Overview
What You’ll Learn
- How April built a 35-year career at Colonial Heights Senior Living
- The many roles she has held throughout her time at the community
- What April values most about working with residents, families, and team members
- How her leadership continues to shape the experience at Colonial Heights for those exploring senior living in Florence
Why This Matters
A community is shaped by the people who dedicate their time, experience, and compassion to those around them. April Scroggins’ 35-year career at Colonial Heights Senior Living reflects a remarkable commitment to residents, families, employees, and the community she considers home.
Read Time: 6–7 minutes
Key Takeaway
After 35 years at Colonial Heights Senior Living, April Scroggins continues to lead with compassion, advocacy, and a strong commitment to the people around her. Her career reflects the relationships, teamwork, and sense of community that have defined her experience at Colonial Heights.
Celebrating a 35-Year Journey at Colonial Heights
For 35 years, April Scroggins has been an important part of the Colonial Heights Senior Living community. From her earliest roles supporting residents and team members to her current position as Executive Director, April’s career reflects a remarkable commitment to service, leadership, and the people who make Colonial Heights feel like home.
For families exploring senior living in Florence, the people behind a community can be just as important as its services and amenities. April’s long history with Colonial Heights offers a unique example of the experience, relationships, and dedication that can shape a senior living community over generations.
April has spent her entire 35-year career at Colonial Heights and has served in a variety of roles, including receptionist, housekeeper, driver, aide, Business Office Manager, Assistant Administrator, and, for the past five years, Executive Director.
That experience has given April a unique perspective on nearly every part of community life.
“I feel very blessed that I had the opportunity to work in multiple roles across the facility,” April shared. “After 35 years, I don’t just work here. I feel like I am part of the family.”
A Career Built Around People
When April reflects on what first drew her to senior living, one thing stands out: the residents.
For her, the opportunity to learn about their lives, families, and experiences has remained one of the most meaningful parts of her career.
“Every resident has a story, and there is so much we can learn from them,” she said.
Over the years, April has come to see senior living as much more than a profession. It is about building relationships, listening carefully, offering support, and being present for residents and families during meaningful moments in their lives.
That people-first mindset continues to guide her work today.
As Executive Director, April oversees strong financial performance, manages 11 supervisors and more than 100 employees, advocates for residents and staff, and helps keep a wide range of projects moving forward. Despite the scope of her responsibilities, she remains committed to being accessible and involved throughout the community.
“There really isn’t a ‘typical’ day at Colonial Heights,” she said. “One minute I may be working on a project, and the next I may be listening to a resident, helping a staff member, or stepping in wherever the need is greatest.”
Leadership Through Listening, Advocacy, and Support
April believes effective leadership begins with listening.
Financial awareness, advocacy, compassion, empathy, and strong communication are all qualities she considers essential in her role.
“You have to listen to your residents, their families, and your staff,” she explained. “You also need to understand the financial side of running a community and be willing to advocate for what is right. Most importantly, lead with compassion and empathy.”
That approach has helped guide Colonial Heights through periods of significant change.
April and her team navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a management transition, and a full community renovation that began in August 2024 and continued for approximately one year.
Through each of those experiences, April says teamwork and communication became even more important.
To her, a strong workplace culture is built on clear communication, mutual respect, shared purpose, growth, and support. She also believes leadership means being willing to work alongside the team whenever needed.
For residents and families considering senior living in Florence, this type of teamwork can play an important role in creating a welcoming, supportive environment.
What Makes Colonial Heights Special
When asked what makes Colonial Heights special, April’s answer is simple: the people.
“Our residents and our staff are what make Colonial Heights special,” she said. “There is a genuine sense of community here, and I think that is what makes it feel like home.”
Her coworkers see that same dedication in the way April leads each day.
“Congratulations to April on an incredible 35 years with the company,” said Dave Toler, Maintenance Director. “Her dedication to Colonial Heights, our residents, and her employees is something that truly stands out. April cares deeply about the people she serves and works with, and she gives her all to making Colonial Heights Senior Living the best community it can be.”
Pam Huesman, Community Relations Director, has also seen April’s commitment to residents, families, and employees firsthand.
“April is passionate about ensuring our residents enjoy the lifestyle they deserve as well as the value they expect,” Pam shared. “Having welcomed over three generations of families to our community, she remains deeply committed to creating an exceptional experience for every resident and family member.”
That long history has allowed April to build relationships not only with residents, but with generations of families who have come through Colonial Heights over the years.
A Leader Who Is Always Willing to Help
One of the qualities April’s coworkers mention most often is her willingness to step in wherever she is needed.
Beth Wood, Activity Director and Resident Manager, has worked with April for 26 years.
“She has always been gracious, kind, and helpful to me and my husband,” Beth said. “April cares about the residents and will always advocate for them. She helps in every department and is the hardest worker.”
Angie Deitmaring, a Medication Technician who has worked at Colonial Heights for 22 years, shared a similar sentiment.
“When I have had problems, April does listen and can be very understanding, and she will try her best to figure out a solution,” Angie said. “She really does care for the residents and the staff. April is always willing to help anyone out.”
Those relationships mean a great deal to April as well.
When asked to name a favorite memory from her 35 years at Colonial Heights, she found it impossible to choose just one. Instead, she thinks about the everyday moments that have accumulated throughout her career.
“Sometimes it’s sitting with a resident, sharing a laugh with a coworker, or watching a team member grow and become more confident,” she said. “Those moments may seem small, but over 35 years, they’re the ones that mean the most.”
Finding Joy Beyond the Workday
Outside of work, family plays an equally important role in April’s life.
She enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
She also enjoys baking treats and playing the piano, two hobbies that give her time to relax and recharge.
Family, both at home and at Colonial Heights, remains a central theme in April’s life.
35 Years of Making a Difference
After more than three decades at Colonial Heights Senior Living, April says the most rewarding part of her work is still knowing that she can make a difference.
She is grateful for the residents who have shared their stories and wisdom with her and for the team members she has had the opportunity to support throughout the years.
April also recognizes how much her own career has been shaped by opportunities to learn, grow, and take on new responsibilities. Today, she hopes to provide that same encouragement to others.
“I have been given the opportunity to grow throughout my career, and I hope I can give that same opportunity and encouragement to others,” she said.
Thirty-five years is an extraordinary milestone, and April’s career is a reflection of long-term dedication, compassion, adaptability, and service.
From her first roles at Colonial Heights to her leadership today as Executive Director, April has remained focused on the people around her. Her story is also part of what makes Colonial Heights a special choice for families exploring senior living in Florence.
Congratulations, April, on 35 years of service to Colonial Heights Senior Living. Thank you for the countless ways you have supported residents, families, coworkers, and the community throughout the years.
