The North Carolina Assisted Living Association (NCALA) recently hosted its 30th Annual Fall Conference in Winston-Salem. As part of the event, NCALA presented this year's winners of the Community Leadership Award and Hero Awards for individuals who represent the highest levels of excellence, caring, and dedication in senior living.
The award nominees are submitted by regional/company executives and executive directors of senior living communities from NCALA's more than 350 member communities, which collectively serve more than 15,000 seniors. The Community Leadership award is given to one executive director/administrator of a member assisted living community who is an ideal representative and role model for the thousands of executives leading senior living communities; they are responsible for providing overall leadership in the day-to-day operation of a senior living community.
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NCALA Community Leadership Award – Ryan Kelly Ryan fights for what he believes is best for his residents, team members, family and our company. He fully embodies the Ridge Care commitment to doing the right thing for the right reasons, no matter what. His compassion for his residents shows each time he partners with his team and every possible resource to help residents age in place, even when their needs get challenging. He has developed and fought for unique financial arrangements to help residents and families struggling to pay their bills. This has allowed some of these residents to remain at Carteret Landing throughout the end of their lives. His loyalty to his team is reflected in his continuous advocacy for fair pay, meaningful benefits, and a positive work culture day in and day out. He listens to his team and offers encouragement and advice when it is most needed. Ryan has two nicknames as he is known as “Mr. Smiles” and “Barbie Doll”. No matter what is going on in his day, he always walks through the building with a smile on his face and will engage with the team or residents to put a smile on theirs. He dresses up every holiday and event to the delight of the team members and residents. For the past year, Carteret Landing has been one of our highest census, highest revenue communities as Ryan has actively engaged with his team and with our other Executive Directors to do the same. His nominator stated, “In 20+ years in this business, I have rarely come across a better leader or person than Ryan Kelley. He brings an unyielding passion every day to make life better for his family, community, team members, and residents.” |
NCALA Hero Award – Asia Lockett Asia has been a dedicated and invaluable team member at Brookdale for over 13 years. She works the third shift, a time when families and managers are not present to witness the amazing things she does. However, her exceptional contributions do not go unnoticed. I often hear praise from residents and associates. In the kitchen, Asia’s passion for cooking shines through. She always seeks feedback on her meals, striving to provide the best dining experience for our residents. Her phrase, “I put my foot in it,” humorously signifies the exceptional quality of her cooking. Asia noticed that a resident had fallen multiple times while trying to get his morning coffee. Recognizing the pattern, Asia took it upon herself to start making his coffee early in the morning and communicated this practice to her colleagues, ensuring the resident’s safety even when she wasn’t there. This kind of proactive care is a hallmark of Asia’s approach. Asia’s commitment to her work has been unwavering, despite personal hardships. For years, she cared for her sick mother, who sadly passed. I am confident that her late mother would be immensely proud of the incredible work Asia continues to do. |
NCALA Hero Award – Rebecca Tester Her accountability is evident in her commitment to upholding the highest standards of care and professionalism. Her colleagues and supervisors alike trust her implicitly knowing that she can be relied upon to always act with integrity and diligence. She does everything possible to help residents stay connected in the community and to promote their independence. She also personally helps residents to decorate their living spaces and empowers residents to create a comfortable environment that reflects their individual preferences and personalities. One man that was a preacher his whole life was asked to lead the Memorial Services and Verterans Day Ceremonies hosted annually. Another resident was a history professor and was given the chance to lead activities, especially on historical holidays. As a 16-year employee, her willingness to step into any role as needed, reflecting her deep commitment to the community’s well-being, is what sets her apart. She recognizes and values the contributions of each team member. Her inclusive approach fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture. Her story isn’t just about a job; it’s about a profound sense of duty and compassion that drives her every action. On a cold Christmas day in 2022, our pipes burst and flooded the memory care unit. I sent out an SOS call to all managers knowing that everyone was just sitting down to Christmas dinner with their families. I wasn’t sure if anyone would be able to make it in the cold weather but that’s when I heard Rebecca say, “I am here. Where do you need me?” Rebecca’s journey exemplifies resilience and selflessness as her deep-rooted values and experiences define her remarkable character. Rebecca is the Hero to our Deerfield story at Navion Senior Solutions. |
NCALA Hero Award – Ellen Williams Ellen's story of why her chosen profession is to care for others: When I was 11 years old in Liberia, two elderly ladies would come by my house frequently. They asked me to help take care of them. I ran errands for them, washed their clothes, and bathed them in a wash tub. My parents found out and demanded I stop. I could not as they needed help. My parents would whip me for not listening. I had to sneak to help them before I went to school. I came here to the US and went to CNA school as I worked near the airport as a housekeeper. I had a dream, and I was told to work in a group home for seniors. My daughter has a friend that worked for Brookdale, and she recommended me for a position. I have been at Brookdale for 11 years. Ellen upholds dignity through empathy and patience. She demonstrates this by listening to residents and providing encouragement especially to those who may feel embarrassed or frustrated due to their limitations. She volunteers outside of work to aid homeless men and women, seniors with addiction, and others through her church. |
NCALA Hero Award – Sandie Ratcliffe Sandie leads and serves with heart and character. She greets everyone who comes into the community with a genuine smile and makes them feel welcome. She supports the whole team and will jump in and help in any area if there are call outs or issues with kitchen/dining/activities. She has never refused to help and always goes above and beyond in her job responsibilities. Whether it’s a lightbulb that needs replacing, a dirty bathroom, or a resident’s hair that is not combed, she immediately takes care of it. There is a resident who has impaired vision but knows that she can come to Sandie for any immediate questions or concerns. Her daughter speaks with Sandie, discusses things about the resident that worry her, and Sandie offers her comfort and reassurance. Sandie has these kinds of relationships with many families here at Spring Arbor. She often changes a team member’s or resident’s course of day through listening, compassion, and her simple acts of kindness. |
NCALA sincerely appreciates the generosity of Ridge Care and Jonathan Riddle, photographer for Ridge Care, who produced the Hero Award videos.
