Wellness Staff

The friendly, well-trained Wellness staff accomplishes its mission to provide safe and effective exercise and wellness opportunities with certifications in CPR, lifeguarding, and group exercise instruction. In addition to holding degrees in Kinesiology or Health Sciences, most staff members are also certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, A.E.A. and the Arthritis Foundation.
Annie Shaffer, Wellness Director
I graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Wellness Education in 1995. Soon after graduating, I began working as a Health Educator for Augusta Medical Center, where I focused on community and corporate health/wellness education and promotion. During this time, I completed Licensed Registered Nurse course work and then worked as a registered nurse for the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents in Staunton, Virginia. I joined the Sunnyside Retirement Community team as the Director of Wellness in September, 2000. In addition, to being a registered nurse, I am certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and Aquatic Exercise Association. In recent years, I became a Certified Aging Services Professional through the University of North Texas and earned a Gerontology Certification through James Madison University. I live in Harrisonburg, with my husband, Greg, and two young daughters, Rennie (age 10) and Claire (age 8). Greg has successfully owned and operated Mid Atlantic Motorwerkes, a highline auto sales and service business for over 12 years. I enjoy traveling and have visited countries including England, France, New Zealand, Denmark, Australia, Italy and Spain. In April, 2016, I travelled to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to work as a guest group fitness instructor for a week. In 2017, I will be travelling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for another week-long guest fitness instructor opportunity. I am an avid runner who has completed 3 half-marathon and enjoys many activities including entertaining, skiing, boating, and much more.
Deion Porter, Wellness Instructor
I graduated from Bridgewater College in 2014 with a degree in Family Consumer Science which emphasizes diversity in families and human development across the life span. I was an active student who also developed a love of dance and theater performance. I was a member and instructor of the Bridgewater College In-step Ballroom Club for 4 years. During an internship at Bridgewater Retirement community, I taught a special cardio class with Latin music and movements. While in college, I worked as a fitness attendant at the Bridgewater College Funkhouser Center, where I led a class called Cardio Party to promote cardiovascular exercises. I was originally born in Bad Nauheim, Germany; however, my family moved to Hampton, Virginia when I was two years old, and that’s where I grew up. I revisited Germany in January, 2013 with my study abroad group from Bridgewater College, which was such a tremendous experience. I enjoy giving back to my community in unique ways such as such as randomly passing out flowers to strangers, holding a sign reading “free hugs”, or teaching my friends to dance. My hobbies include dancing, playing volleyball and just spending time with family, friends and others.
Shelby Showalter, Wellness Coordinator
I grew up just outside of Richmond, VA in a small town called Rockville. Growing up I was active, constantly outside, and involved in sports, including soccer and the swim team. I went to James Madison University and graduated with a B.S. in Public Health Education. My husband, Derek and I met when I served as the first intern at the Harrisonburg Fire Department. After my internship I worked at Pleasant View Homes as a Community Connections Instructor and then as a Physical / Occupational Therapy Tech in Richmond. Derek and I got married in June 2014 and moved back to the Shenandoah Valley. We’ve got a lab named Abe, some chickens, and would like to try our hands at keeping bees again. I love to work with my hands, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. I started working at Sunnyside as the Wellness Coordinator shortly after moving back to the Valley. Since then I have been given the opportunity to attend several fitness conferences, teach exercise classes daily, and orient new residents to the Wellness Center. Derek co- owns a 50+ year old company called Virginia Silo with his twin brother Daren; they work on silos, feeding systems, and grain bins.