Sunrise of Metairie

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Cheryl Henry 

Assisted Living Coordinator

“I have been a team member here at Sunrise since 2000. I really value the daily interaction with our residents, their family members and my fellow team members.

Sunrise is a company that cares not only about the residents, but also about the team members. Working in our community is akin to being at home with my family; this is my extended family.  

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I particularly enjoy spending time with my daughter. Since we don’t live in the same town, our busy schedules don’t allow us to see each other often enough!”

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Schelita M. Smith 

Dining Services Coordinator

“I’ve been working for Sunrise since 2008. My favorite part of my role as Dining Services Coordinator is watching my residents enjoy their meal. At Sunrise, we are all one big family; I’ve watched my co-workers and residents grow up, get married, start new families, and create memories both happy and sad. 

When I’m not at work, I travel every chance I get – even if it’s just to play tourist in my own town.”

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Janet Ferran

Activities & Volunteer Coordinator 

“I have been a member of the Sunrise of Metairie team since 2010. My favorite part of my job is finding new and exciting events that my residents can not only enjoy but also participate in the planning of, such as our annual Easter Bonnet Tea. For that event, each resident designed his or her own bonnet, and each hat was a unique reflection of that resident.

Our residents continue to love the inter-generational experience that our visiting youth groups provide. From the 2^nd graders trick or treating our halls at Halloween in their adorable costumes, to church and school holiday carolers to local sororities and fraternities sponsoring our Senior Prom. Our “seniors” get to enjoy a fun night while recalling their own high school days.The best part of working at Sunrise is seeing the enriched quality of life I am able to provide each day for my residents. Their lovely smiles tell me that it is a job well done.

When I’m not at work, I am with my grandchildren.”

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Siesha Stirgus

Business Office Coordinator

"I have been with Sunrise since 2019. Prior to Sunrise, I oversaw several medical clinics at Ochsner Medical Center. 

My favorite part of my job is building relationships with team members as well as the residents and having them be able to come to me if they need help The best part of working at Sunrise is assuring all the family that their family member’s finances and well-being are in good hands by staying in close contact with them throughout every week. 

 In my spare time, I like to shop!"

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Polly Gonzales

Resident Care Director

"I bring 32 years of experience as a nurse to the job of caring for the health and well-being of our Sunrise community. Being a native of Pennsylvania I started out as a travel nurse with my first assignment in New Orleans. I fell in love with the city and decided to call it home. My experience volunteering as an EMT in high school first peaked my interest in nursing. After graduating I worked as a Critical Care Nurse. My relationship with my grandparents fostered my appreciation of seniors. Once I started working in home health, I developed a desire to work with them specifically.

I share my personal life with my husband Edgar of 21 years and sons Alex and Brian. As a “baseball Mom” I have seen and traveled to quite a few baseball games with my boys."