Esplanade Gardens

Mary Ann Capps

Director of Programming

A little about your job…

I do all the activity programming for assisted living. I drive the bus for residents’ doctor’s appointments. I am also a CNA, and I work in the dining room when needed. I supervise the memory care activity assistant.

What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?

I worked in the home health industry for many years and wanted to work in a community. I fell in love with the residents that live here.

How do you decide which activities and programs to offer?

After doing resident activity profiles, I see what the majority of the residents were interested in. I try to do activities based on the season we are in.

What are your residents top 3 favorite activities?

Bingo, card games, and entertainment/parties.

What were your two best attended, most fun events over the past two years?

A party with the fiesta dancers, and the family Christmas party.

What is your favorite activity to participate in with residents?

Wii Bowling

Are there programs the residents lead themselves?

Yes, card games and dominoes.

What sets your programming apart from the competition?

I provide a wide range of activities. I have 5 to 6 activities daily, Monday – Friday. The residents comment on how many different activities there are to do, and you can’t get bored. One of our residents, after moving in, said she felt like she moved into Disney World because there’s so much to do and that she was not leaving.

More About Mary Ann…

I am a native to San Antonio. I grew up on the south side of San Antonio. I have played sports all the way through my school years. Five years after high school, I married my husband. We have been married for 32 years and have two children, a son and a daughter. My son is married, and my daughter has a husband-to-be and will be getting married soon. My husband and I have two dogs, Samson (a boy) and Skyler (a girl). I have had many working hats; in high school I managed a restaurant, then after graduation I was a secretary at the lab for cement plant. I was an Athletic Director for the junior high and high school, coaching several sports. I also ran the basketball camps. I then became a Certified Nurse Aide and received my activity certificate for where I currently work (Esplanade Gardens). When my kids were younger, they played basketball and soccer starting at age 4 and on until high school. My husband helped coach the basketball team with me and the basketball camps. I have traveled a lot throughout the world. I also love to camp and go on vacations. Most of all, we are a Christian family and love the Lord.

Favorite Movie?

Any movie that makes me laugh!

Favorite Book?

Sports books

Favorite Sports Team(s)?

Spurs, and the Houston University Cougars

Top 2 favorite bands?

Alabama, and George Strait

Top travel destination on your list?

Alaska and Iceland

If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?

I would love to have the powers Superwoman has so I can dunk a basketball. That has been a dream of mine.

Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?

I was an all-around athlete. I played basketball, volleyball, and track and field. I ran hurdles, even as short as I am!

Do you have a favorite resident memory or story?

One of my favorites is that I taught Mrs. Hale, who was 104 years old, how to play Wii bowling. She turned out to be really good and became our top bowler in a tournament we had. When she bowled, she expected to bowl a score higher than 200 points. When she would bowl a 180 or 190, she would still be so happy. I would tell her she did great, and she would always say, “you think so?”