Community Matters Aberdeen Village
August 2018
With help from PMMA, Felisha follows her dream When she began her journey at Aberdeen Village four years ago, Felisha Reed was in the dining services department. While she enjoyed serving people in that capacity, she dreamt of more. With the help of Presbyterian Manor of Mid-America’s education assistance program, Felisha was able to pursue her CNA and CMA (certified nursing assistant and certified medication aide) licensure. “I decided I wanted to pursue further education in health care and am now enrolled at Johnson County Community College. I will be attending the licensed practical nursing program in the fall,” said Felisha. “I enjoy serving others, DREAM, continued on page 3 CEO, continued on page 4
From left, Esther Minter and Kay Ruen are two of Aberdeen Village’s resident teachers—and heroes.
Singing praises for the unsung heroes “The mediocre teacher tells.The good teacher explains.The superior teacher demonstrates.The great teacher inspires.” —William ArthurWard Most of us have at least one teacher we remember fondly, if not many teachers. A good teacher’s influence on our lives is immeasurable, and the best teachers inspire their students to believe and achieve far beyond themselves. Two such teachers who were passionate about their chosen profession live at Aberdeen Village. Teachers are often unsung heroes, but here, we sing their praises. Born and raised in Kansas, Kay Ruen went to college in Oklahoma at the age of 20, then went on to teach in Nashville, and finally, became a teacher in Northeast Iowa. She taught for 37 years and said there’s one grade she considers the “perfect age” to teach. “First grade is perfect. I love to talk, and so do first graders! When they first get in, they’re learning their ABCs, and when they leave, they’re reading—sometimes even chapter books. It’s so rewarding to see that much progress in one year. They’re eager and willing to listen and learn,” said Kay. “I’ve always felt first grade was the most important grade because we’re teaching them everything they need to know for the rest of their lives.” HEROES, continued on page 2
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