My name is David Collison, and I am the Activities Director at Oakwood Village. I am proud to have been a part of the Senior Living community since 2007. My professional journey in this field started as a server in the kitchen and gradually led me to the position of receptionist in an independent senior living facility.
Eventually, I found my passion for activities in a skilled nursing facility where I served as an activities assistant. In 2019, I transitioned to a role as an activities assistant in an assisted living and memory care facility. Within just two months, I had the privilege to be promoted to the position of Activities Director. This role has provided me with a profound sense of purpose, fulfillment and accomplishment.
In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, opportunities to learn and grow came in unexpected ways. I learned and trained in various positions within the building, including caregiving and medication tech just to name a few. These experiences proved highly rewarding and granted me valuable insights into the world of senior living. It enabled me to build more profound relationships with the staff and further expanded my understanding of day-to-day operations, fostering a better team spirit.
In 2022, I made a significant step in my career by joining the Platinum Senior Living family, initially at Gladding Ridge, Oakwood Village’s sister community in Lincoln. However, in 2024, when Gladding Ridge was closed, I transferred to Oakwood Village as the Activities Assistant, and soon enough, I was presented with the opportunity to reassume the role of Activities Director.
As the Activities Director, I cannot articulate enough how fulfilling I find my position. Every day brings rewarding moments and the privilege to be a part of the Platinum Senior Living and Oakwood Village’s Family. The time I spend with the residents is invaluable to me, their stories, experiences, and daily life adventures – it’s a blessing that I cherish every single day. The joy I derive from enriching the lives of our residents and being directly involved in their daily routine is unparalleled.
It’s a pleasure coming to work each day – the warmth from the smiles on the faces of our cherished residents make it all worth it. I look forward to continuing this rewarding journey at Oakwood Village and Platinum Senior Living.