At The Forefront Forefront Living

In this enlightening episode, host Tim Mallad sits down with Ke’o Velasquez, Corporate Director of Operations and Hospitality at Forefront Living, and Alison Patt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cuisine. They delve into the recent partnership between the two organizations and the array of services offered by Thomas Cuisine. The discussion covers day-to-day dining, evolving residential preferences ranging from formal dining to pop-up experiences and offering a diverse selection of foods including ethnic cuisines. The guests also discuss the topics of aging and wellness and the pivotal role food plays in these aspects. Additionally, they share insights on accommodating diverse preferences within a senior living community while maintaining freshness and interest. Tune in to this very special episode to gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of hospitality and senior living.

About Ke’o Velasquez
In his role as Forefront Living’s (FL) Corporate Director of Operations and Hospitality, Ke’o focuses on teammate engagement and retention, resident satisfaction and continuously improving the quality of services provided to residents and patients. Prior to joining FL, he served as Executive Director of The Preston of Park Cities, a luxury senior living community in Dallas, Texas. Before transitioning to senior living, Ke’o worked as Executive Sous Chef for The Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving, Texas. In this position, he oversaw all aspects of the extensive culinary program. Ke’o is passionate about multi-ethnic cuisine, nutritional therapy, restaurant design and management with the highest expectations of hospitality standards and was also featured on Food Network’s Best Young Chefs of America program. When not serving seniors, he enjoys traveling to his native Hawaii, camping with his son, working on projects around the house and cooking in a hula skirt.   

About Alison Patt
Alison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cuisine, joined the organization in October of 2020, and brought with her more than a decade of contract foodservice and hospitality experience, having served most recently as Group President of Continental Services, Detroit’s top independent contract dining management company. Alison has a proven background centered on developing high performing teams, driving meaningful growth, fostering enduring client relationships and demonstrating a strong commitment to servant leadership.

“I am honored and excited to lead Thomas Cuisine. This organization is positioned for growth as it delivers custom food service solutions at the intersection of food, service and wellness. I look forward to leading Thomas Cuisines’ incredible teams in continuing to design customized solutions and healthy menus for our clients in healthcare, senior dining and business and industry sectors. I embrace Thomas Cuisine’s commitment to improve the lives of others – one nutritious meal at a time.” – Alison Patt

In this informative episode, host Tim Mallad engages in an enlightening conversation with Bella Vida (BV) VIPs, Phil and Karen Hunke, to reveal what attracted them to BV, an upcoming Forefront Living (FL) senior living community in San Antonio. The couple shares insights from their exploration of senior living options, guided by positive recommendations from friends. They discuss essential features they sought in their future home, emphasizing the significance of personalization options and the vibrant South Texas culture featured at BV. Additionally, the Hunkes complimented the transparency of financial matters and FL leadership’s receptiveness to feedback. Looking ahead, they eagerly anticipate a fulfilling quality of life as they age, especially through the lively atmosphere and socialization offered within the BV community. Don’t miss this very special episode, as Phil and Karen Hunke share their journey into premiere senior living, highlighting the importance of proactive planning for a meaningful life at every stage.  

About Phil and Karen Hunke
San Antonio residents Phil and Karen Hunke are avid world travelers who also love the outdoors. Phil is a retired pediatric dentist and he and Karen share a passion for philanthropy, particularly in supporting oral health care for special needs children. The Hunkes provided funding for the Phil and Karen Hunke Special Care Clinic, a dental clinic at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, ensuring that individuals of all ages with disabilities are able to receive high-quality oral health care in a welcoming environment designed specifically for them, their families and their caregivers.

In this educational episode, host Tim Mallad sits down with Estee Cahani, Director of Rehabilitation at Presbyterian Village North (PVN), and Dr. Cynthia Logan, PVN resident and physical therapy patient, to shed light on the benefits of therapy, discussing the areas of physical, occupational and speech therapy. The conversation covers practical questions such as eligibility for therapy, the assessment process and the workings of outpatient therapy. Additionally, the guests discuss the emotional aspects of therapy, addressing how to support individuals navigating pain and discouragement. Dr. Logan shares her personal journey, reflecting on her initial challenges and the invaluable support received from therapists. She also offers insights into the role her faith played in her journey, especially during moments of hopelessness. Tune in for this very special episode highlighting how therapy serves as a cornerstone of care and the importance of prioritizing wellness at every stage of life.

About Estee Cahani
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Estee received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of New Orleans. In 2008, she moved to Dallas to attend the Texas Woman’s University Doctor of Physical Therapy program. While there, through completing a clinical at the former Grace Presbyterian Village (Grace), Estee became familiar with Forefront Living. “I fell in love with their culture and mission and vowed that I’d work there someday after I graduated,” she said. Upon earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2011 and after gaining experience, Estee returned to Grace as an Outpatient Physical Therapist in 2014. In 2017, Estee was named Assistant Director of Rehabilitation at Presbyterian Village North and then Director of Rehabilitation in 2020, a position she still holds today. Estee is married and is the mother of two young and energetic sons that keep her extremely busy!

About Dr. Cynthia Logan
Dr. Cynthia Logan, Ph.D. and minister, holds a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University, a master’s from Presbyterian School of Christian Education and a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She has been an active resident at Presbyterian Village North since 2016 and a physical therapy patient, under the care of Estee, since 2017.

In this insightful episode, host Tim Mallad sits down with Jason Whitely, Senior Political Reporter at WFAA/Channel 8 in Dallas/Fort Worth, to delve into the dos and don'ts of interacting with the media, offering valuable insight for individuals and organizations alike. From discussing topics that capture journalists’ attention to navigating crisis communication, the conversation also provides awareness for best practices during interviews. The discussion emphasizes the significance of building positive relationships with journalists, underscoring that personal connections can be a benefit. In addition, the episode highlights that any organization, including senior living communities, has the potential to play an expert role in its field. Tune in for this very special episode highlighting media interactions and organizational communication strategies.

About Jason Whitely

Jason Whitely is the Senior Political Reporter at WFAA in Dallas / Fort Worth and host of Inside Texas Politics, a weekly political television program that is broadcast statewide every Sunday morning on eleven Texas television stations. Jason also co-hosts the Y’all-itics political podcast which has more than a million downloads. Jason's reporting has earned 24 Emmy Awards, three Edward R. Murrow Awards, and two dozen others. He won the Emmy for Best General Assignment Reporter in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2010 and 2005. In 2023, D Magazine named Jason as Best TV Broadcaster in its annual Best of Big D list.

In this compelling episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes distinguished guest John “Lucky” Luckadoo, former B-17 Flying Fortress pilot, the last living original pilot of the World War II Eighth Air Force 100th Bomb Group and Presbyterian Village North (PVN) resident, to explore his remarkable life and the significance of keeping his historical recounts alive. The two discuss Lucky’s book, Damn Lucky (https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Lucky-Bloodiest-Military-Campaign/dp/1250274389), detailing how that project came to life during the pandemic, and preview two upcoming, remarkable projects including an interactive holographic representation of Lucky coming soon to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. In addition, his group, “The Bloody Hundredth”, will be featured in a docu-series entitled Masters of the Air (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/masters-of-the-air/umc.cmc.7bxcni0vwgll9kmicq738k5q2), scheduled to premiere in January of 2024, on Apple Plus. This special episode highlights the vital role storytelling plays in keeping history alive and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

ABOUT LUCKY: John Luckadoo was a wide-eyed 21-year-old lieutenant assigned to the Eighth Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group when he manned the controls and took to the sky for his first bombing mission as co-pilot of a famed B-17 Flying Fortress. The aeronautical revelation at Luckadoo’s fingertips could fly at altitudes of 35,000 feet for up to 2,800 miles and carried a hefty bomb payload supplemented by ten .50-caliber machine guns. Luckadoo goes by Lucky, a nickname he earned while flying bombing runs over Nazi-occupied France and Germany. His group known as “The Bloody Hundredth” suffered staggering high casualties. By the war’s end in 1945, 36 of Luckadoo’s 40 classmates from flight school had either withdrawn from flying, been shot down, or killed in action. John “Lucky” Luckadoo earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during WWII. He currently resides at Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, Texas.

In this insightful episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes Cheryl Harding, President and CEO of Fort Worth’s James L. West Center for Dementia Care, to discuss the organization’s mission to provide personalized, innovative care and compassionate support for families grappling with the challenges of dementia. The two discuss the center's advocacy for specialized education for caregivers, healthcare professionals and the wider community in the realm of dementia care.

This multifaceted approach is aimed at changing the stigma associated with the diagnosis and inspiring a newfound sense of hope and joy for individuals and families facing this challenging journey. This organization is incorporating the following hashtag and launching a campaign centered on this theme: #FindingJoyInDementia.

Join us for this very special episode as Cheryl and Tim's discussion showcases the power of empathy, innovation and dedication in the pursuit of a brighter future for those impacted by dementia.

About Cheryl Harding, Ph.D., LNFA

In 2018, Cheryl Harding was named president and CEO of Fort Worth’s James L. West Alzheimer Center. Harding earned a Ph.D. in Family Studies (Gerontology) from Texas Woman’s University in Denton and holds her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Harding was awarded her Licensed Nursing Home Administrator certificate by Texas in 2003, and selected as Administrator of the Year in 2007 by LeadingAge Texas. Harding and her husband, Glen, have two teenage sons and four adult children.

About James L. West Center for Dementia Care

James L. West Center for Dementia Care is a faith-inspired, not-for-profit organization serving persons impacted by dementia. James L. West is founded on the love and compassion of Eunice P. West, who witnessed the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease on her husband, Fort Worth business leader and philanthropist James L. West. As a caregiver, Mrs. West understood the hardships families face, at a time when services for people with dementia were not commonly available. To honor her husband’s memory, Mrs. West directed the James L. and Eunice P. West Charitable Trust, through First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, to provide major funding to build a nondenominational facility dedicated to the care of people living with Alzheimer’s and related disorders.