Located in Gretna, NE, SilverRidge Assisted Living and Memory Support Community is locally owned and operated by the Sedlacek family.  SilverRidge offers 81 Assisted Living Apartments and 28 Memory Support Apartments for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Julie Brown is the Life Enrichment Coordinator in the Memory Units at SilverRidge Assisted Living and Memory Support Community.

How did you get started in the business? – I’ve always loved helping others. Once I became a Certified Nurse’s Aide I knew this was where I belonged.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Developing activities that all of our Memory residents, who are in different stages of the disease, can participate in and enjoy.  It is difficult coming up with new activities that they all can and will participate in together.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I used to work for Concord Hospitality, who had a franchise with Village Inn. During my time there I received an award ranking of 3rd for increased sales out of all Village Inn employees in the area.

Tell me a little about your family. – I am married to my best friend and soulmate Troy.  We have two boys.  Dustin is 17 and a senior in high school. Chandler is 11 and will be in 6th grade. Both of our boys enjoy sports and keep us running!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – One of my biggest challenges and a huge turning point was moving to the Omaha area.  My career path since I was in high school involved restaurant management, so transitioning into the medical and healthcare field was a major life change.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to spend time with my family! I live my life for them!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love to cook and everyone tells me I’m good at it!  I would love to open my own restaurant or catering business.

What are you the most proud of? – Our two amazing boys!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Life is what you make it. You choose your own destiny.  Work hard and you can do anything and go anywhere.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Caring.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – We are Family by Sister Sledge.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I am a jack of all trades.

Which talent would you most like to have? – The ability to have some rhythm so that I could bust a move.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.

What is your favorite movie? – Twister. Tornadoes fascinate me.

What is your favorite TV show? – Duck Dynasty. Their emphasis on family values is really something that is missing in today’s society.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Pizza Ranch.  Where else can you get fried chicken, pizza and your kids can play basketball while you visit but can still see them?!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Warren Buffet, especially for his financial advice.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Email me at jbrown@silverridge-gretna.com or call SilverRidge at (402) 332-4280.