Employee Spotlight: Chelsea Adney, Executive Director, Terralume
In this week's Employee Spotlight, we're featuring Chelsea Adney, Executive Director at Terralume. If you've had a chance to read Ebenezer's 2025 Impact Report, you may recognize Chelsea as one of the team members highlighted for her career journey. This spotlight series takes a deeper look at the people behind those stories, showcasing the many growth opportunities available at Ebenezer and celebrating employees who continue to make a difference in the lives of residents and colleagues alike.
Discovering a Passion for Senior Living
Like many people in senior living, Chelsea's career began in an unexpected place. Her first job was as a dishwasher in a nursing home. Later, while in high school and college, she worked in activities while studying to become a math teacher.
Through those experiences, she discovered a passion for working with older adults and quickly realized the impact those relationships could have.
"I loved hearing residents' stories, their wisdom, and just having fun with them," Chelsea says. "I knew I was serving them, but I was also getting so much fulfillment out of it myself."
A Career Built Through Growth and Opportunity
Chelsea joined Ebenezer in 2012 as the Life Enrichment Director at Trails of Orono when the community first opened. Early on, she was inspired by leaders around her and set her sights on becoming an Executive Director someday.
Her path wasn't always exactly what she envisioned. When a sales position opened at Trails, Chelsea was encouraged to apply, even though it wasn't the role she originally wanted.
"I was very hesitant because I didn't want that job. I wanted to be an Executive Director," she recalls.
Looking back, however, she credits that experience with helping prepare her for future leadership. Working in sales gave her a broader understanding of operations, collaboration between departments, and the business side of senior living.
Chelsea later became Executive Director at Trails, then served as Executive Director at Willows Bend before taking on her current role opening Terralume.
“What excites me most is having the opportunity to help shape the culture of a new building and inspire staff to grow, try new things, and create the best possible experiences and home for our residents and their loved ones.”
– Chelsea Adney
Learning Through Challenges
While Chelsea's career progression has been impressive, she is quick to acknowledge that growth doesn't always happen on a straight path.
There were times when she applied for positions she didn't receive, including Assistant Executive Director roles and other leadership opportunities. Those experiences challenged her to reflect, learn new skills, and continue developing professionally.
"What felt long and frustrating at the time now looks like just a small blip in my career," she says. "But it taught me a lot about perseverance and growth."
Today, those lessons help shape how she leads and supports others who are pursuing their own career goals.
Building Culture and Supporting Others
What excites Chelsea most about her current role is the opportunity to help shape the culture of a brand-new community.
"It feels surreal to be opening a brand-new building," she says. "What excites me most is having the opportunity to help shape the culture of a new building and inspire staff to grow, try new things, and create the best possible experiences and home for our residents and their loved ones."
Chelsea believes that investing in employees and promoting from within benefits everyone, including residents. As team members gain new experiences and perspectives, they bring fresh ideas, stronger collaboration, and deeper commitment to the communities they serve.
Advice for Others Looking to Grow
For employees interested in advancing their careers, Chelsea encourages them to remain open to opportunities, even when they don't perfectly align with their original plans.
"Be open to opportunities that come your way, even if they aren't exactly what you had in mind," she says. "And listen to the people around you who want to see you grow because they often see potential in you that you might not see in yourself yet."
From Activities Director to Executive Director opening a brand-new community, Chelsea's journey is a powerful reminder that growth often comes from embracing new experiences, trusting the process, and staying committed to serving others.