In Thomasville, Ga., century-old oak trees cast their welcomed shade on brick-paved streets. And east of downtown, an assisted living and memory care community by the name of The Residence at Oak Grove has taken root.

It’s also here where Executive Director Patricia Peak has grown into a leader.

When you meet her, you can’t forget her. She has a warm and welcoming nature mixed with a hearty laugh that keeps the mood light but always professional.

Patricia – Ms. Pat to the locals – has created something special at The Residences at Oak Grove. Her charisma is infectious, and The Oak Grove team is stronger today than yesterday, a testament to her leadership style. She’s hands-on without hovering and allows her team to do their jobs – a sign of true leadership mixed with experience.

“I’ve worked in various positions throughout my senior living career,” Patricia said. “Each role has given me the insight needed to become the best Executive Director I can be. And having a background in many areas helps our team since I have perspective on what their job and role entails.”

Becoming the Executive Director didn’t come easy.

“It’s a lot of hard work!” she says with a laugh. “I’ve worked very hard to get here and blessed to be in a position to help,” she said. “But the people I work with every day to support our residents work hard, too. I’m grateful for them, and I hope they truly know that.”

Ms. Pat has been at The Residence at Oak Grove since it opened in 2020; she knows this senior living community inside and out.

“I love this place. I really do!” she said. “The residents keep me going. They make my day, and I want anyone coming here to know they’re going to love it. From the care to the food.”

In Thomasville, foodies flock to the Jackson Street area for well-known restaurants like Jonah’s Fish and Grits, Chophouse on the Bricks, Liam’s Restaurant, and Sweetgrass Dairy among others.

The Residence at Oak Grove can hold its own, though. The lunch menu on an early-June day included herbed glazed salmon with asparagus and rice pilaf. And that’s Ms. Pat’s doing.

“We’re going to have the best food around and our kitchen knows how serious we are about not just good food, but great food.”

That’s Ms. Pat: Leading and making the team know exactly the direction they’re all going.

Just like those strong oak trees all over Thomasville, The Residence at Oak Grove is going in the best direction: Up.