Emma Smart
Reno,NV
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven Memory Care Director with over 18 years of experience specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Proven track record of maintaining high occupancy rates, achieving "Deficiency-Free" surveys, and implementing evidence-based programming that reduces fall rates and antipsychotic medication usage. Dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for residents, families, and caregiving teams.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Memory Support Director
Clearwater Living
Reno, NV
06.2025 - 12.2025
- Operational Leadership: Direct daily operations for a 38-unit dedicated memory care neighborhood, ensuring 100% compliance with state healthcare regulations.
- Quality Improvement: Spearheaded a "Person-Centered Care" initiative that resulted in a decrease in resident agitation behaviors and a reduction in staff turnover.
- Regulatory Success: Led the community through 1 annual state survey, achieving zero clinical deficiencies.
- Census Growth: Partnered with the marketing team to increase occupancy through community outreach and physician networking.
- Family Advocacy: Facilitated monthly support groups and educational seminars, increasing family involvement and satisfaction.
- Trained a team of 30+ Care staff and Med-Techs on Dementia Care Best Practices, including redirection techniques and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Mentorship: Actively worked on the floor to model compassionate care and de-escalation for Caregivers and Med-Techs.
- Tours & Marketing: Partnered with Sales to give expert-level tours to prospective families, explaining the unique benefits of the program.
- Risk Management: Monitored incidents (falls, skin tears, elopement risks) and implement corrective action plans.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff, promoting professional growth and retention.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Operations Manager
CLSN
Las Vegas, NV
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Managed diverse teams and coordinated multiple program operations to achieve strategic objectives.
- Program operations included providing rental assistance information from various federal and state programs.
- Coordinating resident services, and other assistance to ensure housing stability is retained.
- Overseeing programs for residents and managing food programs provided by third parties.
- Managed budget for each community.
- 3 Month contract
- Mentored junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Implemented training programs that improved team productivity and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with senior leadership on budget management and cost reduction initiatives across operations.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
Memory Care Director
The Trace
Covington, LA
03.2022 - 07.2024
- Staff Management and Training: Hired, trained, and supervised a dedicated memory care team including caregivers, nurses, and activity staff.
- Provided ongoing training on dementia care best practices, including communication techniques, behavioral management strategies, and safety protocols.
- Evaluated staff performances and addressed concerns related to resident care.
- Consistently communicated with resident's families regarding care.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss care plans and address questions.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to families navigating the challenges of dementia.
- Program Development and Implementation: Created and supervised a diverse schedule of engaging activities and programs designed to stimulate residents cognitively, socially, and physically.
- Resident Care Planning and Implementation: Assessed individual resident needs through comprehensive evaluations. Developing personalized care plans tailored to each resident's cognitive abilities and preferences.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans for residents with memory impairments.
- Led a team of caregivers to enhance daily living activities and emotional support.
- Established training programs to improve staff competency in memory care techniques.
- Collaborated with families to ensure alignment on care strategies and resident well-being.
- Conducted regular assessments of resident progress, adjusting care plans as needed.
- Fostered a safe, engaging environment through structured activities that promote cognitive function.
- Maintained a safe environment for residents by conducting regular safety audits and implementing necessary improvements.
- Improved resident quality of life by developing and implementing personalized care plans for each individual in the memory care unit.
- Established strong relationships with local healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive medical support for memory care residents when needed.
- Evaluated staffing needs regularly, adjusting schedules as necessary to maintain proper coverage while minimizing overtime costs.
- Coordinated community outreach events to raise awareness about Alzheimer''s disease, contributing to a more informed public understanding of dementia-related issues.
- Optimized memory care programming by staying current on emerging research, attending conferences, and participating in industry training sessions.
- Oversaw compliance with state regulations and quality standards in memory care services.
- Trained and supervised staff in best practices for memory care techniques and resident engagement.
- Conducted regular assessments to evaluate resident progress and adjust care plans accordingly.
- Facilitated staff meetings to discuss performance, challenges, and innovative approaches to memory care delivery.
- Achieved high levels of family satisfaction with regular updates on their loved ones'' progress and addressing concerns promptly.
- Managed budget effectively, ensuring adequate resources and supplies were available for memory care programming needs.
Memory Support Director
Lacombe Nursing Centre
Lacombe, LA
09.2016 - 12.2021
- Managed the daily operations of a memory care unit within a residential nursing community, ensuring residents with cognitive impairments received personalized care.
- Coordinated staff schedules, developing specialized activity programs, communicating with families, and monitoring resident health needs, all while adhering to relevant regulations and standards.
- Assessed individual resident needs and developed ISP's on admission, quarterly and when appropriate due to change in condition.
- Maintained accurate documentation of resident progress notes, medication administration records (MAR), incident reports, and other necessary paperwork.
- Conducted regular assessments of residents' cognitive abilities and physical health to monitor changes in condition or behavior patterns.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations by conducting routine audits of policies, procedures, and documentation practices.
Education
Bachelors - Healthcare Administration
Bangor University
Associates - Business Management
Bangor University
05.2002
Skills
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): PointClickCare, Epic, AHT, August Health
- Office Suite: Microsoft Excel (Budgeting), PowerPoint (Family Presentations)
- Relationship building
- People management
- Team management
- Staff development
Certification
- CPR/First Aid Certified
- Certified Medication Tech
- Dementia Training
- Certified Professional Activity Director NCCAP
Core Competencies
- Clinical Oversight: Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), Medication Management, Fall Prevention.
- Operational Excellence: Budget Management and Census Development.
- Leadership: Staff Recruitment & Training, Team Building, Conflict Resolution.
- Specialized Programming: Sensory Integration, Family Support Group Facilitation.
Timeline
Memory Support Director
Clearwater Living
06.2025 - 12.2025
Operations Manager
CLSN
08.2024 - 11.2024
Memory Care Director
The Trace
03.2022 - 07.2024
Memory Support Director
Lacombe Nursing Centre
09.2016 - 12.2021
Bachelors - Healthcare Administration
Bangor University
Associates - Business Management
Bangor University