IN AN environment where compassion is the cornerstone of care, the work being done at Viva Senior Living is shaped not only by professional excellence but by deeply rooted relationships. For Kim Gulley and Abby Henley, that work is uniquely personal. As a mother-daughter team, their shared commitment to serving others has helped cultivate a culture of dignity, respect, and heartfelt care within the community.
Their paths into senior living, while connected, began differently. Gulley initially leaned toward the business side of healthcare, but during her college years, she began to feel a calling toward nursing. Surrounded by roommates pursuing nursing degrees, she found herself drawn to the relational and hands-on aspects of care. Today, that dual background allows her to navigate both the clinical and operational sides of senior living with clarity and purpose.
For Henley, the journey was shaped from an early age. Having grown up around the environment her mother worked in, she was no stranger to the rhythms of care and the relationships formed within senior living. While she once dreamed of becoming an agriculture teacher, she ultimately felt led to pursue nursing. What began as a shift in direction has become a source of deep fulfillment, as she has found joy in serving residents and being part of their daily lives.
Working side by side has brought both rewards and challenges. While their relationship offers a natural sense of trust and understanding, it also comes with a level of accountability that extends beyond the typical workplace dynamic.
“People often assume I receive special treatment because I am her daughter,” Henley shared. “In reality, I am held to a higher standard.”
That expectation has shaped the was both women approach their roles — with intentionality, professionalism, and a shared desire to lead well.
At Viva Senior Living, their relationship is not defined by familiarity but by mutual respect. They are careful to maintain clear boundaries, leaving family matters at home and engaging one another as colleagues in the workplace. This balance allows them to model a standard of leadership that is both approachable and structured, creating an environment where staff feel supported and residents feel valued.
Together, Gulley and Henley strive to be present and accessible — not only to residents but also to families and team members. Their leadership is grounded in compassion, open communication, and a consistent reminder that every interaction matters. This approach has become foundational to the culture of care at Viva.
In senior living, compassionate care is not simply a philosophy — it is a daily practice. For Gulley and Henley, it begins with honoring each resident’s dignity and independence. It means taking the time to listen, offering personalized care, and providing emotional support through every stage of life. It is seen in the patience extended during routine tasks, the kindness offered in difficult moments, and the commitment to ensuring each resident feels safe, comfortable, and known.
That same mindset is intentionally instilled in the staff. By leading through example, offering continued education, and recognizing team members who go above and beyond, they foster a workplace culture where compassion is both taught and lived out. Staff are regularly reminded of the significance of their work, reinforcing the idea that what they do each day has a lasting impact.
Over the years, Viva Senior Living has experienced its share of change. What began as a small, privately owned facility has transitioned through various ownerships and operational shifts. Despite these changes, one constant has remained.
“The thing I am most proud of is that we have continued to provide consistent, compassionate, and person-centered care,” Gulley shared.
That consistency speaks to the heart of their mission. Regardless of external transitions, the focus has remained on the people being served. Each resident is treated not just as a patient, but as an individual with a story, a voice, and a life deserving of dignity.
For families, placing a loved one in senior living can be a deeply emotional decision. Gulley and Henley understand that weight and work intentionally to create an environment that feels less like a facility and more like home. Their goal is to provide comfort during a significant season of life while preserving each resident’s sense of independence and worth.
“We want families to know that we are here to walk alongside them,” they shared.
“This is not just about care — it is about creating a space where people feel seen, respected, and supported.” Through their shared calling and complementary strengths, Gulley and Henley continue to shape a community where compassion is not only practiced but deeply rooted in everything they do. GN
