A warm smile and cheerful greeting are hallmarks of Crystal Canfall, who serves residents and families with compassion and enthusiasm as an administrative assistant at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida. Through her genuine connections and welcoming spirit, Canfall has become a valued presence in the senior living community, a role that reflects her lifelong passion for caring for others.

Born in Ocala, Florida, Canfall spent 20 years living in Gainesville before recently returning to Ocala, where she purchased her first home. She is thrilled to be living near her family, which has always been at the center of Canfall’s life and continues to inspire the compassionate care she brings to senior assisted living residents every day.

Canfall is the proud mother of two children, Zy’teria, 26, who is currently attending barber school, and Ja’cursey, 12, who is in sixth grade. She also shares a close bond with her older sister, Brandi Hill, who helped raise her after the passing of their mother when she was young.

“My sister became like a second mom to me,” Canfall shared. “We still talk every day on the way to work.”

Crystal attended Vanguard High School and became a mother at just 16 years old, which she admits was a very difficult time in her life. Determined to provide for her daughter, she began working in retail at a clothing store, where she stayed for eight years.

“I enjoyed fashion, but I knew I wanted something more stable for my family,” she said.

That opportunity came when a friend, Marquesha Odom, told her about a position at Oak Hammock.

Today, Canfall has been part of the Oak Hammock family for more than 10 years and will celebrate her 11-year anniversary this September. During her time with the organization, she has continued to grow professionally, starting in dining services as wait staff, later serving as an activity’s assistant in the life enrichment department, and eventually moving into her current role as the assisted living administrative assistant in 2021.

In her current position, Canfall supports the daily operations of assisted living by helping residents and staff with scheduling, transportation coordination, work orders, doctor appointments, move-ins and move-outs and coordinating communication throughout the department. She works closely with residents and their families to ensure the residents’ needs are met and questions are answered promptly. She works to provide emotional support, empathy and quality care for the residents.

She is well respected by Oak Hammock administration. As Assisted Living Administrator Brittany MatusRay said, “Crystal is always willing to jump in and help, no matter the department or situation. She leads with compassion, kindness and a true servant’s heart, always putting the well-being of our residents and staff first. Her dedication, teamwork, and constant support do not go unnoticed. She brings positivity and reassurance to those around her, and my job would be much more difficult without her support.”

Recently Canfall reflected on her role at Oak Hammock:

What do you like most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is being able to help people with their daily living. I love building relationships with the residents, their families and team members and knowing that something as simple as listening, being helpful or showing kindness can brighten someone’s day.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is knowing residents truly appreciate my presence. If I’m not here one day, they notice. It is so sweet when they tell me they missed me, which really means a lot.

I also appreciate the opportunities Oak Hammock has provided for my professional growth. Encouraged by my manager, Brittany MatusRay, I am currently training to become an assisted living administrator and hope to continue advancing my career in healthcare at Oak Hammock.

How do you apply the WeCare values to what you do? – 

The WeCare values we are all encouraged to follow are welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic.

I try to treat every resident, family member and team member with kindness, patience, dignity and respect. I make it a priority to be welcoming and attentive by listening carefully and responding quickly when someone needs help.

I believe it’s the little things that make someone’s day. Helping others truly makes my heart smile!

How do you make a difference for the residents?

One example of making a difference is one of our residents accidentally ordered medication for pharmacy pickup instead of delivery and became upset because she did not know how she would retrieve it. During my break, I personally went to the pharmacy to pick it up for her. I was so pleased I could do that for her and relieve her concerns.

I try to make a difference by creating a positive and supportive environment. Whether it is helping solve a problem, making residents smile or simply taking the time to have a conversation with them, I want them to feel valued, heard and cared for every day.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people might be surprised to learn I started in dining services and worked my way into administration.  Each role helped me grow and shaped me into the person and employee I am today. I appreciate Oak Hammock for allowing me to grow and be promoted professionally.

Someday I’d like to become a registered nurse and eventually move into Human Resources.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son at the beach or pool, especially trips to Daytona Beach and Clearwater. What I enjoy most about spending time with family is the sense of togetherness. Family gives me strength, comfort and a place where I can truly be myself. Whether we’re joking around, eating together, or just spending quality time, those moments create memories I’ll always value. I also cherish memories of cooking with my mother and gathering with extended family over seafood meals and celebrations.

“Crystal is the best and truly the backbone of Assisted Living! She can do anything, as she is very responsible and makes sure we are all taken care of!”– Betty Kramer, resident

“Crystal is a hardworking and compassionate person who always makes time to help anyone in need. She has lent a helping hand to Activities more times than I can count and is basically an honorary member of the team. Her passion for what she does shines through in everything she does, and it truly makes her an amazing person.” – Amber Mann, Life Enrichment

“During her tenure here, she has grown tremendously as a professional; from starting out as a wait staff team member in dining services, to an activity’s aide in the Life Enrichment area and now as the assisted living administrative assistant, Crystal proves that she is well versed and an asset to the Oak Hammock community. Crystal is the most caring and selfless person I know. She is always willing to assist wherever she may be needed. She continuously goes above and beyond the call of duty. Her love for the staff and residents is unmatched! Everyone loves Crystal!”   – Marquesha Odom, Human Resources