Excellence Isn’t Optional: The Atria Difference

At Atria, we don’t hire people who just need jobs. We hire people who refuse to be ordinary.

The proof isn’t in empty promises or glossy brochures – it’s in stories like Boon Lai Sorrentino’s. When she walked through our doors at Atria Aquidneck Place in February 2022, she had zero senior living experience. What she did have was something far more valuable – an uncompromising drive that transformed her from newcomer to award winner in just two years.

This isn’t coincidence. It’s chemistry.

Recognizing potential others miss

While other senior living communities might have overlooked Boon due to her lack of industry experience, we recognized something essential: excellence isn’t a skill – it’s a mindset. Within months, Boon wasn’t just learning her role; she was redefining it. She pursued her Rhode Island Department of Health Certified Nursing Assistant license not because she had to, but because limitations are things she doesn’t acknowledge.

When she completed the RI Certified Medication Technician program and advanced through multiple roles – from Resident Services Assistant to RSA-CNA to Resident Medications Assistant – she wasn’t just climbing a career ladder. She was building her own staircase.

From competence to transformation

Boon didn’t stop at mastering clinical responsibilities. She became the lead trainer for all incoming care staff, elevating everyone around her. She demonstrated extraordinary adaptability by willingly covering various shifts, including challenging overnight hours when needed. Her precision and thoroughness didn’t just improve our community – they transformed it.

That’s why Boon received our Exceptional Service Award – not for doing her job, but for reinventing what the job could be.

A culture that grows from greatness

We’re passionate about continuous improvement and supporting our team’s professional development. We believe in creating opportunities that go beyond the ordinary, investing in our employees’ potential and future.

Our commitment to growth and development is reflected in tangible ways:

• We provide up to $5,250 annually for employee education, empowering team members to expand their skills and knowledge.
• We’ve established the Ronnie Boatman Scholarship Program to support the educational dreams of Atria’s children and dependents.
• We foster a culture that encourages personal and professional growth, where team members are inspired to reach their highest potential.

We’re not just looking for employees who meet expectations – we’re seeking passionate individuals who are eager to make a meaningful difference in senior living.

Jason Grifka, Executive Director at Aquidneck Place, puts it plainly: “The Exceptional Service Award isn’t just about acknowledging top performers. It’s about creating a culture where excellence becomes the standard. Boon exemplifies what we value most – dedication to residents, commitment to professional growth and the ability to inspire others.”

The mathematics of exceptional senior living

The equation is simple but profound: extraordinary employees create extraordinary experiences. When someone like Boon rises from entry-level to leadership in two years, it’s not just her career that benefits – it’s every resident she encounters. When our team members pursue advanced certifications and degrees through our tuition reimbursement program, it’s not just their resumes that improve – it's the entire living experience they help create.

This isn’t about incremental improvements. It’s about exponential transformation.

Beyond aging gracefully

The traditional senior living narrative focuses on comfort and safety. Important, yes, but incomplete. We believe this next chapter of life offers unique opportunities to pursue passions and purpose with newfound freedom – a time to focus on personal fulfillment after years dedicated to careers and raising families.

You can see this philosophy come to life in every aspect of our communities. When your dining server remembers not just your dietary restrictions but also your preferences, that’s not training – that’s someone who cares enough to excel. When your maintenance technician doesn’t just fix the problem but also prevents it from recurring, that’s not protocol – that’s pride.

Excellence that transforms everyday living

We create environments where possibilities thrive. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, you’ll find our commitment to excellence evident in every interaction.

People like Boon represent our standard – exceptional individuals whose dedication directly enhances our residents’ lives. We don’t just offer care; we provide extraordinary living experiences where you or your loved one can truly flourish.

That’s the Atria difference: a community of people who demand more – for themselves and those in their care.