HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Annie Shaffer, Wellness Director at Sunnyside Retirement Community, has been named one of North America’s Top 5 Wellness Directors in senior living, earning the 2025 ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award.

According to a release, the Pinnacle Award recognizes leaders who champion wellness as the cornerstone of community life. Honorees are celebrated for their ability to, “inspire residents and staff through innovative programs that promote physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, vocational, and environmental well-being.”

“Annie embodies what it means to lead through wellness,” said Josh Lyons, president and CEO of Sunnyside Communities. “Her creativity, compassion, and commitment have strengthened the lives of residents and team members alike, setting a standard for what whole-person wellness can look like in senior living.”

According to Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging, “The ICAA NuStep Best in Wellness Awards celebrate individuals who are shaping the future of senior living through wellness-centered leadership. By embedding wellness in every facet of community culture, these professionals are not just changing lives—they are transforming an industry.”

“Annie has a gift for connecting people to joy and purpose,” added Nancy Wayland, executive director of Sunnyside Retirement Community. “Whether it’s through a group fitness class, a walking challenge, or simply a shared laugh, she builds community in everything she does. This recognition is so well deserved.”