Christine “Chris” Smith and Robin Gordon were among the winners of VHCA-VCAL’s annual awards recognizing outstanding service to the profession.  Both have served on the VHCA-VCAL Board of Directors in recent years.  Chris was named the 2017 Assisted Living Administrator of the Year; Robin was one of the co-winners of the 2017 Director of Nursing of the Year award. 

PHOTOS

Assisted Living Administrator of the Year
Christine Smith, Heritage Green – Mechanicsville 

Chris has grown over time from a new administrator who shied away from controversy into a strong leader whose team members credit her for their personal growth and development.  They see her as a trusted leader, mentor, and friend.

She cares about every one of her residents like they are a member of her family. There are no limits to her efforts to make sure that her residents and their families are completely satisfied.

Over the past year, Chris led her community through a major renovation and the addition of 18 units.  She was at every project meeting, coordinated every building phase, and stayed on top of all the details with professionalism and a focus on maintaining the well-being of residents. 

In recent years she served on the association’s Board of Directors and the VCAL Committee.

Director of Nursing of the Year
Robin Gordon, The Terrace at Beth Sholom Village

Robin Gordon’s clinical leadership and knowledge of assisted living standards has helped her community consistently attain above average survey results including a recent three-year license following a zero deficiency survey in 2015 and only one non-nursing deficiency in 2016. Her approach to training and resident and family engagement endear her to all at The Terrace. 

Robin joined the team as an LPN and brings a wide range of skills to her work. She takes the time to get to know residents’ likes, dislikes, and medical needs. They consider her a “go to person” when an issue arises that needs management’s attention. 

Of note, she plans regular in-service training events, led the implementation of a new employee appreciation program, and helps families navigate difficult decisions about using hospice and palliative care when the time is right. 

Robin currently serves the association in her role as the Tidewater District Director and Chair of the VCAL Committee.