Every Mission Health community has its own rhythm — a steady, daily cadence shaped by leaders who bring people together with compassion, purpose, and heart. LTC Administrator Week is a special opportunity to recognize the individuals who set that rhythm. Through their leadership, teams stay aligned, residents feel at home, and families feel confident in the care their loved ones receive.
Across our communities, administrators foster positive cultures, encourage teamwork, and live out Mission Health’s CARES values — Character, Attitude, Respect, Excellence, and Service. Their commitment creates environments where staff feel supported, residents feel valued, and excellence in care becomes the natural rhythm of daily life.
Building Cultures Where People Feel Valued
A positive culture doesn’t happen by chance. It grows through consistent leadership, transparent communication, and a genuine commitment to recognizing the contributions of others.
For Carla Royer at Lansing Care & Rehab, culture begins with being present and approachable.
“I promote a positive culture by leading with consistency and respect. I work on being accessible to staff, residents, and families. We recognize team members for clinical excellence and for providing excellent care. We work toward a culture of support and appreciation.”
Similarly, Steve Erskin at Kaw River Care & Rehab believes visibility and encouragement are essential to building trust.
“I work on being visible, approachable, and consistent. I round daily with staff and residents, celebrate wins publicly, and address concerns privately and respectfully.”
At Pittsburg Care & Rehab, Whitney McLeod focuses on communication and gratitude as the foundation for strong morale.
“I promote a positive culture in our building by leading with respect, communication, and appreciation for the work everyone does each day.”
And for Linda Watson at Rolling Hills Health & Rehab, culture is reinforced when leaders consistently model the behaviors they expect from others.
“If staff see leadership living the CARES values and leading by example day to day, I think it helps promote a healthy and positive culture.”
Together, these leaders cultivate environments where staff feel appreciated, supported, and connected — creating communities that move in rhythm toward shared goals.
Strengthening Teamwork Across Departments
Exceptional care is never the work of one department alone. It requires coordination, communication, and collaboration across the entire team. Administrators play a vital role in ensuring every department works together seamlessly for the benefit of residents.
Royer emphasizes that teamwork begins with understanding shared impact.
“Reinforcing that every department impacts resident outcomes.”
McLeod believes collaboration grows when every team member feels heard and valued.
“Encouraging teamwork across departments starts with creating opportunities for collaboration and making sure every team member feels heard and valued.”
At Eskridge Care & Rehab, KC Locher encourages a mindset shift that strengthens team unity.
“Switching the ‘me’ to ‘we’ can help shift the culture to a team-oriented view. I remind my staff that we are all in this together and everything that we do is for the benefit of our residents.”
When departments work together with a shared purpose, care becomes more coordinated, communication becomes stronger, and residents receive the comprehensive support they deserve.
Living the CARES Values Every Day
Mission Health’s CARES values — Character, Attitude, Respect, Excellence, and Service — serve as guiding principles across every community. These values are more than words; they shape the culture, decisions, and daily interactions that define the Mission Health experience.
Our CARES values set the baseline for what we expect from every employee and the energy they bring to work each day. They are what set Mission Health apart from other skilled nursing and assisted living organizations.
Royer explains that leadership example is key.
“I ensure the CARES values are lived daily, not just posted on a wall. When leadership consistently models these behaviors, the team follows.”
McLeod sees those values reflected in how staff care for residents and support one another.
“The CARES Values show up in our community through the way we support one another. We treat residents like family and stay committed to doing the right thing even when it’s challenging.”
For Dan Laffery of Botkin Care & Rehab and Wellington Health & Rehab, integrity remains central to living the CARES values.
“Let your yes’s mean yes, your no’s mean no, and if you don’t know, say so.”
By modeling integrity, compassion, accountability, and service, administrators ensure CARES values remain woven into the fabric of daily life across Mission Health communities.
A Shared Calling to Serve with Mission Health
Behind every administrator is a personal journey — one often rooted in a desire to lead with purpose and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Erskin recalls being drawn to Mission Health’s strong leadership support and development opportunities.
“I was drawn to Mission Health because of its strong operational support and emphasis on leadership development. The support available is tremendous.”
For McLeod, Mission Health’s values closely aligned with her own reasons for entering healthcare.
“What led me to Mission Health was the opportunity to be part of an organization that truly prioritizes compassion, integrity, and service — values that align with why I chose to work in healthcare in the first place.”
Megan Sellman of Parkway Care & Rehab was inspired by the organization’s commitment to investing in people.
“I was drawn to Mission Health because they invest in their people — pushing them, supporting them, and giving them the resources to grow both personally and professionally.”
From in-house CNA and CMA courses to leadership development through DiscoverU, Mission Health has helped hundreds of employees grow in their careers while continuing to deliver exceptional care to residents and families.
There is truly something for everyone within the organization to learn, grow, and become even greater.
Leading with Heart
Across Mission Health communities, administrators lead with compassion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to those they serve. Their influence extends far beyond operations and policies — shaping environments where dignity, kindness, and teamwork define the resident and staff experience.
Nicole Gupton of Chase County Care & Rehab reflects on the deeper meaning behind long-term care leadership.
“Long-term care is not just about providing services — it’s about providing dignity, compassion, and a place that feels like home.”
And at Eskridge, Locher reminds teams that success is built on unity.
“We are all in this together and everything that we do is for the benefit of our residents.”
These voices represent the steady rhythm of Mission Health leadership — one grounded in service, teamwork, and values that put people first.
During LTC Administrator Week, we proudly recognize the administrators who guide with heart, inspire excellence, and create communities residents are proud to call home. Their leadership strengthens teams, uplifts residents, and ensures Mission Health continues moving forward together — connected in rhythm and united in care.
