OHCA The Oregon Caregiver Fall Winter 2020

The Oregon Caregiver FALL/WINTER 2020 www.ohca.com 24 PROFILE LEADER Every year, OHCA honors two administrators in community-based care and skilled care settings, whose contributions and leadership have enhanced residents’ quality of life, positively impacted employee morale, and improved over facility operations. This year, we have honored Mitch Purvis of Sapphire of Gateway and Sara Sievers of The Springs at Sherwood. Mitch has spent the last seven years working in long term care, while this is Sara’s 10th year working in senior living. Those who nominated Mitch say he is an effective, compassionate, and encouraging leader who will dive in and do any job in the building that is necessary. He always shows his appreciation for staff by bringing them lunches, treats, and random “thank you” gifts. He is always approachable and is willing to listen to anyone’s ideas, concerns, or complaints. One nominator says Mitch knows every resident by name and is available to shop or help them in any way he can. He is an outstanding leader who leads by example and encouragement. Sara’s colleagues say she stepped into a crisis when the community lost their longtime executive director. The community was going through a series of changes, including a major construction project, adding 73 new independent living apartments. Sara quickly put employees at ease with her sense of humor and engaging personality. Her nominators say she exemplifies the company value of integrity. Her priority during COVID-19 is always keeping the residents and employees safe. She exhibits professionalism and a strong moral code, all the while making it fun and exciting to be at work. Sara is an expert at resolving conflict and understands the importance of working together as a cohesive unit. She sees the big picture and overall operation of the community, while appreciating each individual and their value. How did you get started in the long term care profession? Mitch Purvis (Mitch): Prior to working in healthcare, I was a licensed teacher. From 2011–2013, I taught courses in a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program where we partnered with long term care communities for clinical rotation sites. From there, I decided to pursue my nursing home administrators (NHA) license. Sara Sievers (Sara): It’s kind of funny how I got into the profession because it was pretty much by accident. My husband applied for us to be live-in community managers with a large senior living organization, but he didn’t tell me he had applied. So, I was called to interview and had no idea what the person was talking about. Needless to say, we went for it and that is how I began my career in senior living! It felt like a natural fit from the very beginning and it made me wish I had thought to get into it sooner. It was as if I had found my calling! What is your favorite part about your job? My favorite part of the job is working collaboratively as a team and a community Mitch Purvis (Sapphire of Gateway) Sara Sievers (The Springs at Sherwood) My favorite part of the job is working collaboratively as a team and a community to accomplish quality outcomes. Mitch Purvis, Sapphire of Gateway