Editor’s Note: McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living are profiling the McKnight’s 2021 Women of Distinction honorees daily July 6 through Aug. 6. To see the 2021 McKnight’s 2021 Women of Distinction awards ceremony, register for free here. For additional profiles of McKnight’s Women of Distinction, visit this page.

Amanda Brown headshot
Amanda Brown

Colleagues of Amanda Brown were able to see the moment they walked into the facility where she is the administrator how passionate she is about the long-term care industry. And the results prove it. US News & World Report recognized Park Ridge Living Center in Rochester, NY, as a “Best Nursing Home in Rochester, NY” for 2020–2021.

Brown’s facility embraces a household model in which residents who don’t live in the main home stay in a small home setting in one of four “cottages.” The reasoning behind this arrangement? Brown hopes to provide a sense of independence for these residents and let them know they can still make the decisions about their own care and life.

Beyond her work on behalf of residents, Brown helps to inspire her staff. She works in a group of five other administrators and, according to Rochester Regional Health Vice President of Long-Term Care Operations Colleen Rose, acts as a leader among them, often sharing her knowledge and assisting their teams. She also is a preceptor for others seeking nursing home licensure and for newly licensed administrators. 

Rochester Regional Health Manager of Transitional Care Services Camilia Miner said of Brown, “Amanda has been instrumental in continuing our journey to maintain being a top nursing home in both long-term care and short-term rehab.”

Miner credits Brown for Park Ridge’s positive recognition in many additional forms, such as New York State Department of Health surveys and a continued 5-Star rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 

Brown’s reputation among colleagues is one of tireless determination and passion for her residents. She has been seen working extra hours and remaining positive through every obstacle during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving to her co-workers that an energetic attitude is what residents need.

The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare, and the Roundtable Sponsor is Paycor.