Although Alyssa Himes is new to her role as sales counselor at Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., she’s not new the community! In fact, she’s not new to Erickson either.
“I had a lot of friends who were working for Erickson Senior Living,” she recalls. “All they could talk about was how great the company is. After hearing all these wonderful things, I had to check it out for myself.”
Himes started out as a sales associate at Oak Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., in 2019. “Everything they said was true!” she notes. “I’ve loved growing with such a caring company over the years.”
Now, Himes continues to advance her career at Avery Point–with a passion for bringing a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle to more retirees.
Climbing the ladder
Himes–born and raised in DuBois, Pa., a small town north of Pittsburgh–earned her bachelor’s degree in Toledo, Ohio, before moving to Washington, D.C., for her master’s degree at Georgetown University.
“Before joining Erickson Senior Living, I was working in property management in Baltimore, Md.,” she says. “But I was ready for a change.”
Quickly adapting to–and succeeding in–the sales associate role at Oak Crest, Himes was eager to take on another challenge.
“I started working as a custom interiors coordinator at Oak Crest, but I realized that I missed the sales environment,” she recalls. “I loved working with prospective residents who are exploring Erickson Senior Living and its communities for the first time. Seeing their faces light up when they hear about our maintenance-free apartment homes and amenities is such a joy!”
So, when a senior sales associate position opened up at Avery Point in 2022, Himes applied for the job–and got it.
“I packed my bags and headed down to Richmond. I was so happy!” she recalls. “I couldn’t wait to work with people interested in moving to Avery Point.”
Commitment to care
“Avery Point was under construction at the time, so several sales team members were new to the company,” Himes explains. “Because I had some sales experience under my belt, I was able to help them understand everything so they could explain it to prospective residents.”
She was also an integral part of the first wave of pre-residency meetings, just before the community’s grand opening.
“I worked hard to ensure that new residents felt at ease,” she says.
At the start of 2023, Himes began taking on more responsibilities, like coleading the reservation process for Avery Point’s two new residence buildings–Boynton Place and Wilton Crossing–and managing the Priority List.
“When someone joins the Priority List, they secure their spot in line for their desired apartment home,” Himes explains. “Demand was high, so there were lots of names and floor plans to keep track of.”
As a result of her dedication, ambition, and passion for Erickson Senior Living’s mission and residents, Himes was promoted to sales counselor in late 2023.
“During her tenure as a senior sales associate, Alyssa went above and beyond for her teammates and demonstrated a keen understanding of our prospective residents’ needs,” says Sales Director Kailey Viray. “Her unwavering commitment to excellence has significantly contributed to our team’s success.”
Strong relationships
Himes, already thriving in her new position, loves building relationships with colleagues and current and future residents.
“I’ve fostered great relationships with my fellow sales team members,” she says. “We enjoy getting together outside of work, like visiting a winery or going shopping. Whether we’re at work or out and about, we’re like a family!”
She continues, “I love working with seniors. Helping people find the perfect apartment home that they’re going to start their new chapter in is so rewarding. I keep in touch with a lot of current residents who were once on the Priority List. It feels like I have dozens of grandparents now!”
Lots to celebrate
Himes had other exciting news to celebrate in 2023–she and her boyfriend James got engaged!
When she’s not busy forming new friendships at Avery Point, you’ll probably find her hanging out with James at sporting events.
“James works in the athletics department at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., so we enjoy going to Navy games,” she says. “We even went to the Army-Navy game held in Boston, Mass.”
Himes has nine nieces and nephews that she loves spending time with. And let’s not forget about her furry family members–her two rescue cats, Milo and Maui.
“I think Milo and Maui are glad to call Richmond home, too!” she says.
To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Avery Point, visit AveryPointCommunity.com to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.
Caption: Alyssa Himes loves her new role as sales counselor, working with incoming residents and Priority List members to help them find their dream apartment homes.
Written by Michele Wojciechowski
