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The woman hired to help families as they transition a loved one to Thorne Crest Senior Living Community, and who will showcase all that is happening at the facility, is already making waves for good in her first year in the area.

Jamilyn Schaehrer said she moved from the Twin Cities to Albert Lea with her husband, Matthew, about a year ago. They didn’t have any ties to the area, and quickly she was refreshed by the sense of community she saw here.

“It was beautiful to see kids riding their bikes on the sidewalk, actually seeing community again,” she said, noting the sharp contrast from what she had been used to seeing. “What I’m used to is everyone has headphones on and eyes down.”

She said initially when she moved to the area she worked for KOWZ Radio and got to do quite a bit of traveling. She has also been a part of the Owatonna Women’s Business Group, which helps empower women through business and connections and also gives back to the community.

She joined the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and last month was named the Chamber Ambassador of the Year for her involvement.

When she saw the position come open at Thorne Crest, she decided to give it a try, and is glad she did. She started earlier this month.

Schaehrer said while Thorne Crest may look small from the outside, once you get inside and start walking around, it’s a “massive” community — and one that has a true sense of community, too.

The senior facility recently celebrated 50 years.

She said as she learns her new role, she is looking for more ways she and Thorne Crest can be engaged in the community.

“Myself and Thorne Crest, we’re here to support the community however we can,” she said.

She said she has been touched by the welcome she has received in Albert Lea.

“For what is a ‘transplant’ coming down and being very apprehensive about the fact that our community is multi-generational and everyone knows everyone and whatnot — to come in and say I know absolutely no one and everyone’s like, ‘We’re so happy that you’re here,’ is so enriching.”

She said she loves that when she’s driving around town, she will get a wave from at least one person.

She also recently had a blown-out tire and said she had many people who stopped and offered to help.

She has also enjoyed working alongside her other Thorne Crest co-workers thus far.