Adult Day Services Innovator Awards

• Kimberly Santilli
• Gail Clark 

This award recognizes innovative practices that strengthen the adult day services business and move adult day services forward in the 21st century, such as through service expansion, technology, marketing, programming, etc.

Kimberly Santilli, Director of IT Services,
Cornerstone Adult Day Services
Warwick, RI

A commonly held belief in American enterprise is "you're only as good as the people you hire." We are twice blessed to have Kim as both a Cornerstone employee and the initial interviewer/screener for prospective employees. She has a keen ability to recruit individuals who share Cornerstone's value system and culture. And, as their first point of contact with Cornerstone, Kim represents the epitome of what Cornerstone seeks in its staff. She is compassionate, bright, dedicated, and resourceful.

Kim began her career at Cornerstone more than eight years ago as the administrative assistant to the executive director. However, it was not long before her IT talents and people skills moved her into administration and a directorship. She brought Cornerstone into the 21st century by implementing an integrated information technology system across our four centers and an electronic quality assurance tracking system which allows us to closely monitor the health and welfare of our participants. Her passion for efficiency and organization is legendary. She has single-handedly trained all Cornerstone nurses and social workers to maintain participant data on the intranet she created, and she has established interoffice email to enhance communication.

Because of her extraordinary versatility and resourcefulness, she has saved Cornerstone untold thousands of dollars. Kim can handle nearly any problem that arises at one of our centers, from fixing a loose doorknob on the restroom to assuming the role of interim director at the Coventry Center.   

Although Kim mega-tasks all day, she is never without her trademark smile and infectious laugh. No one at Cornerstone has ever heard her utter the word "no."  If asked for help, she will drop what she is doing and give her full attention to another's problem. She shrugs off words of gratitude with a nonchalant "that was an easy one." She is passionate about her work and her passion ignites others to achieve more than they imagined possible.

Kim considers no task insignificant and no problem unsolvable. She is the "go-to" person behind the scenes and often outside the limelight who ensures the operation is running smoothly so staff can work at peak performance. She gives credit to others and is self-effacing when it comes to her own recognition. She does her job with such quiet grace, good nature and seeming ease that her myriad accomplishments appear effortless.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Kim. She is truly the "cornerstone" of our centers!

—Written by Lynn Corey

Gail Clark, Administrator/Program Director
Cascade Park Active Day Healthcare Center
Tacoma, WA

Gail Clark has served as the Administrator/Program Director for Cascade Park Communities' Adult Day Health Care program "Active Day" since December of 2002. Active Day was developed to provide safe, quality care for frail and vulnerable adults of all ages who are in need of functional support outside of their home. All sessions are held in two specially designed facilities located in the heart of Tacoma's Stadium Historical District, adjacent to Cascade Park Vista Assisted Living, where Gail also serves as the Social Services Director. 

It has been Gail's personal mission to maintain or enhance the independence of each participant who enters her program. She has accomplished this by creating a fun environment that is structured to facilitate individual growth. During her tenure with our organization, Gail has demonstrated outstanding leadership towards both her program staff and the individual participants that have been entrusted to her care. She has developed a family environment where both the staff and clients thrive. 

Prior to the State budget cuts of 2009, Gail was instrumental in growing our program from one session to a total of three, with the most recent expansion focused on serving adults with acquired or traumatic brain injuries. This growth is a testament to her excellent management and program development skills.

—Written by Fred Wahlgren