Frontline Honors Award Winner: Simy (simonette) Alanes, Director Of Activities, Leisure Vale Assisted Living

Simy (Simonette) Alanes, Director of Activities at Leisure Vale Assisted Living, has been named to the Frontline Honors Awards Class of 2025 by Senior Housing News.

To become a Frontline honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be:

• A dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes
• A passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into for the good of their respective industry, the patients and residents they serve, and their families
• An advocate for their industry and their fellow colleagues

Senior Housing News recently caught up with Alanes to discuss her time in the senior housing & senior living industry.

SHN: What drew you to this industry?

Alanes: I started volunteering at nursing homes in high school. I really love my interaction with the seniors who give me such joy and wisdom. They have taught me a lot and are the driving force of where I am today.

SHN: Was there a moment in your career when you realized, “This work really matters”? What happened?

Alanes: In the grieving process, it’s really a circle of life. It is a privilege to bring comfort and strength to residents and families in their time of need.

SHN: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve developed on the front lines that people often overlook?

Alanes: I have grown in leadership, especially in bringing people together.

SHN: What’s one decision leaders make that has a bigger impact on frontline workers than they might realize?

Alanes: Be on the ground more and rally behind their good, quality workforce.

SHN: What’s a simple change – policy, tool, or mindset – that would make frontline work more effective?

Alanes: In this noisy world, it’s important to listen and never stop caring. It’s the heart of this industry.

SHN: What gives you optimism about the future of this industry, despite its challenges?

Alanes: I feel hopeful for the future knowing there are really good people out there who believe in the cause and continue to make an impact, especially for those in need.

The post Frontline Honors Award Winner: Simy (Simonette) Alanes, Director of Activities, Leisure Vale Assisted Living appeared first on Senior Housing News.