Resident Highlight of the Month
What is it about Collington that draws residents in?
For some, it might be the beautiful grounds and walking paths, for others it may be the people, but for resident, Sheena Macpherson, what drew her in was a simple phrase— “it’s possible to grow here.” That’s what Sheena was told during one of her first visits to the campus, and after hearing those words, she knew Collington was the place for her.
Sheena, a dual citizen from Canada, was always finding new ways to grow and learn. She attended McGill University in Quebec, where she studied Russian and Political Science. Upon graduating, she changed course by completing her training in the Montessori teaching method, and went on to teach children in New York City for several years.
Because of her husband’s job, Sheena spent the next few years of her life on the move. She had the opportunity to live all over the world, from Barbados, to Arizona to Kwajalein, a part of the Marshall Islands. In the midst of their travels, Sheena had 2 beautiful daughters. After years of travel, the family was finally able to settle down, and decided to call Vermont their home. Always wanting to continue growing, Sheena decided to go back to school to be trained in ESL and obtain her master’s degree. She began teaching at St. Michaels College in Vermont and loved the work she was doing. Once again her teaching took her to other countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and Colombia. After retirement, she followed her international interests and began working with refugees and immigrants in Vermont. But as time passed and her daughters grew up and moved away, Sheena realized she would be much happier living close to family. One of her daughters had relocated to Maryland where she lived with her husband and 3 children, and her other daughter was in Germany with her husband and 3 children—so Sheena decided Maryland would be her best option.
Since she was relocating, Sheena felt this would be the perfect time for her to find a place to really retire. She would be living on her own in Maryland and no longer wanted the burden of having to take care of a home, she wanted to be in a community with other likeminded people. Sheena spent a good deal of time looking into various potential communities, but one thing she knew for sure, she wanted to be in a CCRC, or Continuous Care Retirement Community. She loved the promise of safety and security that living in this type of setting would provide her.
When she first began her search, Sheena stumbled across Kendal. She loved the Quaker principles and values they followed, and quickly realized they had a location called Collington, just outside of Washington, D.C. Throughout the rest of Sheena’s search, Collington always stayed at the top of her list. After visiting several times, Sheena knew Collington was it. This was where she was meant to spend this next phase of her life, and it was where she would continue to grow.
Sheena moved into her Collington cottage in December of 2018 and has loved every minute of it. She loves that she now has a small garden to take care of, “it’s the perfect size for me. I wanted to have a place where I could put flowers and have a small space for myself.” Naturally, Sheena joined the Weed Warriors upon her arrival, and she also was a founding member of the pickleball club along with resident, Ann Marie Rahn. Sheena continues to play pickleball as often as she can, but recently has taken up some volunteer work at Cora Rice Elementary School library. In addition, Sheena is volunteering at the American Job Center, through Prince George’s Community College, where she is teaching adult basic ed, and doing test prep for students. Though her days are full of activity, Sheena still finds time to socialize with her fellow residents, which is her favorite part about living at Collington. “The people here are definitely my favorite part,” says Sheena, “everyone is so friendly and incredibly helpful whenever you need them.”
Though the transition into a new home was not always easy, Sheena says both the residents and staff made it as seamless as possible, doing whatever they could to help her adjust.
For anyone considering making the move to Collington, Sheena’s advice is to give it a try. “With a campus full of activities there is always something to do, and of course, it’s possible to grow here.” Sheena stated with a smile on her face. “You aren’t coming here to sit in a rocking chair and knit. We’re all busy, active and productive. Life continues on here, there is plenty to do!”