Meet Tawny McWilliams, the administrator at Royale Oaks Assisted Living and House of Hope Memory Care and Assisted Living, both of which are a part of the Midwest Geriatrics, Inc. family.
Tell us a little about your business. – Royale Oaks and House of Hope (www.omahaseniorcare.org) are communities that inspire the individuals we serve to live life to the fullest as they age.
How did you get started in the business? – The start of my career in healthcare was helping to take care of my grandmother when she was diagnosed with cancer. I assisted with the hands-on care and finding the resources available based on her socioeconomic background. This experience allowed me to see firsthand what all is needed to get someone like my grandmother help. From there, I knew that I wanted to be a part of something bigger.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Starting my assisted living administrator career during a pandemic. If I can make it through this time, I make it through anything.
Tell us a little about your family. – I come from a small family. My mom raised me and my two sisters on her own. We didn’t have much, but we knew as long as we had each other, we were okay. I now have two beautiful daughters. My oldest is currently attending college at UNL (Go Huskers!) and my youngest just entered her freshman year of high school. We are a very close knit.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Being the first person in my family to go to college and receive a degree.
Who inspires you? – I am inspired by influential women who I have met throughout my career. These women give me the motivation to keep moving forward.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Be true to who I am and, no matter what I go through in life, know that I am good enough!
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Ambitious.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Golden” by Jill Scott.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I’ve always said invisibility.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Singing. I admire those who have the gift of voice. My daughter has a beautiful voice—she sings during dinner, family time, and rides in the car. Music is the language of the soul. It brings so many people together.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A teacher.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I have volunteered with my daughter at Open Door Mission. I believe it is great to give back to others. I was not raised in a household that had a lot, so I know how important it is to have these types of organizations around to serve those of different socioeconomic backgrounds.
What is your favorite TV show? – I am loving the show La Brea right now!
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lisa’s Radial Café. It is the best breakfast joint in Omaha!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 557-6860; tmcwilliams@shf.org; www.omahaseniorcare.org.