PMMA Employee Scholarship Program Benefits Three at Wichita
PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) has awarded scholarships to three Wichita Presbyterian Manor staff members: Bailey Gruver, Angela Page and Amy Watson.
Each woman is pursuing further education in a field related to their work at Presbyterian Manor.
Amy, our life enrichment director, is working toward her master’s in aging studies from Wichita State. She said the program’s curriculum reflects the latest understanding of how to best provide care for senior populations. What she’s learning will have a direct impact on her day-to-day approach to her job.
Because financial aid opportunities for graduate students are limited, Amy says the tuition assistance will be helpful. She also appreciates the fact that Presbyterian Manor supports her professional goals.
“It’s not just the financial benefit,” she said. “I want to show my other coworkers the amazing opportunities that PMMA offers. You’re not just an employee; you can better yourself within the company.”
Amy’s career is an excellent example of these opportunities. She started as a dining services assistant at Parsons Presbyterian Manor before transferring to Wichita in 2001. She completed a certified nursing assistant program and went onto be certified as an activities director and social services designee. Amy has also held the position of marketing director for our community.
Bailey (pictured at the top with executive director Courtney Wolfe) has worked at Presbyterian Manor for six years and currently serves as the head of housekeeping. She received her associate’s degree in business from WSU Tech this past spring. Now she is at Wichita State working toward a bachelor’s degree in education. Eventually, she plans to teach elementary physical education.
“I appreciate that we have this opportunity to get assistance with our education,” Bailey said. “I’ll be sad to leave when that time comes.”
Angela Page started at Wichita Presbyterian Manor as a certified nursing assistant in 2003 before transferring to the life enrichment department. Her scholarship helped defray the cost of her certified medical assistant program. She is now working as a CMA in the assisted living neighborhood.
The PMMA Scholarship Program reflects the organization’s mission of attracting and retaining a well-qualified workforce. Private donations fund the scholarships, which are facilitated through PMMA’s Department of Giving. Employees who support the program may elect to have a small amount deducted from their paycheck each pay period.
Last year, the PMMA Education Committee awarded scholarships to 15 recipients totaling nearly $32,000 for the 2020-21 academic year.
Learn more about how to support the PMMA scholarship program by visiting Giving.PresbyterianManors.org/Education-Scholarships. The scholarship application process occurs in the spring for the next academic year.
