About Us

St. Anne's Assisted Living Facility

We are a Christ-centered senior living facility for those nearing eternity — a place of prayer, dignity, and belonging.

Located adjacent to Reitano Vineyards in Front Royal, VA, this retirement center boasts stunning views and a warm atmosphere.

To Everything There is a Season

Our Story

Meet the Founder

Shelly Lynn Cook, RN

In 1998, at just 29 years old, I opened the doors to what was first known as Loving Arms. My faith has always been the foundation of my life. Long before I even knew this home existed, I knew I was called to serve others, to love people well, to walk alongside them, and to care for them with compassion and grace. That calling didn’t begin in a moment; it has always lived in my heart.

When I started Loving Arms, I was walking through one of the hardest seasons of my life. I had experienced deep personal loss with my husband, mother, grandfather, and grandmother. I leaned fully on my faith that I’ve always carried. It was that faith that gave me the strength to keep going and the purpose to pour into others, even in the midst of my own grief. Loving Arms became the place that God used to restore me. What began as a place of care quickly became something much more. It became a home.

The people who came through these doors were never just residents to me; they were family. We shared meals, laughter, quiet conversations, and they helped raise my children, moments that all mattered. It became a place where people were not only cared for, but truly known and deeply loved.

Years later, I stepped away, trusting that the chapter had come to a close and that what had been built would carry on. But over time, I felt it in my heart that something was missing. I missed the life in the halls. I missed the quiet prayers and bedside moments. I missed walking alongside people in some of the most meaningful seasons of their lives. I missed the calling that God had never taken from me. So, when the opportunity came to return, I turned to prayer, not for a business decision, but for direction. And the answer was clear: Return. Restore. Rebuild. And so I have.

Not A Beginning
— A Return

St. Anne’s Loving Arms is not a new beginning, it is a return to the heart of what I have always been called to do. This home is rooted in faith, guided by love, and built on a livelong commitment to care for others with dignity, compassion and grace.

Named for St. Anne, a symbol of faith, strength and generational love. This home reflects everything I believe in and everything I have poured my life into. Here you are not just cared for.

You are known. You are valued. You are loved.

Shelly Cook - St. Anne's Assisted Living

St. Anne's Assisted Living and Memory Care Center Shenandoah Valley

Meet The Team

Shelly Cook

Founder & Owner

scook@stanneslovingarms.com

Shelly Cook is the founder and returning owner of Loving Arms, which she originally opened in 1998. Her love for the Lord and care for others has led her to restore the nursing home, now known as St. Anne's. Shelly also owns the beautiful Reitano Vineyards, which St. Anne's is nestled beside. She is returning to senior living with a full heart, ready to share God's love with those nearing eternity.

Jason Long

Executive Director

jlong@stanneslovingarms.com

Jason Long serves as the Executive Director of Shenandoah Senior Living, bringing years of proven leadership in health care operations and senior services. A retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major, Jason is known for his integrity, team-building skills, and mission-focused approach to organizational excellence. Before joining Shenandoah Senior Living, he successfully led skilled nursing communities through significant performance improvements, raising CMS ratings through sound leadership, staff engagement, and a commitment to quality outcomes. Jason holds a Master’s degree in Executive Leadership in Business from Liberty University and is dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion and accountability. A proud resident of the Shenandoah Valley, Jason and his family live within the community he serves—strengthening his personal connection and commitment to the residents, families, and team members who call Shenandoah Senior Living home.

Jessica Radford

Sales Director

jradford@stanneslovingarms.com

Jessica spent the past 16 years working in both sales and the medical field. Throughout her career, her greatest passion has always been caring for the elderly. She truly loves what she does and takes pride in making every resident feel comfortable, valued, and right at home. "To me, our residents are more than those we serve—they are family. This community is my home away from home, and I am honored to be part of their daily lives."

Resident Stories

April Stinson Ross

My mother, Evelyn Stinson, was a resident of Loving Arms Assisted Living Facility from 2004 to 2007. She had dementia, and her care became more than her family could adequately provide. Deciding to have her placed in a facility was extremely difficult for us, but after much prayer, consideration, and research, we chose Loving Arms. After settling into this wonderful facility, she was happier and more content than she had been in her own home.

Shelly Cook was a lifesaver to us and treated my mother and all the residents like her own family. The facility was very clean and had state of the art equipment. The food was wonderful, especially in summer, as she always served fresh local produce and fruit. The activities were abundant and so much fun. The residents loved the sunroom with a plethora of windows overlooking the pond and mountains. Shelly installed a large screen television and popcorn machine for old movie days. The residents looked forward to Bingo and crafts, and many outside speakers came to play music and minister. She had a chapel with church services weekly as well.

Shelly always had an open-door policy. Our family was absolutely welcome to visit any time, day or night, without notice. My brother, sister, and I checked on her often at all hours just to give ourselves peace of mind that she was being treated well. We went early morning, afternoon, evening, and even in the middle of the night a few times. We were never ever disappointed.

Shelly decorated for every holiday, and Christmas was over the top with fun festivities. She had big summer outdoor barbecues and invited all the families to join. Shelly always had her finger on the pulse of every resident. She tucked them in at night, sat by their bedside, and sang to them. Her staff were all loving, caring, and qualified.

When my mother’s condition declined, and she became bedridden, she never once had a skin rash or was in discomfort. They patiently fed her, dressed her up, fixed her hair, and gave her so many hugs.

When my mother’s last days drew near, Shelly kept us fully informed and was by her side with us to her very last breath.