Meet Leonie Caddle: The Heart of Home First® Residences/Age-In-Place®—A True Everyday Hero!

Pictured above: Leonie Caddle, HF/AIP Office Manager, and Grandon Purnell, Volunteer Coordinator for HF/AIP, accepting a generous donation from the Thai Embassy in support of the Home First/Age in Place program.

At Home First®/Age-In-Place®, there’s one person you can always count on to get things done— Office Manager Leonie Caddle! Whether she’s helping residents with lease renewals, fixing a finicky photocopier, or even whipping up a healthy meal, she’s always there to lend a hand. Staff affectionately call her “Batman” because she’s constantly swooping in to save the day (and sometimes the entire building!). Her dedication, kindness, and can-do attitude make her an irreplaceable part of the Seabury team.

A Role That Keeps Growing

Leonie stepped into her role as Office Manager at Seabury Resources for Aging with determination, quickly adapting to a job that required her to wear many hats. With minimal guidance, she took the initiative to learn by reviewing past records and paying close attention to the needs of the community.

"I collect rent, make deposits, report finances, and support the managers," Leonie explains. "I also help residents directly—renewing leases, organizing recertifications, and making sure maintenance work gets done."

As the team changed over time, Leonie took on even more responsibilities, stepping into roles previously handled by multiple team members.

"I’m mostly here, always here," she laughs. "Sometimes I even pick up a screwdriver to tighten a screw—there’s never a dull moment!"

Her caring approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. Dawn Phillips, Home First Program Administrator, sees her dedication firsthand: "She’s been doing it all for so long. I call her ‘Batman’—she’s always ready to help, no matter what."

Serving with a Smile

Leonie’s passion for service is at the heart of everything she does. She goes the extra mile to ensure seniors feel comfortable and cared for—even personally collecting rent from residents who have trouble making it to the office.

"At first, some residents were hesitant, but I’d greet them with a warm smile, and over time, they opened up. Now, they wait for my visits, excited to share their stories or ask for small favors like fixing their TVs or phones."

This personal touch is what makes her role more than just another job:

"You see the difference you’re making in people’s lives—it’s so rewarding."

A Journey into Nonprofits

Leonie’s journey to Seabury wasn’t something she planned—it was something she found through her love of helping others. Coming from a finance and accounting background, she initially sought out a quieter job. Little did she know, this role would become a fulfilling extension of her purpose.

"I wanted a light job," she smiles. "It turned out to be much more, but I love it. Service is in my bones."

Beyond Work: A Passion for Cooking & Giving Back

Outside of work, Leonie’s passion for service shines through her love of cooking. Known among staff for her culinary skills, she prepares healthy meals and volunteers with feeding programs for the homeless, youth organizations, and international mission fundraisers.

"I love experimenting with vegetarian recipes—when people realize healthy food can taste good, it’s a win!" Leonie shared.

Dawn added with a laugh, "She’s the only person who got me to enjoy tofu!"

Her talent for lending a helping hand extends beyond the kitchen. She’s played a vital role in supporting residents in the Home First/Age in Place community, even taking it upon herself to sew and iron curtains for their living spaces—ensuring they feel more like home

A Final Thought on Aging & Community

When asked what’s most important as she gets older, Leonie’s response reflects the importance of building lasting relationships.

“Building trust and relationships. As we age, we become more vulnerable. It’s important to have people you can count on, especially for those who don’t have family. That’s why I do what I do—to create that sense of support.”

In just a short chat, it’s easy to see why Leonie is such a pivotal member of the Home First/Age-In-Place® team. Leonie’s dedication and unwavering kindness make her an invaluable part of the Seabury family. Her ability to step up, serve others, and create meaningful relationships is truly inspiring.

We’re lucky to have her on our team, and we hope her story inspires you as much as it inspires us.

Thank you, Leonie, for all that you do!