My Concordia Career: Barbara Clements’ Story

The Concordia Team is comprised of many talented and compassionate employees who have graciously served our mission in a variety of ways – and we are excited for you to meet these fantastic individuals. Let us introduce you to Barbara Clements!

Barbara joined the Concordia family in February of 1999 as a part-time Nursing Assistant for Concordia at Ridgewood Place. The following year she moved into a full-time role and earned her Medical Technician certification. Barbara is currently a Nursing Assistant/Medical Technician and has also assisted with scheduling.

Barbara describes Concordia as “caring” and told us how she came to the organization.

“I was already caring for my disabled husband, and Ridgewood Place was one mile from my house,” she said. “I enjoy that I can work close to home.”

While her proximity to Ridgewood Place initially brought her to Concordia, our amazing residents have made quite the impact on her career and longevity with our organization.

“I love knowing that at the end of the day I have helped someone. I best serve my residents by being kind and patient with them. Helping people who cannot help themselves motivates me to succeed.”

Barbara’s favorite Concordia memory comes from a comical interaction with a resident.

“I once asked a new resident what he did with his briefcase. He said, ‘I did what any good soldier would do.’ He threw it out the window!”

In addition to her adoration of our residents, she cites Concordia’s employee-centric benefits and culture as other factors for her dedicated service, including our annual weeklong employee appreciation event.

“I most look forward to employee appreciation week each year. Also, Concordia offers great benefits such as health insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan and vacation and holiday pay.”

Outside of work, you’re likely to find Barbara spending time with her family at their camp or doing one of many artistic endeavors – she knits, crochets, quilts, paints and decorates cakes. In fact, her talent for quilting was featured in our Fourth of July blog post after she donated an American flag rag quilt to the Activities Department at Ridgewood Place.

Barbara is looking forward to retiring within the year and had the following advice for her team and those looking into a Concordia career.

“It’s a good place to work and the staff try to help each other,” she said. “It is hard work and it takes time to learn everything, so just don’t give up.”

We’d love to hear your future story! Find your next career by visiting www.concordiacareers.org.