Shelley Leads with Heart and Compassion

For her exemplary performance as Life Enrichment Director (LED) at American House Wildwood, Shelley Lofton was chosen to be the proud recipient of the Daisy Award. Her team members knew about it. Shelley did not. And keeping it a secret wasn’t going to be easy. Because, after almost a decade at American House Wildwood, nothing much gets by this lady!

When Executive Director, Tonja McKenzie began having meetings to organize the surprise Daisy Award announcement party for Shelley, she had to be especially crafty. She even created a make-believe “Spring Into January” event, to explain the appearance of daisy decorations and the arrival of corporate leadership, Amy Wallace and Jill Marcum. Of course, as events were usually in her wheelhouse, Shelley was getting suspicious.

Everything became clear on January 15, 2026, when Tonja announced to the gathering of residents and team members, “All of you think you’re here for a Spring Into January event, but you’re actually here for Shelley Lofton!” Across the room, a shocked “Whaaat?” from Shelley.

Incredulous, Shelley walked toward Tonja and was handed the one-of-a-kind Daisy Award trophy. “It happened so fast that emotions didn’t kick in until it was all over,” said Shelley. She was overcome as family, friends, team members and vendors all gathered to share in her special honor.

After learning Shelley would be given the award, Tonja was thrilled for her team member.

“Shelley works so hard to create meaningful and fun experiences, and it’s been amazing watching her grow in her position over the past 10 years,” said Tonja. “With everything she does and her compassion for our residents, this award is very well-deserved.””

The Daisy Award is given out annually during National Activity Professionals Week to one Life Enrichment Director who exhibits performance excellence, who leads with heart, inspires engagement and makes their community brighter every day. Its first recipient, Daisy, the very dedicated and motived LED at American House Fort Myers, became the award’s honored namesake.

When asked what it takes to be a Daisy Award-winning Life Enrichment Director, Shelley puts it simply, “Listening, compassion and heart. Your heart has to be in this; if it’s not, this isn’t for you.”

Having plenty of one-on-one time with residents is important. “I can pretty much tell you the individual things about each one of my residents; I know their family, I know how they’re feeling and I can tell when they’re having a bad day,” said Shelley.

While the award may have been unexpected for Shelley, there were no surprises on the faces of her proud family, team members or the residents with whom she has formed strong bonds—just an outpouring of love and appreciation.

Congratulations, Shelley!