, stopping by to introduce themselves.

It is the best feeling in the world. I enjoy fostering these personal relationships. As a result, residents feel comfortable providing me with feedback, which helps us create the vibrant lifestyle they deserve.  

Tribune: What are your current goals and plans for Windsor Run's Resident Services department?

Perry: On a daily basis, I work individually with all of Windsor Run's resident life coordinators to ensure they have everything they need to thrive in their roles.

Leading our team, it is my goal to ensure that we are a strong unit, because that's how we best serve our residents. We work together to create amazing experiences for our residents and their families, which leads to us developing special bonds and relationships.

I also strive to maintain open lines of communication, letting residents know that we are here to support them and connect them with the resources they need.

One of the best ways we do this is by sharing our gifts with residents. By showing up as our best selves each day, we help make Windsor Run the best possible home for them.

Tribune: What do you like to do when you are not at Windsor Run?

Perry: First and foremost, I enjoy spending time with my family. Holt will be two in November, and I love seeing the world through his eyes! Alex and I are fortunate to have family in the area. In fact, we both attended Ardrey Kell High School, which is just down the street from Windsor Run.

I also love spending time outdoors. That's where I feel grounded and connected. Whenever I'm outside, whether it's listening to the birds or feeling the warmth of the sun, I feel connected to my        grandfather.  

And while I enjoy my time away from work, one of the best things about my position is that I always look forward to returning. Serving the residents, in this way, is truly my life's calling.

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