Natural Born Leader
Left to Right: Amanda Peters, Bob Speelman, Kanitra BrownJune 26, 2019NOTE: This story was taken from the blog of Foundations Health leader Bob Speelman. Each week Bob works at one of his facilities in different roles such as housekeeping, or as a nursing assistant, to bring A Culture of Care.
I spent the yesterday at Veranda Gardens, our 113-bed facility in Cincinnati. Amanda Peters is the new administrator there, she has been on the job a whole seven days but is excited to move the team there to the next level. One of those team members who is already on a whole other level is Kanitra Brown. Kanitra is 40 years old, has been an STNA for almost 20 years, and either speed walks for fun or only has one gear. The lady moves!
At one point I ran to get her something and she was gone. I asked one of the residents if they knew where she went and they pointed down the hall. A few minutes later, Kanitra come by smiling and said the resident asked her, "how you like that man following you around? He was looking for you." We laughed and got back at it.
Kanitra said she become an STNA because she wanted to help people. She loves what she does and in fact, told me her daughter also became an STNA several years back and loves it as well. When I asked the residents what makes Kanitra such a good aide; "She's always nice. She's Patient. She's a wonderful lady. She loves us."
Kanitra is both an amazing caregiver and leader. She leads by example and speaks up when things are done right. It all comes from a good place - a desire to give her residents the very best. She loves working at Veranda and wants to see the facility be the best. That takes an entire team of individuals that buy into our companies Culture of Care and work together day in and day out to give our residents the very best. Kanitra is committed to doing her part and leading the way.
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly."
— Jim Rohn
Kanitra – You strike the perfect balance! You are an amazing woman and I absolutely loved my time with you. Your leadership skills are amazing. We are very lucky to have a caregiver and leader like you working for us.