‘Effective Leadership and Teamwork in Action: A Case Study with Tina Sandri’

Forest Hills of DC, a leading facility in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of CEO Tina Sandri, has achieved a Silver National Quality Award in 2022 and is now setting its sights on the prestigious Gold Quality Award. Known for its exceptional skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care services, the center continues to excel under Tina’s expert guidance and dedication to continuous improvement.

In a recent interview, Tina emphasized the significance of their quality journey in fostering excellence, teamwork, and operational advancement, which has helped build trust within the community. When asked about the origins of their Quality Award journey, Tina explained that it was driven by their team’s passion for excellence and innovation, reflecting their commitment to evidence-based pathways to excellence.

Receiving the National Quality Award has been a source of pride for Tina and her team, as it acknowledges their ability to demonstrate evidence-based cycles of learning and excellence. The recognition serves as validation that their work consistently meets and often exceeds both local and national standards of practice.

For providers who may be hesitant to apply for an award, Tina encourages them to break the process down into manageable parts and view it as a team effort. She advises giving ample time for the necessary work and taking the plunge to strive for higher levels of recognition.

Looking ahead, Forest Hills of DC plans to pursue the gold award as part of their organizational growth mindset, pushing them to continuously improve and achieve better outcomes. Leveraging their Silver recipient status, Tina and her team use it as a bargaining chip with insurance brokers to secure competitive insurance rates, highlighting the high standards of quality, innovation, and risk management they maintain.

Participation in the Quality Award journey is seen as a strategic advantage for the organization, allowing them to communicate their deep commitment to quality care to customers. For many families, knowing that a facility has been recognized for its quality is a key factor in their decision-making process.