Janessa Becker, Class of 2014, earned a degree in Sociology from Bethany Lutheran College and has built a meaningful career in senior care leadership. She currently serves as the Regional Director of Operations at Grace Management, Inc., where she oversees senior living communities and ensures high-quality, individualized care across multiple locations. Her work involves guiding executive directors, supporting staff development, maintaining regulatory compliance, and promoting a compassionate, resident-centered culture within each community.

Janessa finds deep fulfillment in helping seniors live with dignity, independence, and joy. She shares, “My favorite part of this work is seeing how lives can be enriched when seniors feel truly seen, heard, and supported. It’s incredibly rewarding to know our teams make that happen every day.”

Her interest in elder care began at Bethany, where she completed a gerontology internship at Primrose Retirement Community and pursued an independent study in the same field. “That internship shaped my career path and opened the door to my first job in senior care,” Janessa recalls. These early experiences provided both practical insight and vocational clarity.

Janessa also credits Bethany’s close-knit, supportive campus for nurturing her personal and professional development. “The friendly atmosphere made it a wonderful place to grow. I’m grateful for the faculty mentorship and the chance to explore what I was passionate about.”

From Sociology major to regional operations leader, Janessa’s journey reflects how Bethany Lutheran College equips graduates to lead with empathy, insight, and purpose—especially in fields where human connection and compassionate service are essential.