Paradise Pointe Assisted Living & Memory Care is proud to announce La’stephanic “Step” Curry, RN, as the first recipient of the Barbara Gammon Memorial Scholarship, an annual award established to honor the life and legacy of Paradise Pointe’s very first resident while investing in the future of compassionate healthcare professionals. For Step, nursing is more than a profession—it’s a purpose.
In her scholarship application, she wrote, “My path into this field is rooted in both academic ambition and a deeply personal calling.” That calling was shaped by the loss of her brother, Trae. His passing forever changed the way she viewed healthcare.
“It helped me realize that medical care is not only about treating physical symptoms, but also about holding space for patients’ emotional well-being and treating them with the dignity they deserve,” she shared.
Since joining Paradise Pointe in 2023, Step has served as both a Charge Nurse and Nursing Supervisor, earning the admiration of residents, families, and coworkers alike. Known for her calm leadership, high standards, and willingness to jump in wherever she is needed, she embodies the servant-hearted spirit that defines the Paradise Pointe team.
She is currently completing the final semester of her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and plans to continue her education to become a Nurse Practitioner with a focus on mental health.
Her passion aligns naturally with Paradise Pointe’s mission.
“Paradise Pointe’s commitment to memory care resonates deeply with me,” she wrote in her application. “I understand that patients in memory care often navigate a reality defined by confusion, loss, or altered states of mind, and I want to be a source of stability, patience, and mental health advocacy for them.”
The Barbara Gammon Memorial Scholarship was created to support employees pursuing careers in healthcare, caregiving, and related fields. Each year, one Paradise Pointe team member receives a $1,000 scholarship to further their education and continue making a difference in the lives of others.
For Step, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance. “Receiving this scholarship would be a significant bridge in helping me complete my education, allowing me to fully focus on my clinical training without the distraction of financial hardship,” she shared.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed.
In her letter of recommendation, mentor Shamaine Robinson, BSN, RN, described Step as “a person of strong character who leads by example. She is dependable, hardworking, and always willing to support others.”
Those qualities are evident every day at Paradise Pointe, where Step is known for treating residents like members of her own family while also serving as a fierce advocate for her own family such as her mother, sisters, nieces, nephews, and loved ones. Whether mentoring a new nurse, assisting with resident care, or supporting her team, she consistently leads with compassion and integrity.
Outside of nursing, Step expresses her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through a growing TikTok community and a small business creating bonnets and custom badge holders for healthcare professionals.
“When we created the Barbara Gammon Memorial Scholarship, we wanted to honor my mother’s legacy in a way that reflected who she was—a woman who believed in kindness, lifelong learning, and caring for others with your whole heart,” said Darlinda Copeland, RN, MHA, CEO & Founder of Paradise Pointe. “Step embodies those values every single day. She leads with compassion, advocates fiercely for her residents, and approaches nursing with both skill and genuine empathy. Her personal journey, dedication to mental health advocacy, and commitment to treating every resident with dignity make her an extraordinary caregiver and an inspiring first recipient of this scholarship. I know my mom would be incredibly proud to see her legacy helping team members like Step continue their education and touch countless lives for years to come.”
Darlinda Copeland reflected on the personal significance of the scholarship during its presentation, sharing memories of her mother, Barbara Gammon, and the lasting impact she had on both residents and staff.
“My mother was a schoolteacher, and she always encouraged our staff to learn and grow. She was a born teacher and continued to teach everyone she met about God, faith, and love. Our staff became so special to her and became part of her family. She not only encouraged our staff to go back to school, but she also prayed for them daily.”
Copeland went on to explain the special connection between Barbara Gammon and Curry’s journey. “Step was one of the staff members that she recognized as not only a great nurse but someone who should grow in her education and her career. She would encourage her each time she saw her to go back to school. Step would visit her all the time to get advice on life, love, faith, and school. She always watched over her.”
Established in memory of Barbara Gammon, the scholarship reflects Paradise Pointe’s commitment to investing in its team members while honoring a woman whose compassion and warmth helped shape the culture of the community from its very beginning. Through the generosity of donors and supporters, the scholarship will provide an annual award to a Paradise Pointe employee pursuing education in healthcare, caregiving, or a related field.
As the inaugural recipient, La’stephanic “Step” Curry represents the future of healthcare—one built on excellence, empathy, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to treating every person with dignity.
Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and compassionate care, and Paradise Pointe is honored to support her continued education and celebrate the remarkable impact she has on residents, families, and fellow team members every day.
