At MBK Senior Living, our team members bring passion, dedication, and a genuine love for caregiving to their roles every day. One such shining example is Haylee Campbell, Health Service Assistant and Med Tech at Cottonwood Creek. With a heart full of compassion and a background deeply rooted in caregiving, Haylee’s journey is a testament to the power of family influence and personal passion. In this interview, she shares her story, her love for the residents, and what drives her to make a difference.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to work here? I began my journey as a caregiver right when I turned 18, looking after six incredible women at another facility. It was a special experience because my grandmother had cared for the same individuals, and that connection sparked an immediate love for the profession in me. From the very start, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose in this work.
What is something most people don’t know about you? Growing up, my family and I traveled quite frequently. I’ve been on six cruises! My favorite experience was our trip to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.
What are some of your hobbies or activities you enjoy outside of work? My hobbies include caring for my plants, reading, and spending quality time with my son.
How long have you been with the company, and what roles have you held? I have been with the company for 1 year and 10 months. I started as a caregiver, transitioned to a med tech role, and was later promoted to Health Service Assistant.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry? My family has always been deeply involved in caregiving. My grandmother, aunt, and cousin have all worked closely together in this profession, and I’ve had the privilege of learning from their experiences and wisdom.
What do you enjoy most about working here? What I enjoy the most about working at Cottonwood Creek is our residents. The opportunity to make a positive impact by providing care and support is incredibly meaningful to me, and I find great gratification in contributing to their well-being.
Can you share an accomplishment you're particularly proud of? I am proud of myself for moving up so quickly in my roles here, accomplishing this in just under a year.
What is a typical day like for you in your role? My day always starts with a smile on my face, saying good morning to our early bird residents and enjoying a walk with them down the hall to my DON office to get my paperwork for the day. Typically, I’m all over the place in our building, so I enjoy talking with residents when I first come in.
What skills or traits have contributed most to your success? I like to believe my bubbly personality (I’m a talker!) has helped in my success. Being a natural talker, I love to engage with others, and this ability to connect with others on a personal level has helped me build trust within our community. I’m always eager to learn something new and take on challenges with a positive mindset. This has allowed me to build strong relationships and succeed in my role.
What do you value most about the company culture? What I value most about the company culture is a sense of community, mutual respect, and open communication. I believe that when everyone is treated with kindness, it fosters an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and empowered.
How do you see yourself contributing to the company’s mission or values? I see myself contributing to the company’s values by bringing a strong sense of empathy, dedication, and teamwork to everything I do. I constantly support both residents and team members.
What does your “reason for being” at work look like? My reason for being at work is the opportunity to help my residents in any way I can. Whether assisting with their care, managing medications, or simply stopping to have a conversation, I truly enjoy being here, and contributing to their well-being is very important to me.
Do you have any favorite stories of a close relationship you’ve formed with a resident? Of course, I do! One of my favorite stories revolves around the comfort and trust that you can build with residents. There was a gentleman who was typically very quiet and reserved, but whenever I was around, he’d perk up, and we’d talk for hours. It was during those conversations that I learned so many amazing things about him, and that grew into a genuine friendship.
What advice would you give to someone interested in transitioning to senior living? Moving to senior living can be a big decision, so it’s important to take your time and consider what makes you feel comfortable and supported. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, speak with both staff and residents to get a true sense of what daily life is like. Look for a community that aligns with your needs and lifestyle, whether that’s access to better healthcare, engaging activities, or the opportunity to grow socially.
Haylee’s story is one of dedication, warmth, and a true calling for caregiving. Her journey from caregiver to Health Service Assistant and Med Tech is an inspiration, showcasing her passion for making a difference in the lives of residents. At Cottonwood Creek and our other MBK Senior Living communities, it’s team members like Haylee who create a nurturing and compassionate environment, embodying the values that make our community truly special.
Learn more about Cottonwood Creek or schedule a tour today! Interested in joining us as a team member? Explore our open opportunities across CO, CA, WA, UT, AZ, and OR!
