Friesen achieves Kansas Fellow status with LeadingAge Kansas

HESSTON — Mabel Friesen, director of nursing at Schowalter Villa, completed a year-long, intensive leadership program offered by LeadingAge Kansas. The program equips talented professionals to positively influence the future of aging services in Kansas.?Friesen is now part of an elite group of members who hold the designation of “Kansas Fellow.”?Over the course of the program, fellows convened in intense seminars led by established leaders in the field. The curriculum covered aging service issues from business, leadership and public policy perspectives. Participants learned about innovative services, person-centeredness and transformational leadership. They gained an understanding of how to lead through difficulty and continually improve the field for tomorrow’s seniors.?The 2011-2012 class of 13 professionals was selected from more than 160 not-for-profit aging services organizations throughout Kansas.?“Mabel’s selection for this program evidenced her passionate commitment to excellence in providing quality, forward-thinking services to the aging,” said Treva Greaser, executive director of Schowalter Villa. “This distinction adds to a long list of credentials and strengths Mabel brings to Schowalter Villa.”?“Our goal is to grow our own leaders in Kansas,” said Dana Weaver, vice president of programs and services for LeadingAge Kansas. “The program provides opportunities for these individuals to hone their leadership skills within their own organizations, as well as influence the field on a macro level.”?Schowalter Villa is a continuing care retirement community in Hesston, serving more than 400 active seniors.