Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | September 2023 • 23 • Michael Escamilla has always had a passion for working with se- niors. We at Kirby Pines have been beneficiaries of that passion for 20 years. When Michael first visited Kirby Pines, the lobby was being built, the staircase being framed. He worked in Palm Beach and wanted to be closer to his aging parents who lived in San Antonio. On a driving vacation, he stopped in Memphis for a visit. Two years later, opportunity arose, and in January 2003, Michael Escamilla became Executive Director at Kirby Pines. A San Antonio native and multi-generation Texan, Michael learned from his parents about involvement in local organizations. At Mar- quette University, he had the unforgettable opportunity to hear Elizabeth Kubler Ross in person. “That changed my career path,” Michael remembers. “That’s how I got my degree in Sociology. History is about the understanding of mankind.” He pursued graduate work in human services and gerontology at the University of Houston. Michael began as a grief counselor in a pilot program of the Older Americans Act—a federal initiative providing ser- vices for seniors. He became regional di- rector for 27 counties serving over 3,000 seniors. He was Executive Director with Classic Residence Hyatt in Dallas, Con- necticut, and Palm Beach. Acquiring funding for seniors is a proud accomplishment for Mi- chael. As Shared Housing fundraising chair, he developed a gin- gerbread house competition. These funds brought single parents and seniors together to assist one another. Seniors were mentors, and par- ents received assistance with education and work skills. Michael was nominated for the 1994 JC Penny Golden Rule Award, his certificate signed by President Clinton. Gingerbread house competition contin- ues today, raising over 1 million to date. Michael enjoys working with people who have been part of history. Colonel Hugh Wardlaw received the French Legion of Honor medal for heroic service during WWII. “To be present at his ceremony was an honor—to be a part of the history and sacrifice he made during the war.” One resident was the Orpheum and Chicks organist. Another accompanied Admiral Byrd to the Arctic. “I would like for people to know that I value friendship. I really love the history of the people that I have met.” It’s hard to name a favorite event, but one dear to Michael’s heart is the Mother’s Day picnic. “We all have a mother. It is a nice re- membrance that everyone seems to enjoy.” The Art Wall has grown from a small display to an afternoon of residents presenting their own work. Michael says it’s satisfying seeing residents highlight other individuals. At Lighting of the Lake one year, the float caught fire. As always, Michael learned from the experience and made im- provements. Michael’s response is quick about what he will miss most: “Residents and employees. It is endearing when both come together to accomplish some- thing.” Michael is most proud of getting through the pandemic. “The team spirit of the employees, the understanding of the residents—everyone lived through that historical event. There was fear, yes. But there was more of a feeling that this will be all right.” Kirby Pines residents might add that this came from the strong leadership of a beloved Ex- ecutive Director. “Everyone knows I collect monkeys,” Michael says with a smile. The Palm Beach newspaper named him “Mon- key King.” His Christmas tree with more than 300 monkey ornaments was in the Commercial Appeal. A favorite tree-topper monkey with Santa hat was a gift from his sister when he was at Marquette. She nicknamed Michael “Chango,” Spanish for monkey. Michael says about retirement, “I’ll visit family and friends more. I’ve always enjoyed overseas travel, whether Macao, Hong Kong, or Paris.” He is Portuguese on his father’s side, and he hopes to see Por- tugal. Michael also loves to read history. When asked to describe his time at Kirby Pines in 10 words or less, Michael replied, “It’s been the right place to be for the final 20 years of my career in working with senior citizens.” That’s 20 words, Mi- chael, but we agree. This has been the right place for you to be. Written by resident, Jean Saunders Michael Escamilla: The Right Place To Be Michael & Tessa 1958 College Senior 1975 Escamilla Family January 2010 Michael LOVESMonkees!