Samantha (Sammi) Parry, director of DayBreak at Garden Spot Village, applied for the LeadingAge PA Fellows in Leadership program in the summer of 2024. She completed an application that included an essay.
“I was thrilled when I learned I was going to be part of this leadership program,” Sammi says. “When I applied, I didn’t realize how competitive it was to participate in the program, but I’m so thankful I was invited to participate.”
Sammi was one of 24 leaders statewide who completed the program, which ran from September 2024 through June 2025.
The LeadingAge PA Fellows in Leadership program promises participants they will:
As she was reflecting on her experience, Sammi specifically mentioned the DiSC profile as an opportunity to help her understand her own leadership style. “The reflective work that I completed changed my perspective on my leadership style and provided an opportunity for self-growth. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity,” she says.
The program offered a blend of virtual and in-person training. Part of the in-person training was visiting other retirement communities across Pennsylvania and interacting with the small group to which she was assigned. The small groups offered opportunities for deeper dialogue and problem solving as well as relationship building.
Sammi appreciates the connections she forged with other leaders within LeadingAge. Having an experienced mentor who connected with her one-on-one was also valuable.
“It was so helpful to know that other leaders and communities are dealing with similar issues, as I am here at DayBreak.”