The Little Things

Congratulations on 10 Years!

Featuring Lori Hayden
Written by: Marikate Lynch, Administrator

April 6, 2015, was the date that Lori Hayden began her journey as the Director of Nursing at Essex Meadows Health Center. The tale goes that she was heavily recruited on several occasions by the then current Administrator, Kathleen Dess, for this important role at Essex Meadows.

Well Kathleen, I have to say – “Kudos to you! Nice work!”

Lori has been a stellar addition to Team Essex Meadows for the past 10 years. She leads with the highest level of professionalism and ensures the residents and staff are well taken care of. The Director of Nursing role competes as one of the most difficult jobs in our industry, and Lori has done it with great success.

Along the way, there are always challenges and obstacles, hiccups, and bumps and bruises, but Lori puts her nose in and finds the answers or gets to the root of the problem. Lori helped lead our team during a few of the most difficult years in Healthcare (speaking of years 2020-2022). During this time, she was on the front lines, taking care of our frailest residents, some of whom did not make it. She was side by side with CNAs in resident rooms, in PPE from head to toe, dealing with the unknown as best as she knew how. There was not a day during this time that Lori did not come to work. In fact, she worked almost around the clock ensuring we were doing all that we could in taking care of our residents and keeping them safe.

Something I would like to share about Lori is that she furthered her nursing degree to become a Registered Nurse while her kids were still young. Going back to school, working, and managing a household is not an easy task. But Lori persevered through and got that degree that was meaningful to her. And we are very thankful for that.

Lori is one of those rare and remarkable individuals whose presence brings a sense of warmth and light to everyone around her. Her kindness, compassion, and steady optimism have uplifted residents, families, and staff alike. As a leader, Lori is calm under pressure— always thoughtful, solution-focused, and guided by a deep sense of purpose. Her intelligence, grace, and gentle humor have made our health center not just a place of care, but a place of heart. Lori’s smile, laughter, and unwavering dedication will be deeply missed! Thank you, Lori!

Kathleen Dess,
Executive Director

I would like to share a few quotes about Lori from Essex Meadows Team members.

Carol Ann Hull – Her saying, “Well, that’s disappointing” even in circumstances like the whole staff has decided to quit and won’t show up for a day, and then Lori’s next response will be “Well that’s OK, we’ll just…”

Sara Cassello – “Lori graces the Health Center with her presence and leadership like no other. She is so caring, kind, and compassionate to all the residents, their families, staff and truly everyone who enters the Health Center. She always has an interesting article, story or idea to share with us. She can view things from a systematic and person-centered approach. She is our shining star and represents the community so well.”

Tabitha Parciak – “Lori always sees the good in somebody first.”

Karen Hines – “For ten years, you’ve been a steady, compassionate part of our community – lifting others, bending over backwards without hesitation, and showing us all what true dedication looks like. Your presence made every day better for both residents and staff, and your impact will be felt long after your well-earned retirement begins. Thank you for being exactly who you are.

Amanda Reynolds – “Lori Hayden’s warmth, leadership, and tireless dedication over the past 10 years have made her not just an exceptional Director of Nursing, but a true heart of our team. Her compassion touches everyone she works with, and her commitment to excellence continues to inspire us all.”

Cathy Bonin – “Lori has been an amazing Director of Nurses for the past 10 years. She has led the Health Center with dignity, grace and service to our residents, families and staff especially during the pandemic. Having worked with Lori very closely she was never one to sit in her office. She would be answering the phones, working with the nurses when they were getting a new resident coming in. Screening prospective residents, talking to families, assisting staff. Lori often would need to work on the floor as a nurse when someone called out. She also would take calls at home. Lori has had great relationships with our residents and is very supportive of our staff. A good nurse not only looks at the physical aspects of a patient’s care but the emotional as well and Lori always did this. She is both gentle and strong. She also did all this with a smile, a positive attitude and great outfits! Essex Meadows has been blessed to have Lori here and I am
grateful to have been able to work with her!

Amanda Rice – “Lori is always the first one to tell you “Good Job!” when a staff member has fixed a problem or solved an issue!!”

Heather Costa – “It was a pleasure working with Lori. She was always helpful and was supportive to the nursing staff. She also has the most fabulous wardrobe and wears it well”
In summary, I would like to thank Lori for these past 10 years of service at Essex Meadows. She has been an amazing partner to me in the Health Center, and I will miss her. I would also like to thank her for her 3-year notice of impending retirement. Gosh – did that time go by in a flash! In August of this year Lori will be retiring. I wish her all the best of health and happiness in her retirement, and I hope she gets to spend lots of quality time with her family and grandchildren. Congratulations Lori! Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.