EAST BRUNSWICK — Sunrise Assisted Living has named Tanya Walker, 27, its new executive director.
Walker has worked for more than seven Sunrise establishments since turning 16 years old, gaining experience in nearly every facet of the company.
Most recently, she served as the interim executive director at Sunrise of Edgewater and served as assisted living coordinator at Sunrise of Abington in Pennsylvania.
"Growing up, I had a very close relationship with my grandmother, so I really love working with seniors," said Walker.
While attending college at Pennsylvania State University, Walker continued to work at Sunrise during her breaks.
"It was sometime then that I decided this was what I wanted to do with my career," she said.
In addition to working full time at Sunrise, Walker is pursuing a master’s degree in gerontology from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia.
She resides in Bristol, Pa.
"I want to make a difference in the lives of seniors," said Walker. "And Sunrise is a great place for that."
Sunrise Assisted Living is one of the nation’s oldest and largest providers of assisted living care for seniors.
Founded in 1981 by Paul and Terry Klaassen, Sunrise communities can be found throughout the country and are specially designed and furnished to meet the needs of senior citizens, according to Sunrise representatives.

