Congratulations to the 6 employees and volunteers who were awarded at this year’s Leading Age for the compassion, and dedication they bring to senior care. We could not be more proud of the energy and heart each of these individuals bring with them to Christian Care Communities.
Mary Lynn Spalding, President and CEO – 2025 Leadership Award
Mary Lynn Spalding, President and CEO with Grandson Gavin
This award, which is Leading Age Kentucky’s highest honor, is proudly given to Mary Lynn Spalding in honor of her tireless leadership and immense contributions to our association! She is an exceptional example of the spirit, presence, perseverance and love of others that make Leading Age Kentucky a meaningful and impactful organization.
Mary Lynn Spalding’s expansive leadership career contains many accomplishments, results, special moments, visionary decisions, service above self, dedication and a broad commitment to the health care profession.
As her career moved from acute care to home health care and into senior living and long-term care, Mary Lynn’s desire to serve led her to join the Board of Directors of Leading Age Kentucky over 10 years ago.
Her leadership attributes and drive naturally led her to accept the role of the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Leading Age Kentucky in 2023. On the heels of leading Christian Care Communities through the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary Lynn boldly took on this important leadership role for our beloved association knowing that some key decisions would need to be made in the future.
As it turns out, Mary Lynn’s combination of dedication, compassion, leadership skill, organization, accessibility and kindness were necessary for the successful navigation of the events to come in her tenure as the Chairwoman of the Board.
Congratulations Mary Lynn from your entire Christian Care Family!
Wendy Walters, Corbin CNA – 2025 Caring Hands Award
Wendy joined our family as a Certified Nurse Aide in 2018, but her journey began long before that. Originally from Haiti, Wendy was once a schoolteacher who loved shaping the lives of children. When she came to the United States, she became a CNA, planning to eventually return to teaching. But then something unexpected happened—our residents stole her heart. As Wendy says, “I never looked back.” She had found her true calling in long-term care.
With strong Christian values and a humble spirit, Wendy embodies our mission every single day—enhancing the journey of life for older adults. She pours her whole heart into her work, treating every resident as if they were her own family. She comforts them after her shift ends, calls to check on them on her days off, and even purchases items out of her own pocket to meet their needs.
Wendy knows each resident personally—their favorite meals, their music, their stories. She listens, she cares, and she makes them feel truly at home. Her kindness has no bounds.
But Wendy’s impact goes beyond her residents. She is also a mentor and leader for our staff, guiding new CNAs with patience and skill. Her coworkers describe her as dependable, uplifting, and a joy to work alongside. “When Wendy is on the shift,” one colleague said, “you know it will run smoothly.” Another shared, “She always brings happiness to our residents’ lives and pride to her work.”
Wendy’s smile is contagious, her dedication unwavering, and her service unmatched. She is a blessing to our residents, our staff, and our entire community.
It is with immense gratitude and admiration that we honor Wendy Walters with the 2025 Caring Hands Award. Through her love, thoughtfulness, and faith, she makes a difference every single day.
Sherman Ramsey, Corbin Chaplain – 2025 Spiritual Care Award
Born in Rockcastle County, Sherman’s life journey took him first to the railroads, where he worked for many years and loved sharing stories—including his encounters with local legend Colonel Harlan Sanders. But in time, Sherman discovered his true calling: spiritual care. And for nearly a decade, he has brought that calling to life for the residents, families, and staff of Christian Care Communities.
Sherman embodies what we call a ministry of presence. He understands that true healing means caring not only for the body, but also the mind and spirit. For seniors facing health challenges, grief, or loneliness, Sherman’s steady presence offers peace. Whether sitting quietly in prayer, gardening with residents, joining a fishing trip, or simply listening without judgment, Sherman is there—meeting people exactly where they are.
His spiritual care is deeply personal and inclusive. For those of faith, he leads Bible studies, worship services, and prayer. For others, he offers meditation, grief support, or meaningful conversations about life and legacy. Every interaction reflects his respect for the dignity of each person and their unique journey.
Sherman’s care also extends beyond residents. He walks alongside families, offering comfort in difficult transitions and helping them navigate grief with compassion. He supports staff as well encouraging them through devotionals, offering a listening ear, and reminding them of the deeper purpose behind their work.
One of the most sacred aspects of Sherman’s ministry is his presence at the end of life. In those tender moments, he helps residents and families find peace, leading bedside prayers, conducting memorials, and ensuring that no one faces their final days alone. His compassion brings comfort when words fall short, leaving a lasting impact on all who experience his care.
Chaplain Sherman Ramsey is a quiet but powerful force—an anchor of faith, kindness, and humanity. In a world focused on medicine and technology, he reminds us that healing also comes through prayer, empathy, and presence.
We are honored to celebrate Chaplain Sherman Ramsey, the 2025 Spiritual Care Award Winner—a shining example of whole-person care for body, mind, and soul.
Genople Stancil, Corbin Social Service Director/ Assistant Administrator – 2025 Caring Hearts Award
For 28 years, Genople has dedicated her life to Christian Health Center, serving with compassion, energy, and an unwavering commitment to others. She began as Activities Director, and through hard work and perseverance, earned her college degree and Administrator’s License. Today, she serves in not just one role, but two—as both Social Services Director and Assistant Administrator.
What makes Genople so remarkable is not her titles, but her heart. With her warm, bubbly personality, she is beloved by residents, families, and staff alike. She is the person everyone turns to—whether it’s finding a missing item, shopping for residents, resolving a conflict, or simply sitting by a bedside with a caring smile. Genople’s kindness and servant spirit make her a source of comfort and joy for all who know her.
Her dedication knows no limits. She is often here late in the evenings, on weekends, and wherever she is needed most. During the challenges of COVID, when staff were stretched thin, Genople didn’t hesitate to step onto the floor as an aide—working side by side with her team, serving tirelessly day after day.
Genople also gives generously to her coworkers—helping with employee activities, supporting staff concerns, and mentoring across departments. She embodies leadership not through position, but through service.
For Genople, Christian Health Center is more than a workplace. It is her home. The residents and staff are her family. She lives out our mission and values every single day—embracing aging as a valued part of life, respecting the dignity of all, and leading with integrity, excellence, and accountability.
Genople Stancil has truly enhanced the journey of everyone at Christian Health Center. It is with deep admiration and gratitude that we celebrate her as the 2025 Caring Hearts Award winner.
Bunny Leep, Middletown Resident & Volunteer – 2025 Resident Volunteer Award
It is our joy to honor Beverly “Bunny” Leep as the recipient of the 2025 Resident Volunteer Award from LeadingAge Kentucky. Since moving into one of our Independent Living garden homes in late 2022, Bunny has brought a wave of creativity, energy, and joy to our campus. From the very beginning, she has been a source of encouragement and inspiration—not only to her fellow residents, but to our staff as well.
One of her most impactful contributions has been leading our beautification efforts. Bunny organized and continues to spearhead the planting and maintaining of flowers and landscaping across our campus. With her guidance, volunteers have come together to create vibrant outdoor spaces that brighten every resident’s day.
But her giving spirit doesn’t stop there. Bunny helps organize our monthly birthday parties, ensuring every resident feels celebrated on their special day. She lends her time in activities, playing games like Bingo and dominoes with Assisted Living residents, always bringing laughter and companionship.
She also maintains a phone tree to keep Independent Living residents connected and informed of important events and activities, ensuring no one is left out. On top of that, she writes and submits a monthly article for our campus newsletter, a tremendous help to our Activities staff and a wonderful way to highlight community life.
What truly makes Bunny so special is her spirit. She is an encourager, a cheerleader, and a shining example of what it means to be part of a caring community. Her positive, can-do attitude is contagious, and it has inspired countless others to get involved. Thanks to her leadership and enthusiasm, life here is richer, brighter, and more connected. Beverly “Bunny” Leep embodies the very heart of volunteerism. She gives selflessly, uplifts others daily, and makes our campus a better place for everyone. We are proud to celebrate Bunny Leep, the 2025 Resident Volunteer Award Winner!
Taylor Pennie, Bridgepointe at Ashgrove Woods Memory Care/Social Service Director – 2025 Innovation Award
We are proud to honor Taylor Pennie, recipient of the 2025 Innovation Award at LeadingAge Kentucky
For the past 10 years, Taylor has been a dedicated and compassionate member of our community, beginning her journey at the Best Friends Adult Day Center – Alzheimer’s and other Dementia Care. From the very beginning, she has been a tireless advocate for elders, families, and staff—bringing creativity, heart, and a spirit of innovation to everything she does.
Taylor plays a vital role in planning and leading activities on our memory care unit. Her ability to design meaningful programs is enhanced by her experience as a Best Friends Master Trainer, where she has gained both knowledge and unique insight into the needs of individuals living with memory loss. She applies that knowledge every day, ensuring that activities are not only engaging, but deeply person-centered.
But Taylor’s impact goes beyond programs and activities. She has built close, trusting relationships with our families—listening, guiding, and walking alongside them in their caregiving journey. She has a gift for seeing each individual as a whole person, honoring their life stories, and helping them feel valued and understood.
Her compassion is matched by her innovation. Taylor has a “knack”—an ability to take what she knows and apply it in fresh, creative ways that truly make a difference. She inspires others to think differently, to try new approaches, and to always put people first.
Taylor Pennie embodies the very spirit of this award. She is not only compassionate and caring—she is an innovator who continues to shape better experiences for elders, families, and staff.
It is with gratitude and admiration that we celebrate Taylor Pennie, winner of the 2025 Innovation Award.
Congratulations to all of the winners at this year’s Leading Age Kentucky event. We are thankful to celebrate the joys of senior care with you!