July 23, 2026
Some people find their career path early. Others discover it when they least expect it.
For Melanie Doyel, that path led her from food service into a role centered on building relationships with older adults. Today, she helps create the welcoming atmosphere that defines life at The Landing, an Immanuel Signature Community in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Melanie’s story is part of Immanuel’s My Story, Our Mission video series. Hosted by Chrissie McDaniel, Manager of Talent Acquisition, and Jameon Rush, Director of Marketing, each episode spotlights team members whose everyday work embodies Immanuel’s mission.
A new direction
When Melanie joined Immanuel, she worked in at Bistro 1887, a fast-casual dining venue at The Landing. Food service was familiar territory: it was what she had done throughout much of her career. Still, she wanted something different.
“I wanted to be with the residents more,” Melanie said. When an opening became available in life enrichment, she applied and transitioned to a completely new department.
Making that change was a leap of faith. After years in food service, she worried about stepping into something outside her experience. Looking back, she said it was one of the best decisions she could have made.
“It's been a perfect fit,” she said. “I've gotten to know the residents more, and I enjoy it. It's just a fun job, and I love it.”
Filling the calendar and the room
As The Landing’s Assisted Living Life Enrichment Coordinator, Melanie helps create opportunities for residents to stay active, engaged, and connected. While her duties are primarily in assisted living, she also helps other life enrichment team members with independent living and memory support activities.
Some events are large celebrations, such as Christmas and Valentine's Day parties. Others are smaller gatherings that have become favorites among residents, including monthly birthday parties complete with cake, ice cream, and plenty of conversation.
“What flavor is the cake going to be next month?” is often a topic of discussion, Melanie said. The anticipation has become part of the fun.
The activities go well beyond what many people might expect from senior living. Residents enjoy trivia games, word challenges, Family Feud competitions, scenic drives around Lincoln, and, yes, plenty of bingo.
“We do bingo, and the residents at The Landing love bingo,” Melanie said with a laugh. “But we do a lot more than bingo.”
Whether residents are competing in a game, sharing stories during a party, or exploring the city on an outing, the goal is simple: create opportunities for connection.
The little things matter
Ask Melanie what she enjoys most about her job, and she doesn't immediately talk about events or activities: She talks about the residents.
Over time, conversations turn into friendships. Residents remember details about her life. They ask about her husband, check in on her family, and remind her to drive carefully when the weather turns bad.
“They care about you, too,” Melanie said. “They're like a second family.”
Those relationships show up in everyday moments. During a recent scenic drive around Lincoln, one resident made sure Melanie knew that an acquaintance wanted to join the next outing. It's a small example, but one that reflects the close-knit community that residents and team members build together.
“[The Landing] is their home,” Melanie said.
Connecting through shared experiences
Outside of work, Melanie enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and planning future adventures. After living in California for several years, she returned to Nebraska to be closer to her parents, brothers, nieces, and nephews. Family remains a big part of her life today.
She also enjoys swapping travel stories with residents. As a self-described cruise enthusiast, she often finds common ground with residents who have spent years exploring the world themselves. Discussions about favorite destinations and memorable trips often spark a great conversation.
Those shared experiences help build connections and remind Melanie that everyone has a story worth hearing.
Work that makes a difference
For anyone considering a career in senior living, Melanie's advice is straightforward: “Do it,” she said. “It's so fulfilling.”
For her, the work is about more than planning activities. It's about helping people feel included. It's about knowing residents by name, celebrating milestones together, and creating moments that brighten someone's day.
That's what makes Melanie's story a reflection of Immanuel's mission: caring for people, building relationships, and helping residents continue to live full and meaningful lives.
