Meet our Director of Life Enrichment
Rooted in Celebration
Meet our Director of Life Enrichment, Dylon Lankford
How long have you been the Director of Life Enrichment here at The Village?
I’ve been the Director of Life Enrichment here at The Village since March of 2022, but my journey here began back in August of 2017. I started as a part-time Activity Assistant in Asa’s Neighborhood, our Memory Care community. Within a month, I transitioned to full-time, and just a few months later, I became the Activities Leader of Asa’s Neighborhood.
As time went on, my responsibilities continued to grow — not just in planning engaging, meaningful programs for our residents living with dementia, but also in supporting and uplifting our employees. In 2019, I was honored to step into the role of Director of Life Enrichment for Asa’s Neighborhood.
During the pandemic, I remained in Memory Care, and those were some of the most emotionally challenging days. With families unable to visit, we had to get creative to ensure our residents still experienced joy, connection, and comfort through activities. It was hard, but it reinforced the deep purpose behind what we do.
Then, in March of 2022, the opportunity arose to become Director of Life Enrichment for the entire Village. I jumped on it. I was ready to spread my wings and bring that same heart and passion to our full community. It’s been a privilege to serve in this role, to create experiences that matter, and to help make The Village feel like home for everyone who lives and works here.
What projects are you most looking forward to this summer?
This summer at The Village is shaping up to be one of our most vibrant and enriching yet — and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.
In June, we’re kicking things off with a relaxing trip to Sweethaven Lavender Farm in Williamsburg, where residents can stroll the fields and enjoy the calming beauty of fresh blooms. We’ll also head out on a peaceful fishing trip to the Bronco Club on the Nottoway River, offering a day of sunshine, fresh air, and great conversation by the water.
Back at The Village, we’ll bring the tropics to our dining room with a Jimmy Buffett-inspired “Margaritaville” dinner filled with beachy vibes, tropical music, and delicious themed dishes. We’ll explore history and art with a visit to Blandford Church in Petersburg, home to stunning original Tiffany stained glass windows. And on the Friday before Father’s Day, we’ll celebrate the gentlemen of our community with a Masters-themed luncheon, full of Southern charm and Augusta flair.
In July, we’ll celebrate America with a festive trip to downtown Franklin for the 4th of July celebration, and take in the sunshine with a day trip to the Outer Banks for ocean views and coastal fun. We’re also planning a charming outing to the quaint town of Smithfield, Virginia, where residents will enjoy lunch, local shopping, and (of course) ice cream.
In August, we’ll keep the energy high with Carnival Days — our own version of the Franklin-Southampton County Fair, complete with nostalgic games, fun treats, and joyful celebration. A local women’s club will also join us to lead a special bingo session with our residents.
Rounding out the summer, one of our team members will share highlights from their recent trip to Hawaii, offering an engaging presentation filled with stories, photos, and a taste of the islands. It’s going to be a summer full of connection, discovery, and joy — and I can’t wait to share every moment with our residents.
What steps do you take to reflect the various personal interests of your residents?
To ensure all residents have the opportunity to participate in activities that reflect their individual interests, I take a personalized, inclusive approach built on relationships, observation, and flexibility.
I begin by getting to know each resident on a personal level through casual conversations, family input, and daily interactions. I pay close attention to their interests, past hobbies, and what brings them joy. From there, I work to create a diverse activity calendar that offers something for everyone: social gatherings, spiritual experiences, creative outlets, cognitive stimulation, and physical activity.
I also believe in meeting residents where they are, offering options that appeal to both social butterflies and those who prefer quieter, more individualized engagement. I always make time for personal invitations or gentle encouragement to ensure everyone feels welcome and included.
A key part of my approach is actively listening to and incorporating resident suggestions, especially when it comes to outings. Recently, Mrs. Jeannie Schmidt recommended a trip to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, which we all enjoyed just last week. And next month, we’ll be heading to Blandford Church in Petersburg, a trip inspired by one of our newest residents, Mr. Ed Miller. I plan to make a full day of it, with a lunch stop and perhaps a few antique shop visits on the way home to round out the experience.
By involving residents in the planning process and building activities around their passions, I help create a community where everyone feels valued, heard, and excited to participate. That’s what makes The Village so special.
How do you balance social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual needs in your programming?
I believe that truly enriching programming comes from honoring the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. At The Village, I strive to create a well-rounded calendar that thoughtfully balances social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual needs, while also tailoring opportunities to individual interests and abilities.
To start, I design each month’s calendar with intentional variety. I ensure that every week includes a blend of group and individual offerings that touch on all four wellness domains. For example:
● Socially, we offer events like happy hours, themed dinners, resident clubs, and outings that foster connection and companionship.
● Cognitively, we include brain games, trivia, word puzzles, educational speakers, and meaningful discussions to keep minds engaged.
● Physically, our programming includes chair yoga, walking groups, fitness classes, and outdoor excursions like fishing or gardening — activities that promote movement at every ability level.
● Spiritually, we provide opportunities for both structured and personal reflection through weekly Bible studies, church services, devotional readings, music ministry, and moments of quiet connection with nature or one another.
I also make space for resident-driven input and encourage participation from all departments, so that programming isn’t siloed, but rather a community-wide effort. I meet residents where they are and offer flexibility and options, understanding that not everyone connects with the same type of activity.
Ultimately, it’s about knowing our residents, watching how they respond, and creating an environment where every individual can thrive in their own way — socially, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
What do you enjoy most in your day-to-day at The Village?
The meaningful connections — both with our residents and our team. There’s something incredibly special about walking through the halls and being greeted by familiar smiles, shared laughter, and stories that make each day unique.
The lifelong friendships my coworkers and I have built here are something I deeply cherish. We truly feel like a family. We support one another, celebrate each other’s wins, and lift each other up through the tough days. That kind of environment isn’t easy to come by, and I don’t take it for granted.
I find true joy in creating moments that matter — whether it’s planning an engaging event, offering encouragement to someone who’s having a tough day, or watching a resident light up while doing something they love. I also love collaborating with staff across departments to make our community feel like home — not just for those who live here, but for everyone who walks through our doors.
Every day brings new energy, new ideas, and new opportunities to make someone feel seen and valued. That’s what makes The Village more than just a workplace. It’s a community, and I’m proud to be part of it.
