Up Close with Our Hair Dresser Joanne McKay-Whittington

For more than five years, Joanne McKay-Whittington has been a familiar and much-loved presence at Oakwood Residence. A licensed cosmetologist with over 30 years of experience, Joanne visits our community every other week, bringing not just her professional skill, but warmth, creativity, and genuine connection.

Joanne spends her days traveling between communities, yet Oakwood holds a special place in her heart. She often says she feels like part of the crew, and anyone who has spent time in her chair can see why.

Joanne loves making people look good and feel beautiful, especially older adults. Her chair is a place where stories are shared, laughter flows, and trust is built. Residents often open up to her, and while she jokes that she could write a book about what she has heard, she takes pride in keeping every confidence. As a creative person who truly enjoys connecting with others, she treasures these conversations just as much as the hairstyles she creates.

A born-and-bred Philadelphia girl, Joanne lives just minutes from Oakwood and has spent nearly her entire life in the city, aside from a five-year stay in Oklahoma that proved to be quite the culture shock. She is a proud mom of two sons who mean everything to her. One even worked here at Oakwood as an Activities Assistant before heading off to pursue a career in theater. When she is not working, Joanne enjoys reading, relaxing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Before finding her calling in cosmetology, Joanne worked in office settings and briefly in a traditional beauty shop. Ultimately, she chose to dedicate her career to serving seniors, a decision that has clearly made a difference in countless lives. We are grateful to have Joanne as part of the Oakwood Residence family, helping our residents feel confident, cared for, and truly at home.