Ohio Living Swan Creek is proud to celebrate a meaningful milestone in organizational growth as three team members earned their Administrator License after completing Administrator-in-Training (AIT) internships within our community. Their accomplishments highlight both their personal dedication and Ohio Living’s commitment to fostering future leaders from within.
Tim Phillips, Executive Director
Professional development has been a steady throughline in Executive Director Tim Phillips' 15-year journey with Ohio Living Swan Creek. Tim began his career as director of social services, spending nine years supporting residents and families through care transitions, advocacy, and emotional guidance. Six years ago, he stepped into his current role, where he now leads the community with the same resident-centered approach that shaped his early career.
Tim completed his Administrator-in-Training experience while simultaneously fulfilling his full-time responsibilities in social services. Ohio Living supported his development by covering the cost of his AIT coursework in Columbus, as well as expenses related to his state exam and ongoing licensure renewals.
“Professional growth allows me to continuously enhance the way I serve our residents, families, and staff,” Tim said. “In a life plan community, needs are always evolving. By challenging myself to learn and broaden my leadership capabilities, I can better support an environment where residents feel valued and staff feel empowered.”
Tim shared that dual experience, rooted both in human services and operational leadership, strengthens his ability to deliver on Ohio Living’s mission each day.
“Having both social services experience and administrator licensure allows me to lead holistically,” explained Tim. “It equips me to make informed decisions that uphold our commitment to caring, quality services consistent with the Christian gospel.”
Megan Dunigan, Director of Independent Living
Megan Dunigan has been part of Ohio Living Swan Creek for more than 11 years, beginning her career as the resident services coordinator in independent living. Since July, she has taken on the director of independent living role, a transition strengthened by her newly earned Administrator License.
“Professional growth has helped me gain confidence in my work and myself, clarified my long-term career goals and provided countless opportunities to learn,” explained Megan. “By continually evolving, I not only enhance my own abilities, but also help improve our community and the long-term care industry as a whole.”
Megan’s nine-month, 1,500-hour AIT internship, followed by a three-week “Core of Knowledge” course and three exams, was rigorous and rewarding. She was able to complete the program while continuing full-time work, an opportunity she deeply appreciated.
“I was able to grow my career without the stress of losing income or benefits,” said Megan.
Now a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Megan looks forward to applying her expanded skills campus-wide.
“I’ve gained knowledge that allows me to support multiple departments, from audits and surveys to helping during mealtimes or admissions,” elaborated Megan. “I’m excited to spread Ohio Living’s mission and contribute to our leadership team.”
She also shared a personal note that speaks to the strength of the Ohio Living Swan Creek community. “I got married in the middle of my internship and finished my exams with a newborn baby,” Megan added. “I accomplished it all with the support of my Ohio Living family!”
Ben Roller, Culinary & Nutritional Services Supervisor
At just 25, Ben Roller is already making an impact at Ohio Living Swan Creek. He joined the organization a year and a half ago, beginning as an Administrator-in-Training under Executive Director Tim Phillips, before transitioning into his current role as culinary & nutritional services supervisor, overseeing the evening dining experience for independent living residents.
Ben understands the importance of constant learning in this field, and shared, “If I want to be a successful administrator in the future, I have to keep growing every day. This includes learning not only my role, but also the roles of others in our building.”
His six-month AIT training concluded in late 2024, followed by two months of studying and two licensing exams, both of which he passed on the first attempt.
“My exam fees were covered by the Ohio Living Foundation,” said Ben. “This was a huge help, and I’m incredibly grateful!”
Ben shares that his AIT experience has strengthened his ability to support residents and colleagues in his current role.
“I better understand how my department impacts others,” Ben shared. “When we work as one team instead of separate departments, we are more successful in living out the Ohio Living mission.”
Ben also added, “Finding a preceptor can be extremely difficult. Tim and the entire team were so welcoming and open to teaching me the right way to operate a building. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way!”
As a fun aside, Ben is following in the footsteps of his mother, Ann Roller, Executive Director at Ohio Living Dorothy Love, in carrying on the family tradition of service and leadership.