We are the backbone of our senior day program, a truly dedicated team bound by a singular, powerful mission: to provide exceptional care for individuals living with dementia. Owned by Fruita, Grand Junction and Palisade locals.
We know the overwhelming weight you carry, and we're here to lighten it. As an independent, locally owned day program in Mesa County, we give seniors a place to engage in enriching social activities, music, and purpose-driven care — all while returning home to their families each evening. We support your family's independence, providing the reliable daytime care, guidance, and peace of mind you deserve.
Experience has revealed a heartbreaking truth: the rising cost of long-term care leaves too many families in crisis, often with too many assets for Medicaid but not enough to afford the care their loved ones desperately need. Happy Days Senior Day Program was born from that gap — with a not-for-profit component providing scholarships to those who qualify and cannot afford our care.
Our Team
The Heart of Our Care
Sarah
Executive Director/ Owner
My roots run deep in Colorado, a fifth-generation native raised on a farm where the values of hard work and community flourished. It was within the loving embrace of my great-grandparents and grandparents that I discovered a profound calling: caring for the elderly. As they aged, the privilege of supporting them illuminated a path I was destined to follow.
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For over 25 years, this calling has been my unwavering guide, especially in caring for individuals living with Dementia. It's a journey that has seen me rise through the ranks of corporate America, from an activity assistant to a Nursing Home and Assisted Living Administrator. Alongside my professional life, I've dedicated two decades to volunteering with the Alzheimer's Association as a Support Group Facilitator and Community Outreach Educator
Shelly
Business Office Manager/ Owner/ LPN
Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a fulfilling career shift from HR to nursing, driven by a profound love for the elderly. My work in long-term care is deeply rooted in a passion for dementia care, where I dedicate myself to crafting exceptional and supportive environments. Outside of my professional life, I'm happily married for 13 years to my best friend Kevin, a proud mother to one daughter and three stepsons, and a devoted dog parent to four furry companions.
Barbara
Nursing Director / Owner
With over 43 years of nursing experience, Barbara brings a deep commitment to compassionate, person-centered care. Her work is grounded in the belief that every individual has worth, identity, and a story that matters.
Barbara is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, respected, and connected. She emphasizes the importance of educating families and staff, equipping them with the tools to support meaningful engagement and navigate difficult conversations with empathy and confidence.
Rooted in the values of compassion, dignity, and belonging, Barbara’s mission is to uplift both those receiving care and those providing it, ensuring no one walks the journey alone.