Sandy Whelan

Director of Resident Programming, Autumn Woods Health Campus

I began my current career as a volunteer after my aunt became a resident of a long term care facility. I found I had a deep passion for our senior citizens and wanted to do all I could to bring joy to their lives. I then began working as an activity assistant, later becoming an activity director. I then began working on a memory care unit where I did not only activities but social services as well. After 5 years, I left that position. I currently work at Autumn Woods Health Campus as Director of Resident Programming. I have been proud to be part of the Trilogy team since 2004. I have been nationally certified as an ADC since 2006. The NCCAP promotes educational standards and guidelines for Activity Professionals. We must continue to educate ourselves and become more than just the "bingo lady" to gain the respect of other healthcare professionals. The activiy profession is ever changing, and we must change with it to meet the new challenges of the future as the baby boomers begin to enter the long term care system.