Meet Our Staff

Wendy has been in the Senior Housing field for 12 years where she has worked her way up with her strong work ethic from Business Office Manager to Executive Director.

She started with The Village at Southlake in 2008, when the doors first opened. Wendy has a passion for seniors. Here at the Village at Southlake, she enjoys being able to spend time with the residents during various activities - building strong, lasting relationships with each of them.

Wendy is a life-long South Carolinian. She is married and has one son. While not working, Wendy enjoys spending time with family, gardening and being outdoors.

Amber brings over 15 years of experience in the Senior housing field where she has worked in Office Management, Human Resources, billing, collections, customer service, scheduling, in home care, and durable medical equipment.

She started with the Village at Southlake in 2019 as the Business Office Manager and then was promoted to the position of Assistant Executive Director. Amber has a passion for working with seniors on their daily activities which may include: conversations, billing questions, helping them shop on line, doing craft activities, hymn singing, and leading Bible studies. She is also passionate towards the employees and their success at The Village at Southlake.

Amber is a life-long Columbia, SC native. In her spare time, Amber is very active in her church, enjoys playing the piano, singing, and spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband Bondy have been married for 27 years; have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Charles Judy has been with The Village at Southlake almost five years. He started with us as the Maintenance Assistant, but due to his knowledge and hard work ethic was quickly moved to the Building Services Director position. Charles has over 11 years experience in Apartment Management and has been in building and remodeling his entire life. Charles is a SC native and enjoys nature and spending time with his family during his spare time.

Debbie Engle moved to Columbia, SC with her wonderful and fun-loving husband, Dan, in June of 2019 to be closer to her mom, Irene Dates, who lives here at the Village of Southlake, and her sister who lives in Leesville. Debbie has worked with seniors for 14 years at two other homes in Illinois. She is looking forward to providing opportunities for you to grow socially, spiritually, physically, intellectually, and vocationally through new and different activities, events, and experiences. She loves to dance, play the piano and flute, write and lead drama productions, create fun exercise routines, teach others how to play Sudoku, direct choir and bell choir, hike and take pictures of God's beautiful creation, and spend time with Dan and her stepson, Patrick. Debbie is the "Real Runaway Bride" and has just finished writing her story, hoping to have it published soon! She is looking forward to meeting all of you and creating a place full of life and community at the Village at Southlake!

John began working in the Senior Living industry 6 years ago and has enjoyed every minute of it. He started with Assisted Living and then transitioned into Independent Living here at The Village of Southlake. He has enjoyed meeting current and new residents and their families.

John’s career started in Hospitality with Hyatt Hotels but was nowhere as fulfilling as being with The Village at Southlake. It gives John great pleasure to see our residents thrive and enjoy life, as that has brought much joy to his life.

During his time away from work he loves spending time with his family, 2 dogs and his friends. He is a huge music fan and loves attending concerts but he especially loves spending time at the Beach!!

“Never settle for good enough, good is the enemy of great!”

Candy first discovered her passion for cooking in the kitchen at her mother’s side at the tender age of six. Candy’s curiosity of all things-cooking resigned supreme and has kept her dream alive throughout the years. Candy now has four in house taste testers who clamor to choose the next delicious dish Candy will create.

Executive Chef and Culinary Service Director, Candy Kennedy brings over two decades of culinary experience to The Village at Southlake, After Landing her first Sous Chef position at New York’s 399 Park Avenue Bistro on 51st Street in Manhattan. In 2007, Candy shifted her focus and found her passion in assisting the elderly here at The Village of Southlake.

Candy is tasked with providing high-quality, freshly prepared meals that accommodate residence’s nutritional needs and preferences. This is a task that she welcomes with open arms.