Employee of the Month

Carleh Avery gathered accolades in September as Westview’s Employee of the Month. Carleh is a Server and Dietary Aide at Country Living at Westview Commons; ensuring residents’ reliable meal delivery with genuine friendliness. She began working with the team at the Dayville, CT independent and assisted living facility in April 2023 while still a junior at The Woodstock Academy. She knew she wanted to find an opportunity to work with people and gain experience in the “humanities” as she prepares for a future career in nursing. Since that time, she has begun studying nursing at CT State Three Rivers; viewing her time at Westview Commons as an invaluable step toward understanding care and building relationships in a healthcare setting.

Beginning when she came on board with Westview Commons, Carleh built strong rapport and mutual respect with the residents. In the moments building up to this recognition and press acknowledgment for Carleh, several bystanding residents affirmed their appreciations. Carleh shares her gratitude in return:

“I love the residents here! I always say they’re like my family; they’re like my grandparents. When I come through the doors, they greet me, ask me about school, and now that many know I’m pursuing nursing, they offer encouragement. That support really means a lot,” Carleh remarked. Her consistent engagement with residents allows her to further develop an understanding of empathy, communication, and individualized care. Carleh’s camaraderie extends to her coworkers just as well. In the dining domain, humor and collaboration are essential ingredients. “There’s never a dull moment in our kitchen. When we’re creating together, someone’s always laughing,” she added.

Carleh lives in Canterbury, CT and values the quality time she spends with her mother Tisha, father Peter, and brother Emerson. Their family also includes two Labrador Retrievers (the chocolate-covered “Wrangler” and the silver-coated “Bailey”) and Carleh looks to take more adventures with her canine companions. Outside of work, Carleh enjoys hanging out with friends—especially her best friend, a fellow classmate from Woodstock, CT. Shopping registers as a hobby for Carleh, as she is frequently drawn to Killingly Commons for a few finds. She loves to read a variety of fictional novels in quieter moments; often being charmed with romance narratives. Carleh and her family are seasonal campers in Lebanon, CT and have a great appreciation for the great outdoors. Paddleboarding, swimming, and hiking are among their favorite pastimes while taking their 40-foot, fifth-wheel RV to go “glamping” (as she describes). Carleh is every bit as enthusiastic about international travel as well: during a 10-day European trip as a Woodstock Academy student, she visited Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and England. Carleh looks to continue exploring internationally, with plans to return to Italy following the completion of her degree.

Emphasizing her gratitude, Carleh went on to say: “I am honored to be selected as Employee of the Month. I truly enjoy going to work each day. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like work to me because I consider our residents to be like family. I enjoy all of our shared conversations and the stories they tell. This award means a lot to me, and I am grateful to be recognized!”

David T. Panteleakos, Executive Vice President of Country Living at Westview Commons, applauded Carleh’s dedication and impact. “Carleh’s warmth, reliability, and positive energy make her an such a strong member of our dietary team. Her rapport with residents, collaboration with colleagues, and eagerness to learn reflects the campus-wide spirit of Westview. Carleh helps us to create the welcoming, engaging, and caring atmosphere here at Westview Commons every day. Congratulations to Carleh!”

Country Living at Westview Commons is a 75-unit independent and assisted living community conveniently located in picturesque Northeastern Connecticut. Affiliated with Westview Health Care Center, a nationally-ranked nursing facility according to CMS and U.S. News and World Report for the past years, Westview Commons is a 115,000 square foot catered living facility dedicated to a genuine 5-star experience including outstanding service, culinary expertise and professional in-house entertainment. Located in Dayville, CT, Westview Commons combines convenience, tranquility and comfort; providing a lifestyle that seniors deserve.