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July 29, 2025
Brookdale dining leaders recognized as DISHED Senior Dining Innovation Award winners
Brookdale Senior Living is thrilled to announce that Chef Scott Edmunds of Brookdale Park Place and Laura Holdsworth, Director of Dining Services at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg, have been honored in the inaugural DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards.
These awards honor individuals who are visionaries within their organizations and the senior living sector at-large. They spotlight culinary experts whose creativity and passion are transforming senior living dining.
Chef Scott Edmunds – “Culinary Canvas”
Chef Scott Edmunds of Brookdale Park Place in Spokane, Wash., has been honored in the “Culinary Canvas” category. This award recognizes leaders driving excellence in how dining programs are showcased across marketing channels, including imagery, video, social media, and other dining-related media content.
With over 25 years in the culinary world—nine of those as chef at Brookdale Park Place—Edmunds brings both skill and heart to everything he does. Trained in classic French cuisine and seasoned by fine dining and resort experience, Edmunds found his true calling in senior living. “I’ve fallen in love with this community and the residents who live here,” Edmunds said. “Even in my free time, I’m dreaming up new ways to enhance life here.”
His passion to innovate is evident to residents and co-workers. Edmunds leads with creativity, conducting monthly cooking demonstrations, themed dinners, and even resident fishing tournaments that inspire community and fun. He holds weekly menu chats, listens to feedback, and adapts menus to residents’ preferences and dietary needs.
“Scott treats all residents with love and respect,” resident Silvia Baker said. “I love this man that Park Place and the world need so badly.” Resident Carol Haegele added, “He truly cares about our well-being—and makes sure our meals never get boring!”
Scott’s innovation and empathy have earned him numerous culinary competition awards, but more importantly, the love of the community he serves. His leadership, humility, and daily dedication embody the spirit of Brookdale, making him an inspiration to both residents and associates.
Laura Holdsworth – “Elevating the Experience”
Laura Holdsworth, Director of Dining Services at Chambrel Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Va., has been honored in the “Elevating the Experience” category. The category showcases innovators raising the bar on programming and service with the goal of boosting the senior living dining experience.
Holdsworth began her Brookdale journey over a decade ago as a server. Through hard work, heart, and leadership, she rose to Director of Dining Services in 2023. Today, she leads a team of 55, overseeing every detail of the dining experience—from curated menus and themed events to special occasions and resident feedback programs.
Her approach to dining is both innovative and deeply personal. She introduced initiatives like weekly chats with the Executive Chef, monthly cooking demos, and a resident-centered feedback system that ensures everyone feels heard. “We consider Laura and her team part of our families,” resident Emilia “Mimi” Snider said. The community’s love for Laura runs so deep, they created a Dining Team Appreciation Week to celebrate her team’s dedication.
Holdsworth’s commitment to personalized service, cultural sensitivity, and culinary creativity has transformed dining into a cornerstone of community life. Under her leadership, meals are more than nourishment—they're meaningful moments of connection and joy. She exemplifies the very best of Brookdale’s mission to enrich lives through excellence in service.
To learn more about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com
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