WALA Hero Awards

The Hero Awards serve to recognize outstanding employees in assisted living communities all across Wisconsin.  Honorees represent the heart of assisted living through their exemplary work - going above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest level of care and compassion to residents, their loved ones, and fellow employees.

Rhonda Meinen, Azura Memory Care & Assisted Living of Verona 

Rhonda has earned her role as House Supervisor through dedication, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence. She helps guide daily operations while continuing to provide hands-on care, train new caregivers, and support on-boarding across other Azura communities. Known for her strong work ethic and willingness to step in wherever needed, Rhonda consistently supports residents, families, and teammates with compassion and positivity. Outside of work, she values time with her own family and appreciates Azura’s family-oriented culture, viewing it not just as a workplace but as a supportive community built on care, connection, and teamwork. 

Lisa Schaefer, Valley VNA Senior Living 

Lisa has been a dedicated member of the Valley VNA Senior Care team for 23 years, known for treating every resident with kindness, patience, and genuine compassion. She goes far beyond her role each day, comforting residents, advocating for their safety, and supporting both families and coworkers with a caring presence. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys time with her husband, her three grandchildren, and her two rescue dogs, Harley and Hailey, reflecting the same big-hearted spirit she brings to her assisted living community. 

Crystal Hundley, Hamilton House - Lifespark Senior Living 

Crystal Hundley has been the Memory Care Coordinator at Hamilton House Senior Living for almost 5 years. Crystal's career in health care started more than 20 years ago as a caregiver, lead, and working her way up to her current position. On her down time when she's not at work, she enjoys reading , cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Crystal's passion for caring for people comes from the love that she had for her grandmother. The best part of her day at work is being able to be put a smile on someone’s face. 

Anthony Vaughns, Brookdale Senior Living 

Anthony brings a strong, diverse background in hospitality operations, hospital accounts management, retail, real estate, and customer service to his role as Executive Director. With a people-first mindset, he leads from the front—balancing big-picture strategy with hands-on daily support to ensure residents, families, and team members feel valued every step of the way. Passionate about senior living, Anthony believes the true reward of this work is found in the priceless moments shared with others, reminding us that even the smallest acts of service are the reason we do what we do: to find our gift and give it away. 

Past Winners