Madison Parker graduated with her Bachelor of Science in human development and family sciences in 2019 with a secondary major in gerontology. She fell in love with aging studies while pursuing her undergraduate degree and then went on to graduate with her master’s degree in gerontology in 2021.
While at K-State, some of Madison’s experiences included being a member of Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society, serving as a Gerontology Student Ambassador, and speaking on a student panel at the LeadingAge Kansas Workforce Conference.
Outside of school, she worked as a home health caregiver, special programs assistant at Meadowlark Hills with their memory and Parkinson’s programs, and life enrichment assistant at Legend Senior Living.
During the last semester of her master’s program, Madison participated in an NIH funded research project as a graduate research assistant. This research project sought to validate an environmental assessment tool which could be used to create and remodel elder living environments to be more person-centered and to serve the unique needs of older adults living with dementia. Throughout this project, Madison worked under an elder care facility architect and the president of the Innovative Designs in Environments for an Aging Society institute, as well as conducted site visits to numerous Kansas nursing homes.
Upon graduating with her master’s degree in gerontology, Madison moved back home to the Wichita, KS area and began her Administrator in Training program with Grace Team Services, a family-owned, rural-focused management company that provides support to 11 Kansas nursing homes. During her time in the AIT program, Madison served as the temporary administrator of a 45-bed skilled nursing facility in Winfield, KS before passing her licensing exam. She then became administrator of Wheat State Manor, a 65-bed skilled nursing facility in Whitewater, KS.
Madison is passionate about improving the lives of older adults and helping them to live their fullest lives no matter their age. She is also a strong advocate for person-centered care and culture change in nursing homes. She is thrilled to be leading an amazing team of staff toward the common goal of a person-centered, home-like environment as they provide the best care and quality of life possible to the residents they serve.
Outside of work, Madison enjoys going to K-State football games with her husband, snuggling with her dog, and spending time with her two younger sisters, who also graduated from K-State.