(PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 27, 2004) – At age 46, Gina Conte is trying something new. After a long career of taking care of her four children, she has decided to pursue her devout passion for Gerontology work.

For two years, Conte had been a certified caregiver in the Forum Assisted Living area at Desert Harbor, where she supervised 17 residents. Her daily routine ranged from scheduling doctors’ appointments and taking blood pressures to testing blood sugars and administering medications. Just within the last few months, she received a promotion and is now the lead care manager at that facility. As in her previous position, Conte’s schedule covers a spectrum of responsibilities. Therefore, she believes that it is critically important not to allow one day to get past her without incorporating humor into the workplace.

“I really try to make each person feel special and use a lot of humor to make them smile,” said Conte. “I care for them as if they were my own family.”

Making her residents smile has definitely had an impact on how they view Conte. Many of her residents have taken on the role of proud parents as they watch Conte achieve her educational goals.

Ironically, the residents of the independent living area next door changed the direction of Conte’s life when they awarded her an educational scholarship. After receiving the scholarship, she immediately signed up for the Nursing Program at Glendale Community College (GCC). As a career in Gerontology remained an ever-present passion and dream in her heart, she quickly moved over to the Gerontology Program (Aging Services Program) at Phoenix College after finishing two semesters and four classes at GCC.

Conte recently completed the certificate course for Management in Assisted Living Facilities, which enables her to take the state examination to become certified as a manager for an assisted living facility. However, she is not stopping with this achievement. She continues on with her journey.

As a student in the Aging Services Program, Conte aspires to manage an assisted living facility, train new caregivers or own a senior group home.

“There are so many possibilities,” she said. “This ‘new calling’ is something so fulfilling and exciting for me. My residents tell me all the time that I am like an angel to them, but they have given me so much love and self-confidence that they are my angels.”

For more information on the Gerontology Program, please call (602) 285-7193.

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