Born in Stuart, Florida, and raised in Gainesville, Oak Hammock Housekeeper Teri Milt is the epitome of a “jack of all trades.” For the past 14 years, she has diligently served Oak Hammock residents, starting in dining services and later transitioning to housekeeping. But Milt is far more than her title suggests. She’s known for consistently going above and beyond, often referring to herself as a “self-appointed quality control manager.”
A shining example of her dedication came during a staffing shortage in the dining department. Milt stepped in to cook breakfast for residents, including Resident Karen Miller, who remains deeply impressed to this day. As Miller said, “Teri is one of our most conscientious, skilled and versatile Oak Hammock employees.”
Her attention to detail and quality care doesn’t stop at the dining room or the apartment door. One resident couple shared how Milt helped them address a few minor issues in their villa after move-in, such as reattaching a bi-fold door, caulking a shower stall and arranging for screens to be installed, all while they were out of town. “Teri is a great example of people who show genuine care,” they said.
Milt’s reliability and compassion have earned her the admiration of both residents and team members. Housekeeping Manager Rebecca Snowden shared, “No matter what Teri is asked to do, she handles it graciously and with a smile. She receives the highest compliments from our residents because she truly cares about them, and it shows in everything she does.”
With her cheerful attitude, warm smile and can-do spirit, Milt brings leadership, empathy and confidence wherever she goes. Miller summed it up perfectly: “Teri does it all with a very welcome sense of humor. When Teri shows up, the resident can relax, knowing that when she leaves, the job will have been done well.”
Milt’s giving nature extends well beyond her engagement at work. When her best friend faced personal challenges, Milt didn’t hesitate to adopt her four children, twin boys Denton and Lane, and two girls, Bailey and Olivia. Though Milt humbly says the children adopted her, they lovingly refer to her as “Aunt Teri” to this day. Now adults, aged 25 to 27, they remain closely connected, and she is a proud grandmother to two young girls, Gia and Maya.
Milt’s been married for 30 years to David Milt, a plumber at the University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute. Their love story began over a game of billiards, when David spotted her and asked her out on the spot. They’ve been together ever since.
Recently, Milt reflected on her position at Oak Hammock:
What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy getting to know the residents. They’re special people and feel like family to me. I learn so much from their life experiences. In addition to cleaning homes and apartments, I maintain vacuum cleaners, build shelves, do drywall work and even arrange flowers. I’m also the move-in technician for Assisted Living and do handyman work whenever needed. All the team members work well together with mutual respect to create a caring culture, and I’m glad to be part of it.
How do you apply the WeCare values?
WeCare stands for being welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic—and that’s what we strive for every day. I always try to make residents feel at home. It’s important our residents know we care and are here to help them achieve satisfaction with their daily lives. I believe I make a difference by being there, making them smile, express a caring behavior and helping ensure their living situation is just the way they want it. I know I’m more than a housekeeper—I’m someone who makes their day a little easier and brighter.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I love gardening and raising chickens. I even do “chicken math”—which basically means the more types of eggs you get (blue, brown…), the more chickens you want!
My husband and I live on a 2.5-acre farm, and I operate heavy equipment like bulldozers, loaders and rollers. My dad raised me like a boy and taught me everything about farm life. I’m really grateful for that now.
We built our house, our chicken coop and our garden together. We love spending time with family, friends and traveling to see new places. When we retire, we’ll probably still keep working—just maybe part time!
“Teri is very helpful with cleaning and repair issues. She is very accommodating and easy to work with as well as being outgoing with a very friendly personality. I appreciate her knowledge about the history of Oak Hammock.” – Donna Wagner, resident