DeCarla Pearsall BSN, RN, CMDCP, CGCP,CDP, CMLD-P, CTP and Esther Celamy-Williams LPN, CGIP, CMDCP, CFPS, CDP are co-owners of ELITE Senior Advisers, and are this week’s #PeopleOfWilmDE. Read their story below.
DeCarla: “I’m a New Jersey native and have called Delaware my home since 1996. I began my career in the medical field at ChristianaCare as a Patient Care Technician. Chasing my passion, I earned my LPN and RN license. I continued my education and earned a BSN at Chamberlain College of Nursing. In addition, I studied at Salem College and earned a degree in Psychology. In recent years I have become a NCCDP Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Geriatric Care Practitioner and Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner. I recently finished my studies and became certified as a Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner. Since becoming a nurse in 2006, I’ve served in multiple arenas of the nursing field. My hunger for knowledge led me to obtain a diverse clinical and administrative nursing experience including Skilled Rehabilitation Nursing, Long Term Care, Sub-acute Care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Unit Manager, Hospice Nurse, Hospital Case Manager, Wound Care and hands-on home care. For the last decade, I’ve serviced as a Director of Nursing for assisted living and memory care facilities in New Castle and Kent County in Delaware. I am now called upon to serves as a consultant in local skilled and assisted living facilities.
I’m a social butterfly! Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, swimming, reading, bonfires and spending time with my loved ones. I’m happily married with two boys aged 12 and 24.
My favorite attractions in Wilmington are the various art and food festivals, as well as live music at Rodney Square. We love the entertainment and enjoying the awesome food. An ideal night out in Wilmington would include taking a long walk on the Riverfront and eating ice cream. Then listen to a live band at a spot on the Riverfront. These activities are among my favorite things to do.
I choose to work in Wilmington because of the people. There are multiple hospitals and nursing facility that provide quality care. In addition, Wilmington is a melting pot that has great cultural diversity and a food scene which is enjoyable.
I’m really excited about the revitalization going on in the city! I love that more people are returning to Wilmington to live, play and explore. The Wilmington area continues to build in a positive way that will call for more growth.
My Advice to Wilmingtonians? Be proud of your city and where you live. Be a neighbor to your neighbors, especially the elderly and vulnerable. When you take pride in your hometown, everybody wins!”
Esther: “I was born in Stamford, CT, raised in Orlando, FL. I always wanted to move back to the northeast somewhere. The change of season was my biggest factor, but also so much see and explore. I met my husband during a holiday party at a Disney Resort and 6 months later I decided to move to Philadelphia to be with him. I lasted one month in Philly since the city life was overwhelming for me. I almost went back home to Florida! My former boss asked if I wanted to transfer to Delaware and I had no idea where or what she was talking about. Delaware was not a state they taught in FL schools. I explored Wilmington on a weekend and transferred immediately to the area. I took a leap of faith, and it was the best decision I ever made, Including marrying my now Husband of course. Wilmington has been my home for the past decade.
3 interesting facts about me are:
1. I love to garden.
2. I speak 2 languages, English and Haitian Creole.
3. My first job was at Walt Disney World in Magic Kingdom.
My favorite attractions in Wilmington are the local art festivals/food festivals, live music at Rodney Square, and the
many eateries on Market Street and the Riverfront.
I continue to choose Wilmington because of the people. We are close to so many states, attractions, activities and yet some areas have a small-town feel. I’m super excited about the revitalization of Downtown! The food scene has increased and more festivals and food trucks have made Wilmington a place to be.
As a transplant and Wilmingtonian, I am proud of all I have accomplished in the last decade. Being part of the medical community has been an AMAZING EXPERIENCE. Starting a business where the need for senior resources is vast, I feel I have found my home and village. Creating a foot print in Wilmington area allows me to grow my business and grow as a leading professional.”
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