Courtnee Knepley – A Model Success Story of the Team Member Scholarship Program

Courtnee Knepley is one of the success stories of the UMRC Foundation’s Team Member Scholarship program. She began working at Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) as a dietary aide while still in high school. “At sixteen, my goal was to just have gas money,” says Courtnee with a laugh. “I quickly discovered that I loved working with the residents and had a passion for serving older adults.” 

Since then, Courtnee has grown within the organization, and UMRC Foundation’s competitive Team Member Scholarship program has been there every step of her educational journey. One of the Foundation’s first scholarship recipients, Courtnee earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in business administration – all while working full-time. “I was able to obtain my MBA degree directly after completing my Bachelor’s degree because of the scholarship.”

In her 12 years at CRC, Courtnee has held seven different positions, from administrative assistant and IT manager to director of independent living and director of environmental services. She recently began her latest role at UMRC as the new assisted living administrator, serving residents at Glazier Commons and Towsley Village. 

“I am so excited to serve the residents with my history at UMRC,” says Courtnee. “As the director of independent living, I enjoyed getting to know the residents and serving them directly. I now have a wonderful opportunity to serve some of those same residents in a new capacity!”

Courtnee recently had her first child, Karson, who is ten months old. “I have truly appreciated the support and excitement that residents and team members shared with me as we welcomed him into the world!”

“Courtnee is a model example of the success we hope to elevate through our Team Member Scholarship program,” says Wendy Brightman, President of the UMRC Foundation and Porter Hills Foundation. “In 2020, we were delighted to be able to launch the Team Member Scholarship initiative for our team members at Porter Hills as well.”

Help us create more success stories like Courtnee’s!  Your gift to the Team Member Support Services provides:

• Staff Scholarships for team members to advance their educational and career goals;
• Emergency Aid to assist with an emergency causing temporary financial hardship for a team member;
• Outstanding care and services for the older adults and families we serve

To learn more about the Team Member Support Services Program, contact Melissa Goodson, Major Gifts Officer, at 734-417-9018 or at mgoodson@umrc.com.