Courtney Van Dyke Director of Activities at The Massry Residence at Daughters of Sarah Senior Community

Courtney Van Dyke has been appointed Director of Activities for The Massry Residence, the assisted living residence at Daughters of Sarah Senior Community, in Albany, NY.

“We – both staff and residents – are so happy to welcome Courtney to our family; she has infused The Massry Residence with a light-hearted and very warm presence. Her approach to our residents, both as a group and as individuals, has completely won their affection. We’re seeing a high level of attendance and enthusiasm for the events she’s creating for them,” said Sharon Rosenblum, Executive Director of The Massry Residence.

Inspired by her appreciation of human connectedness, Courtney comes to The Massry Residence with a Master’s Degree in Health Administration and six years working in long-term care.

Courtney said, “I wanted to immerse myself in a position in which the human connection would be the most palpable element, and I am so grateful to The Massry Residence for giving me this opportunity. It absolutely fills the bill. The work I’m doing here feels as though I’m giving as much to folks who live here as they are giving to me. I love that I can – and should – bring my sense of playfulness to this position. As human beings, we were meant to laugh and enjoy together.”

Courtney has brought new games, activities, and outings to The Massry’s already rich menu: plans include going to the GE Theater at Proctors to see “To Kill a Mockingbird”, a trip to the Albany Institute of History and Art to see the mummies, and to Art in the Park. She is also coordinating Lunch and Learn programs and a lecture series which will include Sandy (Sandor) Schuman, a nationally known Jewish humorist and story-teller, entertaining residents at The Massry in December.

The residents mirror her appreciation.

“We hit gold when we found her. I look forward to every day to see what little things we’re going to do – she’s so talented,” said Diane Koenig, who will celebrate ten years living at The Massry Residence in December. Mrs. Koenig is Professor Emeritus at Columbia Greene Community College.

Courtney brings not only her expertise in long-term care and her personal enthusiasm to her new job, but her skills as a professional impersonator as well. She appears regionally as “Patsy Cline”, singing the soulful singer’s famous songs such as “Crazy”. “Patsy” has serenaded The Massry residents already and will do so again, along with a few other famous entertainers whose styles and songs Courtney will bring to life.

Courtney lives in Delmar and is planning a March wedding. She has plans to include the men and women who live at The Massry Residence in some aspects of her wedding preparations as well as to create a celebration for the residents at The Massry with the feel of her wedding.