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This summer, VVRC welcomed Thomas Gutshall, a sophomore at Bloomsburg University studying Digital Forensics, to our IT team. Thomas spent his internship diving into the tech side of life at Valley View—and discovered that a retirement community can be full of surprises.
From day one, Thomas says that he noticed the friendly atmosphere: “Everybody’s been encouraging and supportive.”
A Day in the Life of a Valley View IT Intern
Thomas’s days were anything but boring. His responsibilities included setting up and updating computers, configuring printers, and handling a variety of IT tickets that kept him on his toes.
He says that he enjoyed the small, heartwarming moments throughout the day, like residents playfully calling out to him and his colleague as they walked through the halls.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
While Thomas gained valuable technical experience, he also learned lessons that go beyond IT. “A non-IT thing I learned was how to communicate with people,” he reflects. And on the technical side, he became more confident navigating Windows systems and updating PCs—skills that complement his academic studies in digital forensics.
Why Valley View is Different
What makes Valley View unique, according to Thomas, is that an internship here isn’t your typical IT job. “You’re doing a little bit of everything,” he says. He said that the internship opportunity gave him a hands-on, well-rounded experience.
A Recommendation from Thomas
For students considering an IT internship, Thomas has this advice: “Valley View is a great place for an internship because of its peaceful environment and the variety of experiences you gain. Plus, you’re surrounded by supportive people who make learning enjoyable.” He gives a special shout-out to Director of Information Technology Jeff Foflygen and Information Technology Project Engineer Slava Gusev for their guidance and support throughout the summer.
At Valley View, we’re proud to provide opportunities that combine learning, community, and a little bit of fun along the way. Thomas’s summer reminds us that technology—and kindness—can go hand in hand.
[post_title] => A Summer in IT at Valley View: Thomas Gutshall’s Internship Experience
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When Audrey Jordan walked through the doors of Valley View Retirement Community last spring, she knew two things for sure: she was heading into her senior year at Slippery Rock University, and she wanted a future in healthcare administration. What she didn’t know was just how much her summer internship would shape her plans — and her heart.
She says that she knew that she wanted to intern at VVRC after working here during her summer break in 2024. “Last year, I worked as an RA (Resident Assistant) in the Terrace,” Audrey says. “I got to see firsthand how we care for our residents, and I knew right away it was a special place. Everyone treats residents with so much respect, and that’s important to me when thinking about where I want to work.”
She says that this summer’s internship gave her a unique opportunity to rotate through multiple departments — from human resources and finance to dietary services, housekeeping, and nursing. That variety not only gave her a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a retirement community but also helped her discover what she enjoys most.
“I thought I might want to work in finance, but after spending time in the business office, I realized that’s probably not for me,” she laughs. “I really liked HR, though, and I’ve gained so much respect for departments like dietary and housekeeping…seeing how they impact residents’ daily lives — making sure they’re eating well and living in a clean, home-like environment — it opened my eyes.”
One of Audrey’s biggest takeaways wasn’t about policy or procedures but about people.
“You can’t get from point A to point B here without stopping to talk to someone along the way,” she says with a smile. “Even if you’re busy or heading to a meeting, people make time to connect. That says a lot about the culture at Valley View.”
Some moments will stick with her forever — like the resident she met during Valley View’s summer carnival.
“I’d never met Ken before, but he was so fun to talk to,” Audrey recalls. “All he wanted was to be outside. He watched me get my face painted and just laughed. It was such a simple, happy moment — one I’ll remember.”
Looking ahead, Audrey plans to continue her education after graduating in December, with the goal of becoming a licensed nursing home administrator. Her Valley View experience has already influenced how she hopes to serve in that role.
“Being here, I’ve seen what great communication looks like and how much of a difference being a non-profit makes,” she says. “At Valley View, it’s clear we’re here for the residents — not for profit. That changes everything about how care is delivered.”
For other students considering internships, Audrey has one piece of advice:
“Do it,” she says. “Being in a classroom is one thing, but being here, seeing residents and their daily lives, especially those living with dementia — it’s eye-opening. You learn so much you could never get from a textbook.”
As Audrey wraps up her internship, she’s grateful not only for the experience but also for the people who welcomed her with open arms.
“Everyone here has been so kind,” she says. “Even when people were probably wondering why I was in the kitchen one day and HR the next, they were always patient and willing to teach me. I’m so thankful for that.”
Valley View is proud to have been part of Audrey’s journey — and we can’t wait to see where her future takes her.
[post_title] => Finding Her Path: Audrey Jordan’s Internship Journey at Valley View
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In this issue:
Learn more about Memory Person Care expansion, this year’s renovation progress, partnering with Penn State Research, and innovating a first-of-its-kind Smart Room in the Spring/Summer Newsletter!
Read each article here, or scroll down to see the full newsletter as a pdf.
Building on a strong foundation
Memory Personal Care FAQs
Renovation Update
In Memory of Nancy Rowe, Valley View’s First Director of Nursing:
Valley View just got smarter
Help direct charitable funding
Shining a Light on Well-Being
“My Hairdresser Saved My Life”
Q&A with Board Member Lynn Reed
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[post_content] => We sat down with Lynn to talk about his return to the board and why he gives of his time, talent, and treasure.
[caption id="attachment_1066" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Lynn Reed with his family[/caption]
In January, we welcomed Lynn Reed back to the VVRC Board of Directors! He previously served for eight years until 2021.
Can you tell us a little bit of background about yourself?
After graduating from Rothrock High School in McVeytown in 1969, I went on to study political science and economics at Juniata Collage. I worked as a casualty underwriter for Liberty Mutual in Williamsport for several years before the company asked me to transfer to New Hampshire. My wife and I wanted to stay in Mifflin County, so I looked for a job closer to home. I found it at Allensville Planing Mill, where I started in construction but soon moved on to agricultural building and design. Along the way, we also operated a family beef farm for 14 years.
How does your experience influence the heart of why you serve here at Valley View?
Valley View’s story is tied to the local agricultural community as residents came from farms and related support businesses locally. That foundation has endeared this retirement community to central Pennsylvania residents. I have felt that connection and warmth for Valley View and am privileged to be part of the team guiding this wonderful community into the future.
What made you decide to join the board this term?
Current Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, David Filson, is my cousin, and I have known previous Board Chair Sheldon Peachey for 30 years. And when your friends call and ask you to do something, you have to think about it! Both of those men are quality people who I look up to, and if they wanted me to be a part, the least I could do was answer the call.
Why do you serve at VVRC?
It is so satisfying to be part of a piece of the [VVRC] community, which is, I think, starting to become more well known outside of Big Valley. As the retirement population grows in Pennsylvania, people are looking for a place with a sense of home. The care that’s given at Valley View is second to none in Central PA, and being part of it is a great reward.
Why do you give financially to VVRC?
Because that’s something that you can do on an individual basis to affect change, something that keeps Valley View viable.
You mentioned Valley View’s reputation becoming known outside of Big Valley. What is something you think others should know about VVRC?
Valley View is a beacon of light in Central PA. I feel that strongly. Valley View team members care for residents like they are family – I can’t say it much better than that.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Coming back on the board after several years, I am struck with the quality of team members who have gravitated here. What an assembly of people—so many special skills all blended together! The future of Valley View has never been brighter, and the board of directors is really wrapping their arms around what is happening.
Read more from the Spring Summer 2025 newsletter here!
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Finding Her Path: Audrey Jordan’s Internship Journey at Valley View
August 26, 2025
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