Rainbow Executive Director Named to Board

Our Executive Directors are incredibly talented people. Recently Tina Bundtrock, the Executive Director of The Rainbow Senior Living in Great Falls was named to an impressive board position.  The Governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer appointed Tina to the Montana State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB).

“I am so honored to be appointed to this board by the Governor. I look forward to serving the state of Montana, a place I love to call home,” said Tina.

The State Workforce Investment Board is responsible for advising the Governor on the creation, implementation and continuous improvement of a comprehensive statewide workforce development system, designed to train the maximum number of unemployed and underemployed Montanans as possible. It offers advice and decisions made by citizen boards and councils to help make Montana a better place to live and work. Her term runs through July 1, 2013.

Congratulations Tina!

Happy Holidays!

From the desk of Chris Kasulka -

One of best aspects of this time of year is the opportunity we allow ourselves to take time to reflect. When I think about 2011, the overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude.

I have gratitude that once again we have grown, adding several wonderful communities to our family of managed properties. Gratitude that all the hard work performed by the ISL team makes a difference in the lives of our residents and their families.  And gratitude in the trust and loyalty you all have shown us.

I am grateful for the many accomplishments achieved by ISL In 2011.  We were recognized for our significant growth in the last year.  The American Senior Housing Association’s (ASHA) 50 Survey acknowledged that ISL was the leading management company to have posted the greatest percentage increase in the number of units managed between 2010 and 2011. We added 2,130 units, which equates to a 77% increase for the year. This is the second year that ISL’s growth has been recognized. In 2010, Inc. magazine ranked ISL in the top 5000 of the “Fastest Growing Companies in America.”

Looking at the year ahead, I am extremely excited about the opportunities we have to make it a wonderful year. With our incredible staff of committed professionals, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field, ISL will continue to excel and innovate. I’m honored you are part of that journey!

So thank you to all of you for your commitment to your community, residents and fellow team members. We wish you all a fantastic holiday season, full of cheer, family, fun and warmth.

And it wouldn’t be the holidays without a little fun!  Santa Claus visited The Arbors recently (well, it was one of Santa’s helpers – the bus driver dressed as Santa) to hand out gifts to all the residents.  Needless to say this resident loved hers!

Best of The Best!

We are pleased to announce the Best of the Best winner for November!  Norman Johnson, Bus Driver for Carson Valley Senior Living.  Norman is Carson Valley Senior Living’s best asset.  He is a retired California Highway Patrol Officer and has been driving the van and bus for the last ten years – without any tickets, accidents or complaints!  Whether it is to medical appointments or outings or events, Norman is timely, efficient, and friendly.  He knows every resident by name and every doctor’s office in Douglas County; he is quite knowledgeable of Nevada’s history which makes for some entertaining scenic rides as well.  Norman is also Carson Valley Senior Living’s very own Santa Claus.  Each year he dresses up and hands out presents to all the residents.  He says something special about each resident as he passes out the gifts and brings a smile to everyone’s face.  Congratulations Norman – You are the Best of The Best!

Norman is pictured here with Jason Engelhorn, Regional Director of Operations and his ED Patrick Ward.

We would also like to congratulate our regional winners, Christian Gutierrez from Whittier Place and Keelie Hoaglin from Mountain Ridge.

ISL thanks all of our Bus Drivers for their commitment to our residents, fellow team members and our communities.

Best of The Best!

Laura Guerrero of Cypress Place is The Best of the Best for the month of October!   Laura started her career at Cypress Place in 2006 as a caregiver. Laura quickly demonstrated the detail oriented skills needed for a Medtech position and has been a true asset to our community since day one.

Laura uses her technical knowledge on a daily basis to provide the top-notch quality work Cypress Place is known for.  If she doesn’t know something she makes it her job to not only find out about it but to share that information with her team members as well.

Laura understands that our family members, staff, doctors, residents and her coworkers are all our clients, and treats them with kindness and respect.  Her communication skills enhance her job duties and Laura is known for being an especially good listener.  She practices the golden rule of treating others as she would like to be treated, even under the most challenging circumstances.

Laura is a team player who will change her work schedule when help is needed and has an upbeat, positive attitude each and every day.  Not only does she work hard to make each day the best it can be for our residents, but she volunteers to train new staff members and has a smile and word of encouragement for her coworkers whenever needed.

Laura is a steady and guiding hand in her community, whose inner brightness, caring and generosity radiates out to all those she comes into contact with. Congratulations Laura – You are The Best of the Best!

We would also like to congratulate Griselda Diaz from Regency of Evergreen Valley, Monica Antonio from Paramount House, Tami McFarland from Cottonbloom and Alicia Rist from Quail Ridge as the regional winners for October.

ISL thanks all of our Med Techs for their commitment to our residents, fellow team members and communities.

ISL News!

We have some very exciting news to share with everyone.  There are changes taking place in ISL’s senior management team. Chris Kasulka has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operating Officer for ISL, and Tracee DeGrande has been promoted to President/Chief Financial Officer.  Our wonderful leader for the last 10 years, Sue Farrow, who previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President will assume the role as our Executive Chairman.    All of these changes become effective on January 1, 2012.

“These promotions recognize the strong contributions and leadership that both employees have made to the growth and success of ISL,” adds Sue.  “It is the natural progression of the changes the company has been undergoing for the past 12-18 months.  Both Chris and Tracee have been taking the lead in the company’s operations and day-to-day activities for some time.”

As Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operating Officer, Chris will be responsible for overseeing the company’s operations, interacting with the various owners and ownership groups as well as helping develop new business opportunities for ISL.

“Sue and I have worked very closely together over the past seven years. We have assembled a team of the industries’ best and brightest and it has been a joy to witness the growth and success we have all shared.”

As President/Chief Financial Officer, Tracee will continue to oversee the company’s financial matters and long-term financial strength, partner with Chris to coordinate and interact with our various ownership groups, identify new business opportunities and negotiate the company’s role in these ventures.

“I’ve had the good fortune to have worked in senior housing for most of my career, and feel that everything I’ve accomplished has prepared me for this role,” said Tracee.

Be on the lookout for Sue!  With this change, Sue will be traveling to our communities helping maintain the culture and reputation that we have all worked so hard to create.

In her new role as Executive Chairman/Owner, Sue will also remain active in business development and she will be a key member of the Due Diligence team as we explore new business contracts.

Here is to a fabulous 2012, Congratulations!

ISL Team Members Honored at CALA

We are proud to say that once again ISL-community team members were honored for their outstanding service. Recently at the 2011 California Assisted Living Association (CALA) Fall Conference, Charlie Bloom of Vista Village was named Outstanding Executive Director and Thomas “TJ” Lynch of The Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care as Outstanding Team Member.

CALA twice a year chooses recipients of these awards based on commitment to providing outstanding, quality care and service to residents in the assisted living communities where they work.

Charlie joined Vista Village located in Vista, California in 2010 as Executive Director. He has worked in assisted living and skilled nursing for over thirty years, with a tremendous track record of successful business management. His commitment to resident satisfaction is unparalleled, and he enjoys participating in enhancing residents’ quality of life whenever possible. He’s often seen playing drums or his washboard during “Family Nights.” Charlie continually gives back to the community-at-large by providing fundraising activities and sponsorships for multiple organizations. Most recently, he partnered with Harrah’s Casino to revitalize an old greenhouse at Vista Village that will provide vegetables and herbs for a local food bank.

TJ joined The Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care located in San Diego five years ago. He has spent his entire work life in Assisted Living, starting as a dishwasher when he was just sixteen years old. Now, twenty years later, he is a wonderful cook who constantly receives high praise from residents, while also having great rapport with residents, family members and team members alike. Thomas is described as having a true passion for seniors. Being big and strong, he’s often called upon to assist other team members, and he never hesitates, no matter the task.

Congratulations Charlie and TJ from the entire ISL family!

ISL Tops the ASHA Top 50

Does it seem like ISL just keeps getting bigger?  Well, over the last year, we certainly have!  ISL was recently recognized by the American Senior Housing Association’s (ASHA) recent top 50 listing for posting the greatest percentage increase in the number of units managed between 2010 and 2011.  ISL added 2,130 units during the year to its managed portfolio, which equates to a 77% increase for the year. WOW!  We couldn’t have done it without all the support from each of our communities and all of our employees.  We have earned a fantastic reputation in the market for the outstanding care and service we provide to our residents and our exceptional company culture that we live by every day.  Thank you to everyone at ISL for your continued support as we grow.  Looking forward to what the new year brings!

Music Program at Cranbrook of Tustin

When ISL began managing what is now Cranbrook of Tustin, the building underwent a complete remodel.  After the re-model, the one item that remained at the community was a beautiful baby grand piano.  Many of our residents loved both children and music and we wanted to find an activity to combine the two.  A local piano teacher approached Mairene, our activity director, and inquired about her students playing for the residents.   Mairene, knew the residents would love it!

We started out by having local children come at Halloween time dressed in costumes to put on a recital for the residents.  The living room was packed with residents, children and their parents all enjoying the show.  The residents absolutely loved it!  The children started coming more often to play for the residents and the residents thought it would be a great idea after each recital to throw a party for the children out in the courtyard.  The residents had a great time getting ready for the event, planning games and filling candy bags for all the children.

A few months into the program we received a phone call from the piano teacher inquiring about our assisted living services for her elderly uncle.  We are happy to say that he is now a resident of Cranbrook of Tustin and he enjoys the recitals his niece and students put on for the community.

We have also received interest from other families in the group and have done a couple of respite stays.  The children enjoy performing for the residents, the residents have a great time at the recitals and after parties, and we get to help local families in need of our services.  We are so happy to have the group as part of our program here at Cranbrook of Tustin!

 

Thank you to our Guest Blogger Amy Bloomfield, CMD, from Cranbrook of Tustin for her story!

Best of the Best!

Marta Villavicencio is a Caregiver at Claremont Place where she has worked for the last four and a half years.  She has a joyful spirit that is felt by all.  Marta goes above and beyond in the care of her residents.  She is quick to identify a change in condition and notifies her ALD immediately.  She is easily adaptable to any situation and has gone on many “journeys” with confused residents and helps finds way to divert any anxiety residents may have.  Sometimes it is accomplished through conversation, singing, or just simply listening. If a co-worker calls off, no matter the shift, if Marta is available to work, she does.  Marta consistently helps other departments; she helps with activities, serves refreshments, helps with set up and clean up for events and has even been seen plunging toilets and doing laundry as needed.  Marta always introduces herself with a smile when tours come in and also helps keep the model rooms tour ready.  Marta does not need to be asked; she has a servant’s heart and simply does what needs doing.  Congratulations to Marta!  You are the Best of the Best! 

Regional winners for Best of the Best Caregiver include:

Mary Perez from Regency Place, Morena Barber from The Stratford Phoenix, John Dotterweich from The Rainbow, and Victoria Garcia from Emerald Springs.

Thank you to Marta and all of the ISL caregivers for your commitment to our residents, fellow team members and our communities.  We couldn’t do it without you all!

Marta is pictured here with her ALD, Cathy Wentworth

2011 Executive Director’s Conference

On September 12^th all the ISL Executive Directors gathered for 3 days in downtown San Diego for the annual Executive Director conference.  This years meeting “News You Can Use” focused on ideas and tools for the ED’s to take back to their communities to implement and share with their team.  Sue, Chris, and Tracee properly kicked the meeting off with a little “fun” and reminded us all about the importance of having fun at ISL and in our communities.  After the kickoff, teams were divided up by region for an Urban Challenge Race.  Teams raced around downtown San Diego following clues, participating in challenges, and racing for the fastest time.  The event was a great way to start off the meeting and a whole lot of FUN!  The next two days were filled with valuable information with presentations from the Human Resources, Accounting,  and the Regional Assisted Living and Marketing Directors.  ED’s had time to share their community successes and ideas at our round table trade show and to brainstorm on some of the tough scenarios our communities face each day.   Each year the meeting room gets bigger as we continue we grow.  We look forward to next years meeting, seeing the room get bigger and having more FUN!  Thank you to all at ISL who planned the great event and to all the ED’s for attending, participating and keeping the ISL culture alive in your communities every day.

The winning team of the Urban Challenge Race is pictured here “rocking out” at the Hard Rock Hotel during one of the challenges.