Valerie McGhee
Since rising to the post of CEO of Larksfield Place in 2004, Valerie McGhee has re-energized the Larksfield community with her enthusiasm and focus. “Our goal is always to be unquestionably better than our competition,” says McGhee.Her desire to raise the level of care for seniors grew from her role as a mental health and aging therapist. She served as Director of Adult Services for Tri-County Mental Health Services in Kansas City, Missouri, and in Wichita, established the ecumenical, educational Shepherd’s Center. McGhee was Associate Professor of Gerontology at WSU, and Director of Wesley Medical Center’s Senior Friends Program.

“Caring for seniors is a privilege,” she says. “Your heart must be connected to others to offer a gentle, helpful spirit.”

McGhee describes Larksfield Place as “top-notch” in the quality and breadth of services offered. “Personal training and exercise, a computer center, library, bank, our fabulous restaurant and living accommodations, are all part of our incredible standard program. Come see us. You will like what you see.

Amy L. Hall
To meet Larksfield Place’s Health Promotion Services Director, Amy L. Hall, is to understand why the residents with whom she works are so energized by her example. Amy projects a love of life and health that is contagious.

“I am passionate about educating people on the benefits of regular activity,” says Hall. “I take pride in my ability to motivate seniors and others to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

Hall has been at Larksfield Place for five years, after 20 years as a health promotion director for a hospital-based fitness and wellness facility. She has worked with every age group, from the very young to the very old. Although, in terms of fitness, age is relative.

“Our real age is determined by how active we are and how well we function in our day-to-day lives,” she smiles.

Hall takes her own advice to heart. She is an avid biker, gardener, swimmer, and has run the Pikes Peak marathon five times, three times with her mother.

“It’s never too late to experience the benefits of exercise,” Hall adds. “If you have health, you have everything!”

Janie Armstrong Jones
As Director of Resident Services, Janie Armstrong Jones coordinates all Larksfield Place activities. Generating new event ideas is easy, she says. They walk through her door every day. “I love hearing what is of interest to residents,” she says.

From booking special speakers to organizing large scale events, Jones enjoys creating a calendar full of quality choices. “We truly provide something for everyone.”

A mother of five, Jones’ talent for calendar management seems to come naturally. And her sensitivity to residents shines through.

Jones’ introduction to the community came through her father, who was one of the first residents of the Larksfield Place Health Care Center.

“I was here often, and became acquainted with so many wonderful people,” says Jones.

Grateful for the care her father received and familiar with the people, Jones accepted a job as Activity Director for the Health Care Center.

Fourteen years later her responsibilities are much more broad, but her attention remains focused on creating educational and entertaining choices for each resident. “My door is always open.”

Sharron Dillon
Before Larksfield Place opened its doors for the first time, Sharron Dillon joined the community as retirement counselor. Now, as Marketing Director for almost 20 years, Dillon is thrilled to see the next phase of growth.

“When I joined Larkfield Place, we were selling the dream! Now the dream is here and getting better day by day,” Dillon says.

Introducing families to Larksfield Place and helping new community members find perfect accommodations is a joy for Dillon, whose own mother has been a community member for 15 years. “I love working with the young at heart,” Dillon says.

What makes life at Larksfield Place so special? Everyone here is focused on helping the mind, body, and spirit be as healthy and vibrant as possible.

Just as important, Larksfield Place offers everything under one roof. “Activities, dining venues, a Fitness Club—and the parties!—we have it all. Our excellent health care services are particularly important, so spouses can remain near each other, no matter the situation.”

Dillon invites prospective community members to call for a personal tour and introduction to the new Apartment Homes. “We expect demand to be high, so call soon!”

The Marketing Office can be reached at 316.858.3910.

Diana Casebolt-Hayes
As Director of Sunflower Lane for nine years, Diana Casebolt-Hayes’ personable manner helped community members and families rise above the challenges of dementia and aging. Those who know Diana know her care has extended beyond the Health Care Center. Now, as Vice President of Independent Living, her mission is to strengthen the continuum of care that Larksfield Place provides, to support independent living and wellness, and assist with any transitions in needed care.

“At Larksfield Place, we continually look for better ways to serve our population,” Diana says.

Married to her high school sweetheart for 31 years, Diana’s family includes a grown daughter and son, two granddogs, and a home in the country with four dogs, two cats, three turkeys, five ducks, ten chickens, one rooster, and two horses.

Caregiving is clearly a way of life. She thoroughly enjoys making friends with each and every community member. The trust that she develops with residents and families helps during times of transition.

“By sharing our lives and our concerns, we can better care for each other. I want our wonderful people to know they can come to me at any time.”

Matt Walker
The dual roles of security supervisor and historian may seem unusual, but not for Matt Walker. Matt joined the Larksfield Place staff 11 years ago.

In addition to keeping the community members of Larksfield Place secure, Matt also helps community members protect and save a lifetime of memories.

As a student of history at Wichita State University, Matt is pleased to interact with people who have experienced so much. “The people here have done and survived amazing things,” says Matt. “It is a privilege to talk with people who have witnessed events that, in some cases, I have never read about before. These people often hold a different perspective about significant events than what is included in history books.”

Matt conducts interviews, assists with the design, and coordinates the printing and publishing of the books.

“Children and grandchildren can hold on to these histories for a long time. Often, family members learn things about a loved one they’ve never known before. And recipients are pleasantly surprised at the overall quality of the production, complete with photographs and stories gathered into one place,” Matt says. “It is a wonderful gift.”

Marc Riley

Meet the new Vice President of the Health Care Center, Marc Riley, whose intense drive to offer the best care matches the power of his favorite ride, his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.

“Last year’s excellence is this year’s standard,” Marc says. “My goal and personal mission is simply to serve the community members and staff of Larksfield Place beyond expectations.”

Marc’s career in the pharmaceutical and biotech fields led to a decision to recently obtain a Master’s degree in Health Care Leadership from Friends University. He also served as Administer-in-Training at Catholic Care Center. This experience gave him firsthand knowledge of issues related to community member care and sparked the most interest. “I believe this opportunity at Larksfield Place is the perfect fit.”

After living in Texas and Oklahoma, Marc has made Wichita his permanent home. He is a U.S. Navy veteran, a member of the Kansas Patriot Guard, and father of three.

“I’ve always wanted to improve the quality of life for people,” he says. “I am excited for the opportunity to further improve upon the wonderful care at Larksfield Place.”

Tammy Flaming

Retirement Counselor Tammy Flaming helps future community members of Larksfield Place feel right at home. From a first tour to the last unpacked box, Tammy makes the process of moving simple. She provides references for movers and estate sale companies, helps with paperwork and, most importantly, provides motivation and encouragement.

Tammy’s enthusiasm for Larksfied Place is contagious. “I came on a three-week temporary assignment,” she says. “I fell in love with the people here.”

Her on-the-go role at work is mirrored at home. Tammy and her husband, Bryce, are the proud parents of Hanna, Camden, and Gracie, who keep them busy with volleyball, basketball, and many other activities. At home in the country, Tammy tends her garden and enjoys cooking meals for family and friends.

For the thankful community members at Larksfield, Tammy is one who makes all the difference. Her ability to establish rapport and trust helps each person feel at home. Her enthusiasm is appreciated by many. Marketing Director Sharron Dillon says, “The last 10 years working with Tammy have been so enjoyable!”

Terry Asla

His official title is Public Relations and Communications Consultant, but Terry Asla’s positive influence reaches far beyond managing e-mails and introducing the latest technology. Terry is one of many staff members who do all they can to enrich the lives of Larksfield Place community members. Asla arrived in 1992 as a consultant for a three-week assignment and never left.

“I discovered in Larksfield Place the opportunity to help build the kind of urban village and retirement community I personally would someday enjoy,” Asla says.

Asla promoted universal design standards for the Larksfield Villas, spearheaded the I, Witness to History program, obtained key health and lifestyle grants, and made technology accessible. While making a lasting impact at Larksfield Place, these progressive programs have been shared and recognized nationally and across the world. Community members know they can bring new ideas to him and Asla will help bring them to life.

This husband, father of two and grandfather of five is now working on a dissertation through Charles Sturt University in Australia.

He is also having fun every day.

“I decided years ago I would always work at a place where every morning I woke up excited to go to work,” he says.