Sarah Maxim Gerard
Sparta,MI
Summary
Motivated professional brings strong leadership and planning talents. Proven skills in building and directing strong teams to achieve challenging objectives. Deep understanding of industry practices and market conditions. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Dedicated individual and team player dedicated to a mission serving others
Overview
1
1
Certification
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Operations Director/Memory Care Director
Baruch Senior Ministries
Grand Rapids, MI
03.2024 - 06.2026
- Developed regional operational strategies that improved service delivery across multiple senior living communities.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations through staff training and regular audits.
- Managed regional budgets, resource allocation, and staffing plans effectively.
- Collaborated with site administrators to create and implement policies that improved resident care, engaged staff, and enhanced operational performance.
- Resolved complex operational issues by providing support to management teams.
- Enhanced memory care initiative across multiple sites, focusing on best practices and improved resident outcomes.
Executive Director
Fountain View of Grant (Baruch Senior Ministries)
05.2019 - 03.2026
- Overseeing facility operations, including strategic planning and staff management.
- Managed budgeting processes to ensure financial compliance and resource allocation.
- Cultivated a homelike environment to enhance resident comfort and satisfaction.
- Provided leadership to staff, promoting a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
- Ensured resident care met high standards for satisfaction.
- Nurtured community relations to strengthen local partnerships.
Recreational Therapist/Manager
Holland Home - Raybrook Manor
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2016 - 05.2019
- Responsible for operations of recreational therapy department, managing staff and volunteers effectively.
- Developed tailored therapeutic programs addressing diverse resident needs.
- Facilitated group activities to promote social interaction and engagement.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to integrate therapy into care plans.
- Advocated for resident preferences in activity planning and execution.
- Provided supervision and guidance to staff and volunteers assisting with recreational therapy sessions.
- Implemented therapeutic recreation techniques including goal setting, relaxation techniques, sensory integration exercises and more.
- Assessed clients' physical, emotional and cognitive abilities to determine appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Focused on enhancing daily living and activities for those with dementia
Per Diem Recreational Therapist/Manager
Holland Home - Raybrook Manor
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2013 - 01.2016
- As a per diem recreational therapist for temporary vacancies for oversight and management of recreational therapy program in skilled nursing facilities
- Responsible for operations of recreational therapy department, managing staff and volunteers effectively.
- Developed tailored therapeutic programs addressing diverse resident needs.
- Facilitated group activities to promote social interaction and engagement.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to integrate therapy into care plans.
- Advocated for resident preferences in activity planning and execution.
- Provided supervision and guidance to staff and volunteers assisting with recreational therapy sessions.
- Implemented therapeutic recreation techniques including goal setting, relaxation techniques, sensory integration exercises and more.
- Assessed clients' physical, emotional and cognitive abilities to determine appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Focused on enhancing daily living and activities for those with dementia
Recreational Therapist/Consultant/Trainer
Sel Employed
Grand Rapids, MI
1998 - 2013
- Delivered contract-based services in group therapeutic activity leadership and dementia training.
Developed resources for programs focused on caregiver support.
Led group therapeutic activities to enhance participant engagement and well-being.
Facilitated dementia training sessions to equip caregivers with essential skills. - Utilizing specialty in dance and musical theatre by implementing and leading original music and movement groups for those with dementia
Center Manager and Recreational Therapist
Respite Centers of Western Michigan
01.1993 - 01.1998
- Oversight of daily operations and therapeutic activity program within respite care services for individuals with disabilities and older adults with dementia
- Managed day-to-day operations of the center, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, inventory control and customer service.
- Coordinated monthly budgets, managed profit and loss and consistently met desired margin targets.
- Managed staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage and support.
- Recruited new employees by conducting interviews and orientations for new hires.
- Coordinated training programs for new employees on care protocols.
- Facilitated communication between families and caregivers regarding client needs.
- Organized community outreach events to promote awareness of respite services.
- Collaborated with senior leadership teams on initiatives that would improve overall operations at the center.
- Evaluated job performances of team members regularly through feedback sessions.
Recreational Therapist/Disability Advocate
City of Holland
01.1992 - 01.1993
- Pioneered role as therapeutic recreation specialist for city of Holland, integrating individuals with and without disabilities into community recreation programs and collaborating with ADA to enhance accessibility in city facilities.
- Assisted clients in achieving therapeutic goals through adaptive sports programs.
- Led group therapy sessions to enhance social skills and community engagement.
- Provided support to clients facing physical or emotional challenges related to illness or disability through recreational activities tailored to meet their needs.
- Educated families on therapeutic interventions and resources, empowering them to better support their loved ones.
- Maintained accurate records of client participation and progress, facilitating personalized adjustments to therapy plans.
- Navigated through the community and nearby counties to market and promote the program through training and speaking engagements
Education
B.S. Degree - Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Therapy, Aging and Adult Life
GVSU
01-1992
Associate of Arts Degree - Liberal Arts
GRCC
01-1989
Skills
- Operational strategy and budget management
- Regulatory compliance
- Staff training and resource allocation
- Team collaboration
- Dementia training certification
- Communication skills
- Human resources management
- Public speaking
Certification
- CTRS Credentials by the NCTRC as a Recreational Therapist
- PAC Certified Dementia Educator through Teepa Snow Organization
- Dementia Care Professional Certified through The Dementia Institute
- Habilitation Trainer Certified through The Alzheimer's Association
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
- 15 Week Fieldwork at Kent Community Hospital in 1991
- 15 Week Internship at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in 1992
Timeline
Regional Operations Director/Memory Care Director
Baruch Senior Ministries
03.2024 - 06.2026
Executive Director
Fountain View of Grant (Baruch Senior Ministries)
05.2019 - 03.2026
Recreational Therapist/Manager
Holland Home - Raybrook Manor
01.2016 - 05.2019
Per Diem Recreational Therapist/Manager
Holland Home - Raybrook Manor
01.2013 - 01.2016
Center Manager and Recreational Therapist
Respite Centers of Western Michigan
01.1993 - 01.1998
Recreational Therapist/Disability Advocate
City of Holland
01.1992 - 01.1993
Recreational Therapist/Consultant/Trainer
Sel Employed
1998 - 2013
B.S. Degree - Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Therapy, Aging and Adult Life
GVSU
Associate of Arts Degree - Liberal Arts
GRCC