Anterica Thomas
– 2021 Wildewood Downs Supernova Winner –
The Supernova Award is the highest individual honor that our company gives and each year. One individual on the leadership team at Wildewood Downs is voted by their colleagues as the community’s Supernova based on an assortment of criteria. Each year during the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting, the winner is revealed and given a customized crystal award at the company’s formal Supernova Awards Evening. The criteria for voting is based on upholding our company’s mission to be caring professionals dedicated to quality services. Additionally, this individual will consistently deliver excellent customer service (to Members, families, and colleagues), lead positively with integrity, take accountability, put the team before themselves, and embody the company’s vision to create communities where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
“Very excited to have Teka on board. Everyone absolutely loves her. She came here and built a program from the ground up. She’s phenomenal and great at what she does, she’s passionate and our Members absolutely adore her.”
– Terri Hutton, Executive Director at Wildewood Downs
This year, we are proud to congratulate our Wellness Director, Anterica “Teka” Thomas as the recipient of the 2021 Wildewood Downs Supernova Award. This honor was bestowed at the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 5th at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation on Amelia Island, Florida. As the Wellness Director, Teka is passionate about helping Members improve their health and well-being through exercise. Her classes are well-attended and tailored to individual needs. She takes pride in measuring and reporting her Members’ improvements.
Teka graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. After graduation, she moved to Charleston to work at sister community, Wellmore of Daniel Island where she was the Wellness Associate. In 2020, she accepted the Wellness Director position at Wildewood Downs. As a Wellness Director, Teka is passionate about helping Members improve their health and well-being through exercise. Her classes are well-attended and tailored to individual needs. She takes pride in measuring and reporting her Members’ outcomes.
Her hobbies include exercising, spending time with family and cooking. I have one brother, four sisters and one sweet little dog named Lady.
Interview with 2021 Director of the Year, Teka Thomas
What’s a quote or inspirational words that influence/impact you?
One of my favorite quotes is by Denzel Washington “Don’t Aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.”
Congratulations on being chosen as a Supernova! How do you feel?
I’m still in shock but it’s so good to know that my team sees my hard work, dedication, and love for my job and our Members. So I appreciate them for voting for me for this award.
What’s your favorite part about your position?
I love that I can help others towards any of their fitness goals or any goals in general and help them to accomplish them. But most importantly, I love that I get to spread joy and laughter to anyone, whether it’s a Member or a staff member.
What do you want people to know about working in a retirement community?
It’s hard work, but it’s worth it. You can make such a big impact on peoples’ lives, and they will most definitely have an impact on yours.
Positions that are eligible to vote and win the Supernova Award include: HR Director, Business Manager, Assistant Business Manager, Care Services Administrator, Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing, Resident Care Director, Lifestyle Advisor, Lifestyle Advisor – Care Services, Move-In Coordinator, Social Director, Activity Director, Wellness Director, Director of Facility Services, Director of Dining Services, Executive Chef, Client Services Manager (Live Long Well Care).