If you haven’t yet met Iesha Flowers, a supervisor with the dining services team at Oak Hammock, you’re missing out on one of the community’s warmest personalities. Known for her radiant smile and cheerful demeanor, Flowers warmly greets residents and team members with genuine enthusiasm. Her compassion, dedication, positivity and work ethic have made her an integral part of Oak Hammock’s dining experience.

Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, Flowers graduated from Eastside High School in 2009. Her graduation was a particularly meaningful milestone—she walked the stage just three days after giving birth to her son. Determined and resilient, Flowers proudly accepted her diploma with her newborn waiting at home.

Flowers and her longtime partner, Demetrius Debose, whom she met in the 10th grade, have built a strong and loving family. They have two children: Demetrius Jr., 16, who excels in football and track, and Alanna, 11, who enjoys basketball and track. Flowers recalls with a smile that both kids inherited their father’s athleticism, while she fondly remembers her own time as a cheerleader.

Family is central to Flowers’ life. She is especially close to both her grandmothers, who also live in Gainesville. They often spend time together enjoying walks in the park and family gatherings. Her two sisters and their families live nearby as well, and her parents, who reside in Orlando, frequently visit. One of the things she values most is how seamlessly her and Demetrius’ families have bonded—they even hold combined family reunions every few years.

Professionally, Flowers has had just two jobs since high school. She began her career at Zaxby’s, quickly rising through the ranks. After a brief break, she joined Oak Hammock in 2016—and the rest is history. Starting as a server, she was promoted to team leader and then supervisor within just a few years, a testament to her strong leadership and performance.

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. Flowers has received numerous WeCare recognition nominations, and her kindness is admired by both residents and management. Chris Rocks, associate director of culinary services, said, “Iesha has been a critical part of dining services for years. She shows exceptional hospitality and attitude every day. Her dedication and loyalty are unmatched, and we are lucky to have her.”

We recently asked Flowers to reflect on her role at Oak Hammock:

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really love my job—especially serving the residents and making sure they receive the excellent experience they enjoy. I’m a people person, and I love hearing residents’ stories. Listening to their life experiences feels like they’re passing down wisdom, much like my grandmothers do.

Right now, I oversee about 20 team members, create schedules, provide training and ensure the dining room operates smoothly. I also shadow new servers to make sure they’ve mastered our goal for excellence with every service cycle. I enjoy helping others learn and grow and provide support to them whenever needed. I believe everyone has unique talents which can be developed through thoughtful stewardship.

How do you apply the WeCare values in your work?

The WeCare values—welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic—are part of everything I do. I take pride in my work and always try to ensure our residents have the best possible experience.

I believe in treating everyone kindly because you never know what someone might be going through. A warm smile and supportive comfort can go a long way. I aim to go the extra mile, maintain a positive attitude, and be consistent and considerate, especially when creating schedules for my team.

I pay close attention to detail—especially during big events—because I want everything to be just right. Sometimes, exceptional service means remembering the small things: which resident prefers her coffee cup pre-warmed, who prefers a booth or who enjoys two iced teas at lunch.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?

I’d love to go back to school one day and earn a degree. I’m not exactly sure what I want to study yet, but I know I have a heart for helping people. I definitely want to stay in the health care field, and I love working in dining services. Maybe I’ll explore something like herbal medicine or natural healing.

I also enjoy spending time in nature—being outdoors is my happy place.

“I am delighted that Iesha is being recognized for her outstanding professionalism. I would say she combines strong leadership with kindness and sensitivity, treating our residents as individuals & caring that each feels cared for.” – Tamar Hajian, resident

“Iesha is very special. Both she and Shanelle Carter took me under their wing on my very first full day after moving to Oak Hammock. I went down to breakfast at The Grille, and they both saw the uncertainty in my face. I got hugs, and they guided me through how to use the menu, how to order and made sure I was restored to good cheer.”  – Ellen Siegel, resident

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Iesha for over three years now. Iesha’s approach to her role is truly unique as she displays a “servant leadership,” which is a leadership philosophy where leaders prioritize the growth and well-being of their team members. Oak Hammock truly has a rich history of long-standing employees. Iesha is one of them!”  –  Rose Crowder, catering manager