Beyond Cleanliness: The 2025 LeadingAge PA Staff Member of the Year Award winner is a resident-oriented individual

The LeadingAge PA Staff Member of the Year Award is meant for an individual who contributes to the community beyond providing direct care to the residents. Fellowship Community housekeeper Beth Royster, the 2025 award winner, is a true saint and a breath of fresh air to all the residents, and she is a cherished staff member.

Her stories are impactful too, as she is bold and outspoken of the things she has gone through, and uses it as fuel to help others.

“Her journey is one of resilience and inspiration,” Fellowship Community Vice President of Marketing & Development Kelly Gould said. “She has openly shared that she has been clean and sober for over 30 years, overcoming a past marked by addiction and homelessness. Beth bravely hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others who may be struggling, showing them that recovery and a fulfilling life are possible.”

Being open and honest about these kinds of things is not something everyone is capable of, but it is only just one of the many things that sets Royster apart from the rest. Her vulnerability is something that a lot of her residents appreciate, and her inability to hold back makes her someone a lot of colleagues enjoy working with.

The way she got her start in senior care is unique and inspirational too.

“My sister-in-law had a stroke and I would leave work every day to care for her during her recuperation,” Royster said. “I really enjoyed taking care of her and celebrating the milestones as she continued to slowly improve. I realized that taking care of her truly made me happy and decided at that time that aging services was my calling.”

Every day she comes to work, Royster carries a joy with her. She loves working at the job she does, and she loves making an impact on those around her at Fellowship Community. The residents all bring a smile to her face, and more importantly, she brings a smile to all their faces.

“What truly sets Beth apart is her positive attitude, warm personality, and wonderful sense of humor,” Gould said. “She has a special way of connecting with residents, greeting each by name and bringing joy with her signature holiday-themed and whimsical hats. Residents eagerly look forward to seeing what fun hat she’ll wear next, and her presence brightens everyone’s day.”

She is the woman known for her fun hats, and she is also the housekeeper known for taking extra care of every resident. Housekeepers do not have to be all that involved with those in the community, but Royster works in this field because she wants to make a difference and be there for the residents.

“As President and CEO of Fellowship Community, I have the pleasure of working with many dedicated employees, but Beth stands out in a truly special way,” Mary Kay McMahon, RN, MHA, NHA, said. “Her warmth, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to our residents make her an invaluable member of our team.”

“Every day, I feel like I’m making a difference in the lives of our residents,” Royster added. “Whether it’s a quick chat, a good laugh, or the smile I get when someone sees one of my hats, those moments make my job incredibly rewarding.”

And she does not do any of this stuff because she has too – because, ultimately, she does not. She does it because she wants to and because the genuineness in her heart always takes precedence.

Royster is not your typical housekeeper, as she does way more than her job description states. She steps in and she does little things that make a huge difference in the lives of many.

“A consummate team player, Beth is always willing to step in when needed, whether covering for a colleague or assisting with special projects,” Director of Environmental Services Paula Lawson said. “She is reliable, hardworking and trustworthy. Beyond her duties, she leads by example and serves as a mentor to new employees, earning the respect and admiration of both our team and staff across other departments.”

She is very trustworthy and people rely upon Royster in so many ways beyond just her duties as a housekeeper. Which, by the way, as a housekeeper alone, Royster is one of the best. Her cleanliness is second to none, and she keeps the residency in tip-top shape.

“Beyond her infectious positivity, Beth is deeply committed to excellence in her role,” McMahon said. “She ensures that our personal care department remains immaculate, creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for residents and offering peace of mind to their families. Her attention to detail reflects the high standards we uphold at Fellowship Community.”

Royster falls in line with the mission of Fellowship Community too, and her morals and values are strong.

Her ability to communicate with the residents cannot be overstated either. She is someone each of them feels comfortable around, and they all love interacting with her.

“What I love most about working in senior care is the meaningful connections I build with my residents,” she said. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about brightening someone’s day with a smile, a kind word, or a shared laugh. I make it a priority to be present—whether it’s spending time visiting or running errands after work for residents who may not have family nearby. It’s a small gesture, but it means the world to them—and to me.”

In Royster, you get a true friend and an added family member—whether as a resident or a colleague—and she is certainly showing what a strong work ethic looks like. She steps up every day, and a lot of people can learn from her.

“Beth is always willing to go above and beyond, stepping in to help wherever needed,” McMahon said. “She is the perfect example of why every job is important and how each individual employee has an opportunity every day to enhance the lives of the residents they serve.”

“Beth consistently goes the extra mile, ensuring that every area she is assigned meets and exceeds the highest standards, passing the ‘white glove test’ with ease,” Lawson added.

Royster’s colleagues and the residents she serves could spend days on end telling stories and speaking their appreciation for her, and they all just want her to know this award is well-deserved.