Kelly Burns, Riverview Manor’s current DOC, will step into the new position once someone is hired to replace her. The three-year Riverview employee says becoming administrator was a professional goal, one that was confirmed when she attended a recent leadership session offered through OMNI.

“Ever since the Robin Sharma (training) I just looked at where I wanted to be and where I am now,” Kelly says.

“I guess you can say it’s reaching for the stars and starting to dream.”

Kelly will begin administrator training with home office’s Candace Chartier this week. She’ll also attend her first communities of practice meeting for administrators today. The new administrator will soon begin a mentoring program with home office’s Pat Powers.

OMNI CEO Fraser Wilson says he has confidence in Kelly, who has demonstrated her leadership skills in the past by stepping up to the mark on her own initiative. He says Kelly has also taken advantage of every education opportunity OMNI has offered.

“Kelly has demonstrated her commitment to constantly bettering herself, her skills and her knowledge,” says Fraser.

“She is also a strong and committed believer in the OMNIway (OMNI’s mission, vision and values).” Fraser says Kelly has a genuine concern for residents and staff and he’s certain she can “take Riverview to new heights.”

Kelly says she’s a hands-on person and will continue to be on the floor in addition to in her office. She anticipates taking on the admissions process and connecting with residents’ families.

Kelly says in her new role she’ll strive to create more of a homelike environment at Riverview, one that’s warm and welcoming to those who enter the building.

The new administrator says she would also like to create more unison between the home’s different departments and “more of a true family concept in the home.”

Since accepting the new position, Kelly says she has received support from her colleagues at Riverview and congratulations from administrators and DOCs at other OMNI homes. She says family members have too expressed their good wishes. “It’s just so heart-warming,” says Kelly.

The advertisement for a new DOC hit the local newspaper on the weekend and Kelly expects to be involved in the hiring process. She’s optimistic about Riverview’s future.

“We’re looking forward to the new year. I know it will be a great year.”