A Care to Calling: Staff Spotlight on Lisa Fox

Lisa Fox’s career at Cornwall Manor reflects decades of dedication, compassion and a lifelong calling to care for others. Though she was born in Pittsburgh, Lisa moved to Lebanon at just four years old when her father accepted a position at Fort Indiantown Gap. Lebanon County has been home ever since—and so has Cornwall Manor for nearly four decades.

From an early age, Lisa knew she wanted to be a nurse. Helping people through difficult times and offering kindness when it’s needed most has always been at the heart of her work. After high school, she briefly attended the RN program at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster, discovering along the way that a different nursing path was a better fit. She went on to attend Vo-Tech, now known as the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center, where she graduated in 1989 with her practical nursing license.

Lisa began her journey at Cornwall Manor even earlier, starting as a nursing assistant in May 1986. She has witnessed—and adapted to—tremendous change over the years. She often reflects on how different CNA training was before OBRA regulations, when education included watching film strips for a week followed by hands-on shadowing. Today’s training, she notes, is far more comprehensive and structured.

Her memories of the old Health Center are filled with both challenges and character. Lisa worked on M2A, where the Health Center Chapel was located in the middle of the floor. When services were underway, staff had to navigate stairs and alternate routes just to reach other parts of the unit. She has also seen the progression from fully paper-based documentation to today’s computerized systems, which she believes have greatly improved efficiency and patient care.

Lisa became a Unit Manager in 1989 and was named Primary Unit Manager in 2018. Today, she is also certified to teach CNA classes and their clinical components—an extension of her passion for mentoring the next generation of caregivers. Known for her positivity, Lisa takes pride in supporting new employees, helping them understand the realities of the role while encouraging self-care and knowing when to step away during challenging moments.

Geriatric care, Lisa says, is truly her calling. Her guiding philosophy is simple yet powerful: treat every resident as you would want your own loved one treated. She also believes strongly in keeping families informed, making clear communication a cornerstone of her approach to care. One of her favorite parts of the job is listening to residents share their stories—each one rich with history and meaning.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the greatest challenges of Lisa’s career. Leading her team on Northview 2 during an uncertain and frightening time required resilience, adaptability and unwavering teamwork. “Everyone was learning as we went,” she recalls, grateful for the strength and dedication of her colleagues.

Lisa has witnessed significant advancements in medical treatment over the years, reflecting how clinical knowledge and care standards have continued to evolve.

Outside of work, Lisa lives in Jonestown with her husband and their Yorkie, Candy. She enjoys camping, reading, knitting, counted-cross stitch and creating her own birthday and Christmas cards. She and her husband have one adult son who is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Harrisburg University. Their family also includes a beloved granddog, Bella, a lively Labradoodle.

A fun and surprising fact about Lisa: in 1982, while in ninth grade, she marched in the Rose Bowl Parade with the Northern Lebanon School District—a memory she still treasures.

Lisa says what she loves most about Cornwall Manor is the people—both residents and staff. As she looks toward the future, she and her husband hope to take their camper out west after retirement, traveling and volunteering along the way. Until then, Lisa continues to be a steady, caring presence at Cornwall Manor, embodying the heart of compassionate care every single day.