Teresita Perry was selected as a team member to spotlight due to her dedication, hard work and care for the residents of Oak Hammock. Originally from Cebu, Philippines, Perry came to the United States 12 years ago and has worked in Oak Hammock’s plant operations department for over five years.

Perry takes her responsibilities seriously and expresses her commitment through Oak Hammock’s employee service vision, “WeCare,” which is an acronym for welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic. In December 2023, she was proud to receive the Oak Hammock, We Caught You Caring Award.

Her primary responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining residences and public areas. Perry also assists in laundry services and works in the Oak Hammock Health Pavilion with residents who live in assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing environments. Through her various roles, Perry works seven days a week.

In addition to her duties in plant operations, Perry is a caregiver for a resident at Oak Hammock on weekends and works at other retirement facilities through the Caring Hearts Agency.

When asked how long she plans to maintain her busy schedule, Perry said, “I may slow down when my son finishes his schooling.” Her 20-year-old son is currently studying civil engineering in the Philippines.

Last spring, Perry applied for Oak Hammock’s employee scholarship fund to pursue her certified nursing assistant, or CNA, designation. Recently, she shared more about her journey:

Why did you apply for the Oak Hammock employee scholarship?

I heard about the Oak Hammock scholarship for staff and spoke with my son, who also thought it was a good opportunity. I applied for the scholarship to obtain my CNA certification. I trained with Oak Hammock Director of Nursing Michelle Parker in the Health Pavilion as a personal care assistant, or PCA, for eight months and realized that providing personal and medical care was something I truly wanted to learn. I was fortunate to take a four-day course at Santa Fe College to help me prepare, and I passed the exam last July.

I was thrilled because the scholarship covered all expenses, including tuition, background check and state exam.

I am happy I received my CNA certification but want to continue to work in the plant operations department at Oak Hammock because I love what I do!

What is the Oak Hammock Employee Scholarship Fund?

The Oak Hammock Employee Scholarship Fund, or OHICAN!, was established in 2019. Oak Hammock residents manage it along with the director of human resources. The fund provides financial assistance through scholarships that support the educational goals of qualified employees.

The scholarships cover all costs related to completing an approved degree or certification program, reducing or eliminating student loan debt. So far, over $100,000 has been paid directly to schools or institutions on behalf of scholarship recipients.

The application process was easy. After filling out the paperwork, I met with 11 residents who interviewed me and asked about my goals and ambitions. They were all very kind and supportive.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had with a resident?

Last year, I went back to the Philippines for six weeks to spend time with my son. Two residents told me they wouldn’t have anyone else clean for them while I was away. They told me they preferred to wait until I returned because they said no one else could do the job the way I do the job.

I believe the residents appreciate me because I treat each person as an individual, respect them and express my patience with friends and coworkers. I pay close attention to detail, which makes a difference in the care I provide.

What might surprise people to learn about you?

Before coming to the United States, I worked in Saudi Arabia for six years. While living there, I traveled to Jordan, Riyadh and Kuwait. I also lived in Hong Kong for four years.

I came to the U.S. after getting married. My husband and I met through a Christian online dating site, then we talked for two years before finally meeting in person.

Perry’s expression of satisfaction for doing a good job is well-reflected in a quote from American poet and memoirist, Maya Angelou, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love…. pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.”