Silver Maples of Chelsea is thrilled to announce that four of its outstanding team members have received statewide recognition from LeadingAge Michigan at their 2025 Member Awards Gala. Each award winner was nominated by their peers and selected by an esteemed group of committee members from among many nominations across the state. This year’s gala took place at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where nearly 250 people gathered to celebrate the elite group of 26 award winners and recognize their collective achievements.

Silver Maples continues its tradition of excellence, with multiple employees being honored for their passion, commitment, and impact on the aging services field.

This year’s honorees include:

• Mark Royce, Director of Finance, received the Life Member Award, which recognizes a distinguished individual who has made a lasting and meaningful impact in the aging services field. With nearly 25 years of nonprofit senior living experience, Mark has guided organizations through major growth, financing, and transformation. After serving as Director of Finance at Silver Maples since 2020, Mark will retire at the end of July—concluding a remarkable second chapter in a career defined by integrity and mission-driven leadership.
• Jim Laws, Facilities Specialist, was honored with the Shining Star Award. A 17-year veteran of Silver Maples, Jim is known for his pride in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the caring way he interacts with residents and coworkers. Whether he’s preparing for special events or solving everyday maintenance challenges, Jim quietly makes life better for everyone who lives and works in the community.
• Kaylee Hall-Spence, Resident Care Associate in The Meadows Assisted Living, received the Caring Spirit Award for her heartfelt commitment to residents over the past five years. Her joyful energy, creativity, and deep compassion are felt throughout the community. Whether she’s leading a group activity or spending one-on-one time with a resident, Kaylee brings warmth and connection to every interaction.
• Kathy O’Connell, Café Attendant in the Courtyard Café, also received the Caring Spirit Award. With over 35 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Kathy has made the Courtyard Café a vibrant, welcoming space for residents, staff, and visitors alike. Her personal touches—like developing recipes to support special dietary needs and remembering favorite meals—reflect her deep care and attention to individual well-being.

“We’re incredibly proud of these team members and the light they bring to our community every day,” shared Holly Ridenour, CEO of Silver Maples. “Their work is a reflection of our mission to create and support a positive aging experience—not only through services and programs, but through meaningful relationships and a culture of compassion.”

As a nonprofit senior living organization, Silver Maples continues to gain recognition for its outstanding workplace culture and resident satisfaction. In 2024, the organization ranked #5 nationally on Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Aging Services and received its fourth Holleran Choice Community Award, a distinction based on resident engagement and satisfaction.

LeadingAge Michigan and Silver Maples extends a heartfelt congratulations to Mark Royce, Jims Laws, Kaylee Hall, and Kathy O’Connell for their commitment and service to bettering the lives of seniors in the state of Michigan! To learn more about the 2025 Member Awards Gala and other award honorees, review the 2025 Member Awards Gala Program or visit LeadingAge Michigan on YouTube.