Natalie Dixon
2021 Marsh’s Edge Supernova Winner
The Supernova Award is the highest individual honor that our company gives and each year. One individual on the leadership team at Marsh’s Edge is voted by their colleagues as the community’s Supernova based on an assortment of criteria. Each year during the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting, the winner is revealed and given a customized crystal award at the company’s formal Supernova Awards Evening. The criteria for voting is based on upholding our company’s mission to be caring professionals dedicated to quality services. Additionally, this individual will consistently deliver excellent customer service (to Members, families, and colleagues), lead positively with integrity, take accountability, put the team before themselves, and embody the company’s vision to create communities where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
This year, we are proud to congratulate our Wellness Director, Natalie Dixon, as the recipient of the 2021 Marsh’s Edge Supernova Award. This honor was bestowed at the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 5th at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation on Amelia Island, Florida. As the Wellness Director, Natalie is passionate about helping Members improve their health and well-being through exercise. Her classes are well-attended and tailored to individual needs. She takes pride in measuring and reporting her Members’ improvements.
“She truly is just full of energy, has a passion for our Members and the wellness opportunities that they have here. But it goes beyond that. She’s personal with every one of our Members. She’s a vital part of our team and really inspires everybody. She’s one of a kind.”
– Chris Thorpe, Executive Director at Marsh’s Edge
Natalie has been at Marsh’s Edge for 9 years and before being promoted to Wellness Director, she was the Wellness Associate here for 7 years. She has had an incredible passion for what she does and has been a part of the Health and Fitness industry for over 40 years. As a military wife, she began her career in banking, working at companies like Norton Credit Union, Santa Fe Savings and Loan, Fort Sam Houston Bank and BB&T Bank. From there, she became interested in teaching aerobics and that step brought her to Nautilus Fitness Center, Body Works, Body Center and Lenexa Fitness Center. Traveling a lot with the military, brought her different career opportunities. In her career, her biggest accomplishment was being given the opportunity to to work as an Aerobic Coordinator at “Body Center” in Italy. At Body Center, she taught the concept of Aerobics which was very new for residents of the area. While there, she became a 2 time Italian Federation Aerobic Champion.
In her free time, Natalie likes traveling, reading, gourmet cooking, dancing, and is also a professional Vocalist (when time permits). She performs on St. Simons Island. She is married to her soulmate, Joseph Dixon and they have 8 sons and 16 grandchildren together. She is also a lover of animals and spends time with her six feral cats and a little Shi-pooh, named Bozco.
Interview with 2021 Director of the Year, Natalie Dixon
What’s a quote or inspirational words that influence/impact you?
“When you love what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life”
Congratulations on being chosen as a Supernova! How do you feel?
After the many years of teaching and training clients and members, I am ecstatic and overwhelmed with excitement. Still can’t believe this happened to me.
What’s your favorite part about your position?
My favorite part is creating programs that everyone can take a part in. The smiles on their faces tells it all. I know then that my job is completed and I have created more memories and relationships with many that will last a long time.
What do you want people to know about working in a retirement community?
The key is being open to teaching new things and creating for the seniors who live in our community. It isn’t difficult to do, but you have to be committed and willing to guide them to an exciting healthy life.
Positions that are eligible to vote and win the Supernova Award include: HR Director, Business Manager, Assistant Business Manager, Care Services Administrator, Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing, Resident Care Director, Lifestyle Advisor, Lifestyle Advisor – Care Services, Move-In Coordinator, Social Director, Activity Director, Wellness Director, Director of Facility Services, Director of Dining Services, Executive Chef, Client Services Manager (Live Long Well Care).