WOMEN OF STRENGTH™️: Ambassadors of Hope

In this edition of the campaign, we honor WOMEN OF STRENGTH™️ who are Ambassadors of Hope. We are celebrating six incredible healthcare workers who infuse HOPE into people’s lives every day, while being pillars of strength for those around them. These women have overcome unprecedented obstacles through the pandemic and persevered as leaders. Hope motivates positive action and influences a positive impact, and these women embody what it means to be an Ambassador of Hope. Discover their dynamic energy and inspirational stories.

New York, NY

Cathy is both a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Dementia Practitioner working at The Riverside Premier Rehabilitation and Healing Center in New York. She graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Dance Education at Lehman College in New York, and has been working in Therapeutic Recreation for over ten years. Cathy has been a board member of the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association for over three years, where she is responsible for legislation, advocacy, and public relations. Cathy’s mission is to give back to her community and be a bright light for anyone going through a difficult time. Her colleagues are inspired by the energy and positivity she brings to the workplace. In her spare time, she is a featured dancer in a performing arts company, involved in the Alzheimer’s Association, Breast Cancer Association, and with Point Fortin Originals, which promotes the advancement of people from her native country of Trinidad and Tobago.

Suffern, NY

Kelly is the Director of Nursing at The Willows at Ramapo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Kelly initially wanted to pursue teaching in elementary schools, but her big sister encouraged her to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother and pursue nursing. Kelly is seen by her colleagues as a pillar of strength and perseverance, with the belief that you can be provide the best care to your patients and your family without sacrificing either. With her grandmother as her life role model, she motivates those around her to be better versions of themselves.

Gallatin, TN

Adrienne is the Senior Administrator for CareRite Centers in Tennessee, and she has over 30 years of experience in healthcare, specifically in long term care. She began her path to a career in long term care as a volunteer at a very young age; she became passionate about healthcare after a personal family experience. Adrienne has a Master's Degree in Business Administration, and has been a licensed Nursing Home Administrator for over 23 years. She has served thousands of residents and employees with compassion and pride; she is proud to be a part of such a special and remarkable industry. Adrienne is also a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, and is driven to make a difference in the lives of the residents and employees that she has the privilege to serve. She is a proven leader, infusing joy, a bit of playfulness, and hope into a very challenging environment, with her faith playing a large role in giving her strength throughout the pandemic. Adrienne's mission is to make every day of life count through compassion, honesty, accountability, integrity, and respect.

Gallatin, TN

LaDeshia is the Regional Director of Concierge Services for CareRite Centers in Tennessee and Florida. With 22 years in healthcare, her natural ability to lead and anticipate needs of patients has received LaDeshia several promotions in the past few years. A natural nurturer, working with people is her passion. Prior to the pandemic, LaDeshia went back to school, not knowing what was to come. With three kids relying on her, as well, she pulled strength from places she didn’t know existed and pushed through with her support system by her side. A true leader, LaDeshia leads by example and tries to be the hope that she infuses into people’s lives through a positive mindset.

New York, NY

Caroll is the Director of Nursing at The Riverside Premier Rehabilitation and Healing Center in New York. She believes that long term care is her true calling, even at a young age she was always drawn to helping the elderly. She began her career at eighteen as a CNA while pursuing her BSN at Herbert Lehman College. She went on to receive her MSN with a concentration in Adult and Gerontological Nursing from Hunter College. She subsequently received her Board Certification in both areas from the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC). Caroll feels being dedicated and compassionate speaks volumes in itself, especially with working with the elderly, and that compassion can be clearly measured not only by what’s being said, but from our daily interactions with this specialized population; her positive spirit is always felt by all around her.

Brooklyn, NY

Christa is the Director of Human Resources at The Chateau at Brooklyn Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. She was drawn to healthcare through her grandmother’s experience in long term care. How she was cared for during that time left a lasting impact on Christa and set the tone for her career. Christa has great experience with supporting the senior population as she has over 11 years of professional practice in geriatrics. Prior to joining The Chateau team, she held roles of Engineering Office Manager, Executive Assistant, and Human Resources Manager in skilled nursing facilities throughout New York City. During the height of the pandemic, Christa was motivated to stay positive and provide encouragement, care and support to her team, through any challenge that arose.