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Staff spotlight: Maria Lane

Maria Lane, director of social services at Emporia Presbyterian Manor, will celebrate her 11th year as an employee on our campus this May. She discovered her calling to help others early on in her education.

“I started out in college as a nursing major. It soon became apparent that I was not strong in the math and sciences. I switched to social work because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Maria.

Maria’s efforts affect our residents every day, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Maria is a compassionate, enthusiastic person with a heart of gold. She goes above and beyond to ensure our residents are heard. She takes time to truly get to know them while providing emotional support,” said Chrystal Chituck, director of nursing.

Susan Siepelmeier, executive director, adds, “Maria has the heart and passion for her career choice as a social worker. She takes the time to make sure residents are as comfortable as possible in their living environment as well as establishing good communication with the residents’ families. She keeps people apprised of any new developments as they happen. Resident and family surveys will often state their good experience in working with Maria during the admission process.”

The staff on campus consider Maria a valuable teammate, too.

“She is extremely organized and efficient in carrying out her job responsibilities. Maria is also well known for handling situations with finesse and kindness,” said Susan.

Chrystal adds, “Maria has fantastic communication skills with the interdisciplinary team! She does not miss a beat making sure we are all aware of pertinent information. She is a very important link to our team!”

And the staff and residents are important to Maria, too.

“I enjoy getting to know the background of our residents as well as their families. I also enjoy the people I work with here. I feel like they are part of my extended family,” said Maria.

When she’s not at work, Maria enjoys going for walks outdoors or on the treadmill, reading and helping her sons with their college projects. She has twin sons at ESU—one is a junior studying ceramics and painting and the other is a senior with a psychology major. Her daughter and son-in-law live in Lawrence.

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