At Avamere, the commitment to creating a culture of teamwork and support isn’t just talk—it’s part of everyday life. Across facilities, staff members embrace collaboration, continuous improvement, and a sense of family that drives them to provide the best care possible. This strong sense of community and connection sets Avamere apart in the long-term care industry.
Teamwork in Action
One of the core strengths at Avamere is teamwork, where every role is valued, and everyone is encouraged to contribute. Kenya Traylor, a CNA at Avamere Rehabilitation of Richmond Beach, Washington, captures the essence of what it means to lead by example:
“My approach to fostering teamwork is to always be willing to help and to keep a good attitude. This sets your tone for the whole day and all who come in contact with you. Be the example of what you’d like to come your way by working hard and communicating with your team members. The rest will come.”
Similarly, Sam Brehm, a CNA at Avamere Rehabilitation of Beaverton, Oregon, highlights how fostering inclusivity strengthens the team:
“It’s about fostering a culture where new aides feel comfortable asking for help, and veteran aides embrace their role as mentors. Trust, lightheartedness, and smiles get you a long way in building a strong culture like we have at Beaverton.”
This sense of collaboration and openness helps Avamere staff build connections that make their day-to-day work more meaningful. For Kenya, that sense of appreciation among coworkers is key:
“The most rewarding aspect is knowing and hearing that your coworkers appreciate your work.”
A Focus on Continuous Improvement
At Avamere, the culture isn’t static—it’s always evolving. Staff are encouraged to seek growth and embrace new opportunities. Sam Brehm stresses the importance of self-improvement in caregiving:
“I try to improve my craft daily, staying informed through facility updates and union discussions.”
Leaders also encourage this drive for betterment. At Avamere Rehabilitation of Beaverton, Administrator Robb Melcher praises his team’s relentless focus on growth:
“Everyone is focused on how to do things better and continuously improve. I feel each manager takes pride in their work and owning their role, and everyone is willing to do things that might not be in their job description. They all go above and beyond to support the residents and each other.”
This spirit of improvement extends beyond individual staff members and shapes the entire environment. Dianne Mangio, Administrator at Avamere Rehabilitation of Richmond Beach, Washington, transformed her facility and its morale. She turned the Olympic Dining Room, once cluttered and forgotten, into a bright, inviting space for residents to enjoy:
“When she started, the Olympic Dining room was full of equipment, PPE, and junk. Now, it is apportioned with beach-themed decorations and sunny bright spots for residents to sit and enjoy meals and activities.”
By focusing on continuous improvement, Dianne created a work atmosphere that is both positive and motivating for her staff and welcoming for residents.
A Family-Like Atmosphere
What really sets Avamere apart is the familial sense of connection among staff. Jesse Johnson, Maintenance Manager at Bend Transitional Care, Oregon, perfectly sums up the feeling of unity that drives their work:
“At Avamere, we’re more than just coworkers—we’re family. The support and camaraderie here make all the difference in our day-to-day work.”
Leadership that Lifts Others Up
At the heart of Avamere’s culture is leadership that truly leads by supporting others. Leaders don’t just delegate tasks—they step in, offer guidance, and help others shine. Allen James, Administrator at Avamere Rehabilitation of Oregon City, Oregon, embodies this approach:
“I surround myself with people who want my job. We need new leaders to step up in long-term care.”
Allen understands leadership is about elevating those around you and being present for your team when it matters most. When faced with staffing challenges, Allen didn’t hesitate to adjust his schedule to ensure his staff felt supported:
“I changed my schedule to be here from Saturday through Wednesday to support the staff. It’s not just about getting back to basics; it’s about getting back to support. When we’re supportive and present, we can meet the needs of everyone we serve.”
Dianne Mangio’s leadership is a prime example of how Avamere administrators inspire others through accessibility and engagement. Her empathy and commitment to her team help foster a positive, encouraging environment. As Erin Doss, Administrator of Queen Anne Healthcare, describes:
“Whatever your problem is, she will take the time to listen to it, reflect on it, and work on it for you.”
At Avamere, leadership is about more than just overseeing—it’s about lifting others up, ensuring that every team member feels supported, appreciated, and empowered to do their best work.
A Culture of Support and Growth
The culture at Avamere revolves around teamwork, improvement, and strong leadership. The combination of these elements creates an environment where staff feel connected and motivated to give their best each day. As Joshua Griffith, Regional Nurse Consultant, notes:
“Avamere stands out by being solution-focused and without ego. They place the right people in the right roles, provide the necessary tools, and work hard to create positive changes.”
Whether it’s the staff working together to solve challenges or leaders guiding their teams with empathy and care, Avamere is a place where support isn’t just a value—it’s a way of life.
