Written by Juanita Fox, director of media experiences and storytelling
Daphne Heiser was introduced to the world of caregiving early, inspired by her mom’s work as a skilled care nurse. Watching her mom in action at work, Daphne began to develop a heart for older adults and comfort in the healthcare environment.
A few years later, Daphne took the first step toward finding her own place in the nursing world by applying to Garden Spot Village at age nineteen. Encouraged by friends—including Ashlea Clark, who still works at GSV — Daphne attended nurse aid classes at Maple Farm and became a Certified Nurse Aid. Garden Spot Village covered her tuition and provided a steady hourly wage—supporting Daphne as she began to develop her early experiences into a meaningful career path.
In 2018, Daphne enrolled at Penn State Berks to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She kept working at Garden Spot Village while in school, attending evening classes and picking up weekend shifts. Her supervisors flexed her shifts and helped her balance being a full-time team member and a full-time student. During her time at Penn State Berks, Daphne received a $3,000 scholarship from Garden Spot Village. “Human Resources handled paying my loan directly; I didn’t have to worry about anything.” It was one less detail for Daphne to manage while balancing work and classes. She graduated second in her class—proof of the focus it took to balance work, school, and a demanding clinical experience.
Today, Daphne is an LPN in the Summerfielde Skilled Nursing Household, working first shift and every other weekend. She values getting to know residents over time and building trust with their families. Daphne says, “In a hospital, it can feel like a revolving door—you don’t always get to build a caregiving relationship. Here, I care for the same people every day, and I get to know their families, too. They become like my grandparents. I’m not just here for a paycheck—the residents become part of my family, and I care for them with respect and dignity.”
That trust matters most at the end of life. Daphne sees it as an honor to be present—keeping residents comfortable, honoring family wishes, and offering steady companionship when families can’t be there.
As a CNA, Daphne learned how long-term care works best: people step in for each other. Even as an LPN, she still answers call lights and helps wherever she can.
She also encourages other CNAs who want to advance their careers. She’s seen firsthand that when Garden Spot Village invests in employees, residents benefit from stronger teams and consistent care.
Juanita Fox, director of media experiences and storytelling for Garden Spot Communities, brings a wealth of marketing and storytelling experience. She is the managing editor for Destination Magazine as well as the co-host for Garden Spot’s Purpose in Retirement Podcast.