Can I advance if I work at Vivie?
What kind of support will I receive if I build my career here?
These are important questions for anyone considering a career in senior living and health care. Advancement matters. Leadership development matters. Work-life balance matters. And finding an employer that truly invests in your growth makes all the difference.
As we focus on growth and opportunity—we’re sharing the story of Jenna Mills, director of clinical care. Her career path is a powerful example of what leadership advancement at Vivie can truly look like—and the support you can expect along the way.
A new beginning in senior living
Jenna joined Vivie in October 2018, helping open the Crystal Brook community. After working in a hospital setting, she felt a pull toward something more.
“I wanted to impact lives deeper than I was able to in a hospital setting,” she shares. “I also needed better work-life balance than the shift-work schedule at the hospital. I really enjoy person-centered care and am able to fulfill that passion in the housing setting.”
For Jenna, coming to Vivie wasn’t just about changing roles—it was about redefining purpose. In senior living, she found the opportunity to practice person-centered care in a way that aligned with her values while also giving her the flexibility she needed for her family.
That first step—choosing Vivie—was her new beginning.
Starting as an RN case manager
Jenna’s first role at Vivie was RN case manager. Her responsibility was simple in words, but profound in practice:
“To ensure the residents that I managed were living their best life with their current condition.”
At Vivie, clinical care isn’t just about treatment plans—it’s about quality of life. From the beginning, Jenna built strong relationships with residents and families, recognizing that transitions into senior living come with emotion and uncertainty.
“Relationships are the foremost foundation of providing quality care,” she says. “Positive relationships promote respect, trust, and open communication.”
Those relationships became the foundation for her leadership growth.
Growing into leadership
Today, Jenna serves as director of clinical care, where her impact extends beyond individual residents to entire teams. Her role is broader, but the heart remains the same.
“I ensure that everyone I serve feels their life is enriched because of our team—whether it be family, residents, volunteers, or team members.”
Her leadership philosophy reflects Vivie’s culture: when you enrich the lives of your team, they enrich the lives of residents.
Over the years, Jenna has held only two formal titles. But during times of growth and team transitions, she stepped into many responsibilities beyond her role. That hands-on experience allowed her to lead by example.
“I have taken on roles of many positions during our growth. This has allowed me to best lead my team because I understand each role, while still allowing autonomy for team members to grow.”
That combination—experience plus empowerment—is key to leadership advancement at Vivie.
Courage to build and expand
One of Jenna’s proudest accomplishments was helping open Crystal Brook and adding a new memory care unit six years later.
“Starting up a new building and then adding on a memory care unit is not for the faint at heart,” she reflects. “It takes positive relationships, healthy debate, open communication, and a lot of courage.”
When asked about the greatest impact she’s made, she answers with one word: Courage. Growth requires stepping into the unknown. At Vivie, leaders are trusted with opportunities that stretch them—and they’re supported every step of the way.
Leadership development at Vivie
A common question candidates ask is whether advancement requires outside education or training. For Jenna, the answer was clear.
“All of my leadership training has been through Vivie.”
Her leadership growth didn’t require external programs or additional degrees. Instead, Vivie invested directly in her development.
“I have been fortunate to have been chosen for many leadership training opportunities that have not only impacted my professional growth but also my personal growth.”
Leadership training at Vivie isn’t just about management techniques. It’s about mindset.
“I view life a little differently since growing in my leadership journey. I tend to see the positives in most situations and feel I am a better person overall due to the opportunities that have been given to me.”
That’s the kind of advancement that goes beyond a job title. It’s the kind that shapes who you are. If you’re wondering whether you can advance at Vivie, her story shows that growth is not only possible—it’s intentional.
A culture that supports growth
Leadership development doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires a culture that encourages learning and collaboration.
Jenna describes Vivie’s culture as one built on teamwork and shared purpose.
“We all have the same goal in mind—to create the best life for our residents in their last stage of life. We all work together, can lean on each other and overcome the emotions that come with caring for people.”
In senior living, caregivers walk alongside residents and families during deeply meaningful moments. That shared mission creates strong bonds between team members and strengthens leadership at every level.
Real work-life balance
For many in health-care careers, work-life balance can feel elusive—shift work, long hours, limited flexibility. One of the reasons Jenna came to Vivie was to find better balance—and she found it.
“The wonderful thing about working in housing is our residents live here. That means there will always be care to provide no matter what hours I am present at work. If I need to come to work later or earlier, I can.”
Because of Vivie’s team-based approach, flexibility is possible without sacrificing quality of care.
“If a team member has a commitment at home, another team member ensures care continues without a lapse.”
When asked which benefit has made the greatest impact on her family, Jenna points to flexibility.
“My team is always encouraging of time away from work if needed. I never feel burdened by needing time off.”
In an industry often associated with burnout, this kind of support makes a lasting difference.
Can you advance at Vivie?
Jenna’s story—from RN case manager to director of clinical care—demonstrates that advancement at Vivie is real. It’s built on courage, supported by leadership training, strengthened by teamwork, and sustained by a culture that values growth and opportunity.
At Vivie, you’re not just taking a role. You’re stepping into a place where you can grow into your “why”—or rediscover it—while finding new reasons to love what you do.
If you’re looking for a new beginning in senior living—one where leadership development, career advancement, and meaningful work come together—your next chapter could start here.
Brenda Beheng
Brenda Beheng brings a creative approach to her role as talent acquisition manager at Vivie, helping to connect great people with meaningful work. With a bachelor’s degree in local and urban affairs and a minor in human relations, Brenda began her career in manufacturing but quickly realized it wasn’t where she was meant to be. An interview at Vivie introduced her to a culture grounded in connection and care—and she knew she’d found her place. At Vivie, Brenda supports the talent acquisition team with strategies to effectively reach and engage future team members and collaborates on marketing efforts to attract and hire exceptional talent. She’s inspired by the opportunity to be creative in an organization that uplifts others, puts people first, and leads with a servant heart.
