Every morning, Tily Sayeh rises with a singular mission to make a measurable impact.

And as skilled nursing administrator at Cypress Cove, a senior living community in Fort Myers, she’s uniquely positioned to do just that.

Sayeh is responsible for supervising, planning, developing, monitoring and maintaining the highest standards of care across all departments in The Lodge, Cypress Cove’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. Her responsibilities span regulatory compliance, financial oversight, team development and resident relations. Her journey to this leadership role began in high school and accelerated at Florida Gulf Coast University.

“I’ve always been drawn to helping people, and healthcare felt like a natural path where I could make a meaningful difference,” says Sayeh, who graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in health science. “What really pulled me in was the opportunity to serve seniors — who are often our most vulnerable population.

“Seniors face a unique combination of challenges that make them especially vulnerable. Many are living with chronic conditions, cognitive decline or physical limitations that affect their independence. They’re also more likely to experience social isolation, financial insecurity and difficulty navigating the healthcare system. These factors can lead to gaps in care, increased hospitalization and a diminished quality of life if not addressed properly.

“In long-term care settings, we have the chance to advocate for them, ensure their dignity is preserved and create environments where they feel safe, respected and valued. That’s what motivates me every day.”

Sense of community, purpose at FGCU

Sayeh originally wanted to be a physical therapist, but that changed when she started working in dining services at Cypress Cove as a teenager in 2012. She eventually moved up to a supervisory role for a year before taking an administrative assistant position, which introduced her to operations.

When she decided to pursue a degree at FGCU, she was aided significantly by a scholarship program for Cypress Cove employees supported by resident-donated funds. The Anne Tatler Scholarship was named in honor of a longtime resident of The Lodge. “I had the pleasure of getting to know her and serve her,” Sayeh says.

FGCU fostered a sense of community and purpose in her life, she says. She was surrounded by peers who were passionate about making a difference in healthcare, and that environment pushed her to aim higher. The university’s emphasis on service-learning and interdisciplinary collaboration helped her develop the leadership and communication skills that she believes are essential in her field today.

Her most thought-provoking and impactful course was “Health Care Leadership,” taught by former Lee Health CEO Jim Nathan.

“He encouraged us to think critically about the kind of leaders we wanted to be and how we could make a meaningful impact in our communities,” she says. “His presence in the classroom made the healthcare landscape feel more tangible and accessible. It was powerful to learn from someone who had shaped healthcare in our region and who genuinely cared about mentoring the next generation of leaders. That course helped solidify my passion for healthcare administration and gave me a clearer vision of how I could contribute to the field.”

One of the most tangible benefits of her degree was that it qualified her for the accelerated Administrator in Training program through the Florida Board of Nursing Home Administrators. Because her degree was healthcare-related, Sayeh was eligible for a six-month, 1,000-hour program instead of the standard 2,000-hour track. That significantly shortened her path to licensure and allowed her to step into leadership roles more quickly.

“Beyond that, FGCU’s health science program gave me a strong foundation in healthcare systems, ethics and public health — knowledge that I apply every day as a skilled nursing administrator,” she says. “The curriculum was rigorous but practical, and the faculty were incredibly supportive. They didn’t just teach theory — they brought real-world experience into the classroom, which helped me understand how to navigate the complexities of healthcare management.”

FGCU a pipeline for healthcare leaders

Sayeh is one of many Marieb College of Health & Human Services graduates who are helping fill a critical need for healthcare workers and leaders in Southwest Florida — especially in skilled nursing and rehabilitation settings.

“We’re seeing a growing gap in bedside nursing, as many RNs are advancing their careers to become nurse practitioners,” she says. “While that progression is admirable, it leaves a shortage of experienced floor nurses who are essential for delivering hands-on, day-to-day care to patients with complex needs.

“In addition to the clinical shortage, there’s also a lack of awareness about the opportunities within long-term care. Many people entering the healthcare field don’t fully understand the scope, impact or career potential in this sector. That’s where I see a real opportunity to bridge the gap — by creating more structured internships, clinical rotations and exposure opportunities for students and early-career professionals. When people experience the environment firsthand, they often realize how rewarding and dynamic long-term care can be.

“As an administrator, I actively support partnerships with local schools and training programs to bring students into our facilities. It’s not just about filling roles — it’s about cultivating a workforce that’s passionate, prepared and equipped to meet the needs of our aging population. With Southwest Florida’s large and growing senior demographic, investing in this pipeline is more important than ever.”

And Sayeh is right in the middle of it.