How Spring Lake Village created a thriving wellness culture by Diane Waltz, MS, PT

“Your residents are so full of life! The opportunities at Spring Lake Village must create a lifestyle that makes them very happy.” That is what Executive Director Sharon York typically hears when she tells the people she meets where she works. This perception, shared by people from the larger community in Sonoma County, California, reflects a thriving wellness culture embraced by Spring Lake Village (SLV) residents. How did this culture get started? How did it evolve to the point where it influences everything we do at SLV, including a new expansion project? And how is it shared with the larger community? This article looks at some stepping stones in our wellness journey.