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Activity Director Mildred Martinez’s road to LSM was anything but ordinary!

She was born in Mexico, where she grew up working for her family’s floral shop and graduated from college with an accounting degree. But her heart was leaning in a different direction, which led her to pursue a career as a radio announcer. She worked for seven years at a radio station broadcasting various types of musical, educational and entertainment programs.

When she came to America, she got her GED and went back to college so she could get a job here. She then worked in the food industry for eleven years, and that’s how she first came to LSM.

Mildred joined our ranks as part of the team running the old Windmill Cafe. When the cafe closed, she took the opportunity to become an activities assistant. “I didn’t know anything about this field, but it didn’t take long to fall in love with the residents and this type of job,” she said.

Mildred was promoted to Activities Director in 2024, and she has taken the Activities Department to a whole new level!

“Her creative ideas and positive energy motivates residents and employees alike to remember to have fun everyday,” said Sunset Home Administrator Lance Allen. “Mildred continues to introduce new events and opportunities that greatly enrich the lives of those who call LSM home. I can’t say enough great things about Mildred and the life altering work she does.”

Just in the last year, our activities team has created several hugely successful events, including several firsts: a haunted house, a beauty pageant and a car show!

“Not a lot of people understand the importance of activities in a nursing home,” said Mildred. “The residents need and should have a variety of activities to feel independent and live with a purpose. That’s where we come in. It is very rewarding to hear how happy and thankful they are for having us here. That doesn’t have a price.”

Mildred’s eight years at LSM have been game-changing for LSM, our residents and for Mildred. “I like to work here because this is one big family,” she said. “I’m grateful for the teamwork – all the departments are involved in one way or another.”

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, talking to her mom or her brothers for hours over the phone and listening to music and dancing. Thank you Mildred for all of your hard work!

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