“I've always been someone who wants to help,” said Livonia resident Elizabeth Hatfield. “Caring for others isn’t just my profession, it’s my nature.”

Born February 23, 1970, Elizabeth grew up in Garfield, New Jersey, in a household shaped by strong cultural roots.

“My dad is Ukrainian and my mom is Russian,” she said. “That heritage still resonates through my faith, music and appreciation for Orthodox tradition. When I was 14, we relocated to Redford, Michigan, when my dad was ordained as an Orthodox priest. He was assigned to St. Innocent Orthodox Church, where he’s still rector emeritus.”

Elizabeth graduated from Redford’s Thurston High School in 1988 and earned her degree from Madonna University in 1992. Although she initially entered the nursing program, she soon realized it wasn’t the right fit.

“I decided to change majors,” she said. “I found my passion in Gerontology, the study of aging and older adults. Got my Bachelor of Science, along with an activity therapy certificate and certification as a dementia practitioner. These credentials laid the foundation for my career in senior care.”

She joined American House senior living community on April 20, 2006. She started at Livonia, then worked at Westland-Joy, before coming to American House Dearborn Heights in 2014. Today, as life enrichment director, Elizabeth wears many hats.

“I plan activities, interview residents, encourage them to participate, get them exercising, interacting,” she said. “I feel like the cruise director Julie McCoy of ‘The Love Boat’. I’m a sort-of extended family member for many.”

Creating a true sense of home is central to her work.

“Senior care includes helping to create a safe, comfortable environment that really feels like home,” she explains. “Not institutional but cozy.”

In 2000, Elizabeth moved to Livonia, drawn by its stability and resources.

“We moved to Livonia for the school system,” she said. “The neighborhoods are excellent, the police are visible and responsive, neighbors are very helpful, and there are so many resources, like the new senior wellness center.”

Her favorite local spots include Senate Coney, Black Label Tavern, One Under Bar & Grill, Steve’s Family Dining, and walking the paths at Rotary Park.

Family life keeps her grounded. She’s married to Larry Hatfield, has two children, Caitlin and Zachary, and shares her home with “a German shepherd and a European Doberman,” she said. “I also help care for my senior parents at home.”

Music remains a lifelong passion.

“I’m part of an ensemble within the Orthodox Choir of Metropolitan Detroit, and with my church choir,” she said. “I love traditional Orthodox singing. I was even a choir director at one point.”

She also treasures heirloom music boxes passed down from her grandmother, and she collects vintage dishes.

Travel feeds her curiosity. She’s visited Russia, the Caribbean, Canada, Arizona, California, and more.

“When I was 19, I went to Russia for 16 days,” she said. “Our tour guide was a priest. We ate a lot of dolma (stuffed tomatoes), cucumbers, and ice cream.”

Her dream trip?

“Two weeks in Paris, France.”

Ultimately, Elizabeth sums it up simply: “I love what I do. Helping others is who I am."