Leslie Jaworski has come aboard the Mayflower Community as the Director of Community Life. In the process, she has been credentialed as a Certified Nurse Aide and as a State of Iowa Activities Director. Leslie has a B.A. in psychology from DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana and an M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University, Terre Haute.
Mayflower’s Associate Director/Administrator, Kellie McGriff, says, “Leslie brings theoretical and practical experience to the community life and well-being programs at Mayflower. An emphasis in counseling within Leslie’s graduate school training is a strong addition to the Mayflower well-being programs. Understanding how to provide resident-centered programs are key components of Leslie’s work. I appreciate the understanding of the Grinnell community, of branding, and of how to use data to design and implement new programs that Leslie brings to Mayflower.”
Before arriving at The Mayflower Community, Leslie was the Director of Reputation Management at Hotel Grinnell. The highlight for her there was the interaction with guests while serving as a Chamber Ambassador on behalf of Hotel Grinnell.
Leslie says, “This is a whole new career for me! It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine my previous work experience, education, active lifestyle, and holistic approach to well-being in order to promote person-centered activities and experiences for the residents of The Mayflower Community. I am excited to be here and am enjoying the many people I have gotten to know.”
Previously, Leslie managed a national research project assessing undergraduate student psychology of learning and motivation under Dr. David Lopatto, Grinnell College Professor of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Director of the Samuel R. and Marie-Louise Rosenthal Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment.
Leslie has been active with Grinnell College sports activities including 15 years with the Sports Camp along with her husband Brian (a.k.a. “Coach Jaws”), the College’s Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Head Men’s Golf Coach, who teaches in the Physical Education Department. Their daughter, Ann Marie, plays soccer for Boston University, where she has begun her master’s degree in Human Development. Son John started college last September and plays ice hockey for Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut. Another son Calvin is a junior at Grinnell High school, playing football, basketball, and soccer.
– Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director