Editor’s Note: We are profiling the McKnight’s 2020 Women of Distinction honorees daily through the program’s July 28 online awards ceremony. To register or learn more about this digital celebration, the Forum the next day (which offers three free continuing education credits July 29) and the program in general, visit this website.
Stephanie Popp’s role at Alden Estates of Shorewood, in Shorewood, IL, has consistently grown since she started as a receptionist in 2012.
It was at the front desk where Popp discovered her passion for working with the geriatric community and in healthcare operations overall. She also took great pride in being the first person to greet residents and families who entered the post-acute rehab and healthcare facility.
Popp later would be promoted to admissions director and then assistant administrator before obtaining her nursing home administrator license and moving up to her current position as the facility’s administrator.
Colleagues note that she has her finger on the pulse of every department. Her passion for her work shows not only through the way she cares for and interacts with residents, but also in how she engages with her employees.
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing employee achievements and often celebrates them with handwritten cards and tokens of appreciation. Her leadership also has been key in the facility’s ability to retain key department heads. Most have worked for four or more years for Popp.
Under her leadership, Alden Estates of Shorewood has been recognized as “The Best Senior Care Facility” by Will County for three-plus years. It also has received a “Best in Senior Living Award” from Senior Advisor.
Popp also works closely with the community and has held fundraisers to raise money for the Leukemia Research Foundation and Alzheimer’s Association.
Now in her early 30s, colleagues predict Popp will continue to be a rising star in the field — and become an impactful figure within the industry as her career progresses.
The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare. Silver sponsors are OnShift and PharMerica, and the Signature sponsors are Acadia Pharmaceuticals and Enquire.
