Early in her career as a geriatric care manager, Gloria Vo formed a special bond with a resident, one of the job’s many rewards. After she had overseen his care for more than a year, he invited her to see his orchid collection and gave her one to take home.
“I want you to take care of it the way you have taken care of me,” he said. “It will die, but it will come back. And every time it comes back and blossoms, it will be me coming back to visit you.”
He passed away the following day.
More than a decade later, the orchid still blooms on her kitchen windowsill, a reminder of his gentle spirit and of why she does this work.
Today, Gloria is the Executive Director of Frank Residences.
When she arrived at SFCJL in 2021, it was originally in a short-term capacity to evaluate staffing challenges, scheduling, organizational structure, and opportunities for improvement. Then one month became six, which led to a full-time role. Five years and five positions later, she recently became Executive Director of Frank Residences in August 2026.
“I grew up here with the community and with the residents,” Gloria said.
During her tenure, Gloria nurtured a passion for memory care, becoming a certified dementia care practitioner and instructor while serving on the Frank leadership team. She works alongside residents and caregivers in a hands-on capacity—rather than simply dictating best practices, demonstrating how consistency and compassion can build lasting trust.
It’s not how you do it, but why you’re doing it.
— Gloria Vo, Executive Director
“It’s not how you do it, but why you’re doing it,” she said. “I don’t want to be the type of administrator that is out of touch with the people who live here or work here.” That philosophy informs every aspect of her leadership of a campus community that serves more than 180
residents and nearly 250 staff members.
Her priorities as Executive Director are straightforward: ensure residents feel heard, support families through difficult transitions, and invest in the employees who provide daily care.
“We can never lose sight of the fact that this is a home. The respect and dignity of our residents are extremely important to me, and I work closely with families throughout their unique journeys. This should feel like a place where people receive more than excellent care,” she said. “It should also be where they build friendships, have autonomy, and discover new experiences.”
Today, Gloria tends to everyone at Frank Residences with the same care a resident once asked of her. And like his orchid, that care is deeply rooted and keeps blooming year after year.
By Jon Moskin
Hear more from Gloria on how the work brings her joy and a sense of purpose.