Bethany Village Life Enrichment Services

Hi! My name is Rachel Abshear, and in addition to being a certified activity consultant and certified aging services professional, I am a certified laughter leader! That’s right – I believe in the power of laughter, one of life’s great gifts.

As Bethany’s Life Enrichment Services Manager – a position I’ve held for the last three years –I work with a dedicated staff to create innovative, fun, stimulating, activities and special events that appeal to all our residents. I started volunteering in a retirement community when I was 14 years old and I fell in love with the job. I spent two afternoons a week with a reclusive resident who was blind, deaf and had insulin-dependent diabetes. Over the course of four years with her, I saw the how important personal connections are to older adults.

By the time I went to college, the woman had hosted a party, been pictured in a swimsuit in a marketing brochure, modeled in a resident fashion show and was enjoying Saturday evening visits with her new "gentleman friend." My experience with her steered me toward a career that I am passionate about and hope to continue to grow in over many years.

My two dogs and I live in Centerville, Ohio, just five minutes from Bethany Village. I am very close to my family who lives nearby. I like to play tennis in my free time and I enjoy writing. And needless to day, I love to share the joy of laughter.