Get to Know Terese Juntz

Q: Can you provide a perspective on the Living Lifespace initiative and the purpose it serves for Lifespace team members?

A: Positive and effective cultures and teams don’t form on their own; they are created from intentional planning and practice. Living Lifespace is a program that teaches and reinforces every day the values and behaviors that help our team members respect each other and deliver Lifespace’s excellent mission to our residents and communities in which we operate. It’s who we are; it’s what we do; it’s our culture. Practice makes perfect.

Q: What has brought you the highest satisfaction in your career positions as the head of human resources?

A: Seeing team members, teams, and organizations flourish because of my leadership. I know I’ve made a positive impact when teams and organizations achieve their bold goals, but more important are the many unsolicited hand-written notes, emails, and words of gratitude given to me. I believe in the Living Lifespace principles for myself. One never knows when a smile, an act of compassion, a kind word, or standing firm in integrity under challenging circumstances will change the trajectory of another person’s life for the good. Success for me is helping to create an environment where every team member has the opportunity to flourish in their position Living Lifespace, and therefore lavish exceptional care and service on our residents because it flows from their heart.

Q: Lifespace’s purpose is to celebrate the lives of seniors and help them live well. Are there any seniors in your life who inspire you?

A:  Yes, my dad (85 years) and step-mom (80 years) are a tremendous source of inspiration for me. Each of them has countless medals for placing in half marathon, 10K, and 5K races. While they have had to reduce their running distance in recent years – and running has turned to walk – they remain active lifting weights, hiking, and playing bocce ball with friends. Their social calendar is so busy that I usually must book time with them a couple of months ahead. They are personally and financially generous, giving back to society by giving money and volunteering at a local church and helping with fundraising and docent programs for a large museum. Dad and mom spend time reading and learning new things using technology and social media. They are consistent in their love and support to family and friends. Their lives aren’t without physical ailments and other challenges, though. They rely on their faith, family, and friends for inner strength through the rough stuff of life. I couldn’t ask for a better example of living well at their age. They exemplify the principles of Masterpiece Living, without knowing them. I am very fortunate.

Q:  We heard you have a Harley. How long have you been riding?

A: I ride a 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster XL1200 Custom Anniversary Edition. I started riding five years ago and enjoy it immensely. My first experience on a motorcycle was riding as a passenger with my brother from Oklahoma to California returning home from university. We rode 2,000 miles in three days, weathered about 10 hours of rain, and 50 mph winds in the California desert. After that, I was hooked on the touring experience, but I didn’t have an opportunity to learn to ride myself until recently.

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