“When you can wake up every day happy doing what you’re doing, it makes life so much better.”
From her earliest jobs in childcare, to her time coordinating teams at the Reading YMCA, and delivering care through a home health agency, Jada Shirley has always been a helping hand to others. This compassionate mindset was first instilled in Jada by her mom, who taught her the importance of caring for others. This early foundation eventually led Jada to pursue nursing, because it provided an opportunity to serve the community in a significant way. Senior living, in particular, appealed to her because it allowed her to have meaningful interactions with residents—something she had also cherished during her time as an in-home healthcare aide. “I like seeing [residents’] faces when I come into work because that’s who I’m here for. I’m here for them.” she explains.
As a Medication Technician, Jada plays a vital role in supporting residents’ well-being. From handling medication orders to providing basic treatments and assisting with daily tasks like dressing, grooming, and cleaning—Jada ensures that residents feel secure while maintaining their independence. She does all of this with a smile, knowing that her work is more than just a job. “I love my job. I love what I do. And people who know me can see that,” she says. “When you can wake up every day happy doing what you’re doing, it makes life so much better.”
Beyond her dedication to residents, Jada also serves as an active member of the Safety Committee, ensuring that her coworkers and the community are always safe. From reviewing necessary changes to comply with regulations to identifying safety issues, Jada acts as an extra set of eyes that helps keep everyone safe and equipped to deliver care with the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Jada’s connection with everyone at St. John’s Herr Estate has grown as she has become an integral part of our close-knit community. In the future she is looking forward to getting to know residents on a deeper level and continuing to expand her own skills as a healthcare professional. We’re so delighted to have Jada as a part of our team. Thank you, Jada, for all of your hard work, it is truly appreciated!
If you would like to change the lives of others through important work like Jada does, check out our open positions here.