For Tim Soenksen, wellness means helping people keep doing what they love for as long as possible. As wellness manager at The Landing, an Immanuel Signature Community in Lincoln, Nebraska, Tim brings energy, creativity, and encouragement into everything he does.
At Immanuel, careers like Tim’s grow through hands‑on experience and opportunities to learn along the way. That approach is reflected in My Story, Our Mission, a 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.
“I always say my job is to keep people moving,” Tim said. “To keep them independent, happy, and healthy. Meeting them right where they are.”
Tim joined Immanuel nearly eight years ago after working in sports performance with young and professional athletes. While he loved the work, he knew he was ready for something different. A tip from his sister, who also works for Immanuel, led him to a role at Yankee Hill Village in Lincoln, where he helped build a wellness program from the ground up.
“It was exciting,” he said. “They hadn’t had anything like it before, so we were figuring it out as we went.”
Tim’s willingness to adapt and lead eventually brought him to The Landing, where he now oversees the community’s Thrive Center and a wide variety of wellness programming.
At the heart of Tim’s work is goal‑setting: real, meaningful goals that support residents’ lifestyles and dreams. Whether that’s preparing someone for paddleboarding on a family vacation or helping another get ready for an Immanuel Explorers trip, Tim tailors wellness around what matters most to each person.
“When someone comes back and shows us photos of what they were able to do,” he said, “that’s a great feeling.”
Tim has also joined residents on Immanuel Explorers trips, including a memorable journey to Chicago. From museums and city tours to shared stories and laughs, he saw firsthand how new experiences can spark joy and confidence.
That adventurous spirit shows up close to home, Tim said, with residents trying everything from rock climbing to axe throwing.
“Some residents had never done it before,” Tim said, “but they wanted to try so they could send pictures to their kids and grandkids.”
When Tim first joined Immanuel, he thought of it as just a job. Today, it’s much more. For Tim, that shared experience is what makes his work meaningful and why he looks forward to coming in every day.
“We laugh, we move, we experience life together,” he said. “The residents teach us just as much as we help them.”