Melanie Hall
Dining Director
A little about your job…
I oversee the dining department at Silvercreek on Main. I work with the Chefs
on the menus as well as the residents. I work with the servers to provide the best possible service to our residents. I also do all the paperwork, which is the least fun part of the job.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I had been working at a level 1 trauma center here in the Twin Cities for 23 years. I wanted to feel a deeper connection to the people I was serving. You don’t get to meet too many of the patients. I worked at a care center for a few weeks in Sauk Center with Aramark assisting another account. I was able to interact with the residents and loved it.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I have taken several classes at different times in my 30 year career. I am also Serve Safe Certified and have my CFPP. I have taken classes on tube feeding and all the special diets we encountered at the hospital.
What is the best part of your workday?
The best part is when I get to go out to the dining rooms and interact with the residents. I love having conversations with people and learning about them. I love to hear suggestions from the residents.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
I have only been here a few months but so far, my favorite memory is when a resident’s family from my previous job was touring here and when they saw me, they were so excited and came right over to me and asked if I was working here now. They let me know how much they had enjoyed the way I interacted with the residents. I told them I was now working here, and their family member moved in shortly after.
What makes your community stand out from your competition?
Silvercreek had a warm and inviting feeling from the first moment I walked in for my interview. I noticed all the residents walking about and having fun with other residents. I was able to hear conversations, and everyone was so happy and excited to be here.
More About Melanie…
I currently live in Maple Grove with my husband and youngest son. I grew up in North Minneapolis. I have 4 children and 1 grandchild. I spend all my free time in the summer in Backus Minnesota riding 4 wheelers in the Foot Hills State Forest or around my 5.5 acres. I also spend some time on the pontoon fishing. I spend the rest of my time here in Maple Grove cooking for my family and teaching my granddaughter to cook. I am an avid reader, I read all types of books. I am looking forward to being able to snowmobile up on my land soon.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Gopher Hockey, my father had season tickets when we were kids, so we went to almost every home match.
Favorite bands?
I have seen Aerosmith in concert 3 times, so I guess I would say them. I love all music from rock to country. I listen to music whenever I cook at home or am cleaning. One of my favorite past times is riding around with no place to go and the radio up!
Top travel destination on your list?
Norway. I would love to see where some of my ancestors were from.
Do you have any pets?
I currently have a 5-year-old rescued Siberian Husky named Arya.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I lived in Mexico on and off for about 2 years in my early 20s with the 3 of my children. I speak fluent Spanish. I can also read and write in Spanish and learned to cook authentic Mexican food while there
