Administrator says mentors, education, OMNI experience have prepared her for new role
Friday October 26, 2007 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Part two of a two-part series
Carolyn Della Foresta says several mentors, her years of experience with OMNI Health Care, and a course for administrators have prepared her for her new role as administrator at Garden Terrace in Kanata.

Beginning as a nurse’s aide at Almonte Country Haven 16 years ago, Della Foresta went on to become a life enrichment co-ordinator at Forest Hill in 2001 before becoming administrator earlier this month.

“I would say being an administrator first occurred to me about six and a half years ago when we opened Forest Hill,” says Della Foresta, who was involved from the get-go in getting that home up and running. “I thought at that time that this is something I would like to do at some point.”

This past year she decided she was ready to get her administrator certification as required by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

She chose to complete a certification course for administrators offered through the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Nurses.

“I’m very young and I haven’t been in a senior management position such as a director of care. I felt the education component to be absolutely essential to my success,” she says. “I would hate to be in a position such as an administrator could be in and not have that education behind me, not have an answer because I hadn’t prepared myself.”

Della Foresta says the course was a fabulous opportunity to learn as well as meet other people in the sector.

Sarah Ferguson-McLaren, administrator at Forest Hill, encouraged her complete the course. She also mentored Della Foresta for over 20 months, something the Garden Terrace administrator says has given her a greater sense of readiness for her new role as well.

“My confidence in walking into this is greatly due to the fact that I have watched a great administrator. I’ve been able to learn firsthand from a fabulous administrator who is strong and who is caring and who runs a very excellent home.

“Sarah knows the residents, she knows the families, she knows the staff. I’ve learned so much from her in regards to building a strong team and being a member of a strong team.”

Della Foresta says her own mother, who retired from Almonte Country Haven as an administrator, has also been an important role model for her.

“I consider her a great resource as well. I’ve always been able to go to her and bounce things off her, knowing that she has a wealth of background and experience.”

When Della Foresta told her mother she was planning to apply for the Garden Terrace administrator position, her mother offered her words of advice, caution, and encouragement.

“I think she just wanted to make sure that I did want something this big. Did I really want to start with something like this? I said, ‘Yeah, I feel ready, due to you, OMNI, and Sarah.’”

Della Foresta is looking forward to a bright future at Garden Terrace.

“It’s a beautiful home. There are beautiful people here, really kind and caring people. I’ve already seen staff go well out of their way with residents and helping families and residents. I’m really excited about the future.”

To read part one, click here.