Sarah’s Story

From Summer Volunteer to Senior Care Expert: Sarah’s Journey

As a child, Sarah Quinata spent her summers volunteering at the nursing home in her small town to keep herself busy. Her dad would drop her off in the morning and pick her up around 4 p.m., and over time, the nursing home residents became like family to Sarah.

When it came time to consider college, Sarah’s volunteer experience had a lasting impact, helping her realize that she wanted to study gerontology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. That decision led to a bachelor’s degree in gerontology and certification as a dementia practitioner.

Sarah later received a scholarship from the Nebraska Health Care Foundation, a CHAD member agency, to further her education by attending a national conference focused on quality care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. After receiving the scholarship, she shared, “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a passion for helping older adults. I look forward to learning how to be a better advocate for the wonderful older adults I have the honor of working with every day.”

Today, Sarah works in an assisted living facility. She says, “I strive to help families the way I would want mine to be helped.”