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Testimonials
what people say about CALA
As always, CALA is here to serve as your oldest and best resource for advocacy, quality, and education. Our goal is to provide you with the highest level of member value is our first priority. Read below to see what our members have said about their time with CALA.
THANK YOU for everything that you do. CALA is truly the backbone of the Assisted Living community and I truly appreciate your time and many efforts. You’re a hero, Christopher Carter!
Melissa Zachariah
RN, BSN, CCM/Residents Services Coordinator, Arden Courts Memory care unit
I really thought the course was wonderful, and can’t say enough good things about it. I will be sure to send our Administrator next year. I want to commend you and CALA. The last two programs I have attended have been fantastic and a wonderful value for our membership. I am so pleased to be more involved and would be happy to let anyone you would like know about the real value that the CALA membership brings to the community right down to the operations level. I will continue to keep Meadow Ridge’s involvement with CALA growing this coming year, so please feel free to reach out if we can help you in any way.
Michelle R. Bettigole
Executive Director, Meadow Ridge
Chris Carter, President of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) and Institute for Senior Living Education (ISLE) is an invaluable resource for Utopia Assisted Living Services, Inc. Utopia is the largest service provider for State Funded Assisted Living clients in the State of Connecticut servicing 17 communities. There are occasions throughout the year that we need valuable information regarding Legislative changes or updates on the Assisted Living Program and Chris is always available for assistance and direction. Chris has the best interests of CALA members in mind at all times. His experience and willingness to help when called upon are an asset to CALA and its members
Duane Pendziwater, R.N.
Administrator/ Clinical Director, Utopia Assisted Living Services, Inc.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you and the committee for hosting Friday’s Annual Caregiver appreciation event. To start, Water’s Edge was a perfect venue! Everything including the vistas, the al fresco luncheon, and the helpful staff made the event truly first class. Ann Frye’s workshop/keynote was relevant, useful, and instructive. Learning more about the ReGeneration Process and how to ReEnergize, RePurpose and ReInvent Your Workplace contained information that will surely impact our organization. Lastly, it was so encouraging to hear about the actions of so many good staff and “what ever it takes” staff that help maintain our commitment to excellence. Seeing the award winner’s smiling faces was very touching! As you know, I brought six people to the event and they raved about CALA’s impact on creative positivity and customer satisfaction. Nice event, can wait for next year!
Chante Drasdis,
Director Arbors of Hop Brook
Atria provides independent, assisted living and memory card to over 21,000 residents across the U.S. And Canada- including 750 Connecticut families. People are living longer and we are committed to helping them live better. With CALA’s support in navigating legislative and regulatory matters, leading training and development for our community leaders, the partnership helps us provide support to Connecticut families and ultimately the best senior living experience to our residents
John Hartmayer
Atria Senior Living
Thank you for all the work that you do on behalf of all community residents. CALA is a dynamic organization. Thank you, Deb
Deborah M. Schmidt Schmidt Director of Operations, Branford Office Health at Home
I was very pleased after I left the CALA luncheon as I found Jim Mathis’s speech very intelligent and most importantly, motivational. It was the kind of speech that left you thinking how we all as leaders can improve our company, and the necessary moves we need to take to do so. During his speech I was so intrigued how he related customer service to his own experiences. He used car rental companies as an example, why he choose to pay a little extra because of the way he was treated the little extra they do for their clients. Hearing that speech motivated me to be that car company that kept their customers happy and coming back, but in my case, keeping all of the residents beyond satisfied and excited with our customer experience and new ideas for the future.
Jason JoyceSous Chef at Middlewoods of Newington
I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for putting together such a great training. I look forward to attending future CALA events
Ryan UhlmanExecutive Director, Arden Courts of Farmington
Chris, kudos to you for all you do.
Noreen Washburn, Executive Director, Gables at Farmington
Nice job with the show. We have attended a lot of state trade shows and yours was one of the best organized and vendor friendly. Many thanks!
Allen Barnes President and CEO, Accushield
We appreciate all of your support!
Deborah Breedlove Watts, Hoffman SummerWood Community
Really appreciate it Chris. It’s friends and supporters like you that make things “easy”. You’re the best!!!
Jim CaseyExecutive Director, Cedar Mountain Commons
It (CALA’s 22nd Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner) was another great event!
Sal LaudanoAccount Executive , Patient Care
Thanks again for a terrific couple of days. I was inspired in so many ways and am so thankful I had the opportunity to participate.
Hilde M. SagerVice President, Residential Services, MASONICARE
I want to share with you that my staff and I truly enjoyed the CALA seminar and lunch at Water’s edge last Friday. I find it an excellent way each year to give the department heads a day away from the busy daily routine while hearing inspirational topics. The location is a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a summer afternoon
Perry PhillipsExecutive Director, Mulberry Gardens of Southington
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Having an organization behind us to support us as well as share additional knowledge and experiences with us is wonderful. Many thanks for being there for us. Thank you Chris for leading this wonderful and needed organization
Phyllis Hirschauer
RN Designee, The Meadow Ridge Community
Thank you for this opportunity for all AL (Maplewood Senior Living and others! :)) communities to shine a light on theamazing associates throughout the state!
Deb Laudano
Corporate Ambassador of Culture and Engagement Maplewood Senior Living
Thank you so much for all you do for the assisted living industry. It is an amazing field to be in and one that truly makes a difference. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to make us the best we can be for seniors!!!
Mary Underwood
Vice President of Memory Care Services Artis Senior Living
Thank you so much. It [CALA’s/ISLE’s Annual Assisted Living Executive Director Certification Course] was a wonderful course and well worth the time and money. I was so impressed I am sending my RCD to the Salsa class starting today!
Gale Mayeran, MBA, CDP
Executive Director, Middlebrook Farms at Trumbull