Wanda Braziel Award Winner – 2025
The winner of the 2025 Wanda Braziel Award for Excellence is Maria Vargas. This prestigious award, comparable to Employee of the Year, recognizes exceptional service, compassion, and dedication to our residents and Maria exemplifies all of these qualities.
Maria is originally from Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico, where she grew up as the second oldest in a large family with five sisters and two brothers. One of her fondest childhood memories is spending time playing in the river with her siblings, which was their favorite place to gather and have fun.
After graduating from high school, Maria went on to college and earned a degree as a secretary. Although she did not work in Mexico, she soon married and, in 1994, she and her husband moved to the United States. Once here, Maria committed herself to learning English and pursuing a new career, eventually becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Maria and her husband, Vincent, are the proud parents of three daughter Jennifer, Leslie, and Dahlia. In her free time, Maria enjoys being with her family. Whether they are going to the park, spending time at the pool, or simply shopping together, family time is very important to her.
Maria joined the Woodland Ridge team in 2009, and her love for her work is evident in everything she does. “Woodland Ridge is my favorite place,” Maria says. “I love the residents and everyone I work with. I love taking care of the residents.”
She has also been an enthusiastic participant in our Dancing with the Senior Stars each year and is truly a favorite among residents. Maria is known for her warm, caring attitude and for going the extra mile helping residents with hairdos, makeup, earrings, and the little touches that help them feel confident and cared for each day.
Maria puts her heart and soul into her work, and it’s easy to see how deeply she loves the residents.
We are incredibly proud to recognize Maria Vargas as the 2025 Wanda Braziel Award for Excellence winner and are so grateful to have her as part of the Woodland Ridge family.
If you or an aging loved one is considering moving to an Assisted Living Facility for Care Services in Smyrna, GA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Woodland Ridge today. 770-431-7055
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