From our amazing staff to the smallest of details, Sunridge Gardens, one of two Bria seniors’ communities in Langley, has always been filled with love and thoughtfulness. This August, the Sunridge team reached a huge milestone. ”For the first time in five years,” says Shannon Saunders, Manager of Sunridge Gardens, “all 145 suites are rented, which brings us to 100% occupancy!”

Sunridge Gardens, the sister community to Magnolia Gardens in the City of Langley, opened its doors in Murrayville in October 2011. Since that time we have discovered the secret to our success: our staff. “It is the optimistic, fun and positive environment that keeps our residents happy, and the glass is always more than half full for our staff,” adds Shannon. This is a clear indication that the staff at Sunridge Gardens are the backbone of the community, and one of the key reasons why our residents choose Bria over other seniors’ communities.

In collaboration with other Bria staff, Shannon has established a reputation as someone who is always filled with enthusiasm and patience. Anyone you meet — whether it is the maintenance team, housekeeper or chef — is always ready with a smile and some friendly repartee.

Under Shannon’s leadership, Sunridge Gardens reached a positive cash flow in an oversupplied market in the first ten months of operation. Before joining the Bria team, Shannon held marketing positions with other leading companies in the seniors’ living industry, where she was instrumental in the successful opening of a number of communities.

Shannon was on the executive board for the South Surrey/White Rock Chamber of Commerce from 2008 to 2010, and was Chair of the South Surrey Business Excellence Awards in 2009, where she contributed her knowledge of planning and hosting large events. She was also a member of the Peace Arch Senior Planning Committee and continues to be an active member of her community. Shannon is an avid reader, loves to garden, and to spend time with her two grandchildren.

Like Shannon, thoughtfulness extends beyond the home and family for all of us. Our staff’s thoroughness and attention to details influence the decision to move in to Sunridge Gardens — we consistently receive high marks for resident satisfaction, with Sunridge scoring 95% out of more than two-thirds response rate, and all our communities score above industry average for staff engagement. Shannon states why: “We do our best to build rapport, help residents make friends and lifelong connections, serve them amazing food, and remember what matters to them.”

Congratulations, Shannon and the Sunridge Gardens team!