Chapel Woods Nursing Home and Rehabilitation has welcomed a new administrator, Emma Burton, who officially joined the facility at the end of May and brings a background in long-term care, healthcare administration, and leadership.
Originally from Vivian, La., Burton attended high school at McLeod Independent School District in McLeod, Texas. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in healthcare administration from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. She also holds a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator certification.
Burton said her passion for long-term care began when she was just 16 years old after taking a housekeeping job at an assisted living facility.
“I became attached to the residents,” she said.
That first job sparked a career in senior care. Burton later became a patient care technician before advancing to executive director of the assisted living facility.
After the company was sold, she joined Reliance Healthcare in a marketing role. As new opportunities became available, Burton worked in several different departments before being selected for Reliance’s Administrator in Training (AIT) program.
The intensive 19-month program provided hands-on experience in every department within a long-term care facility, including housekeeping, dietary services, nursing, human resources and therapy. Participants are also required to complete three examinations before becoming licensed administrators.
“I feel it is important to understand how each department works, as each department is just as important as the other,” Burton said.
She believes that experience has prepared her well for leading Chapel Woods.
In addition to completing the AIT program, Burton served in two interim administrator positions at other facilities, experiences she said gave her valuable insight into the responsibilities and challenges employees face throughout a nursing home.
“The AIT program really opened my eyes to having the perspective to understand what each employee does in their role within the facility,” she said.
Burton was already familiar with Chapel Woods before accepting the administrator position. During her training, she spent six weeks working at the Warren facility and developed relationships with its employees.
“I really believe it was a God thing,” she said. “I like the people here and their drive.”
Her introduction to the Warren community also left a lasting impression.
Burton’s first week living in Warren coincided with the city’s 70th Annual Pink Tomato Festival.
“The festival made it very appealing,” she said. “Warren is such a sweet place and everyone seems to be connected and cares.”
As she begins her first year as administrator, Burton said one of her primary goals is to strengthen the facility’s culture through the CARE Initiative, which stands for Care, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
“I want to try and develop a different culture here,” she said. “We want to start with the heart in every decision and start that with the residents’ best interest.”
The facility has already begun remodeling projects that include fresh paint, updated decorations and new furniture throughout each hall. Burton also hopes to encourage greater community involvement by opening Chapel Woods’ chapel for community use.
In addition, she plans to maintain the facility’s five-star quality measures while continuing to improve the resident experience.
When asked about her top priorities as administrator, Burton said earning the respect of her staff and ensuring residents receive quality care are at the forefront.
“My goal is to gain the staff’s respect and provide quality care,” she said.
Chapel Woods Nursing Home and Rehabilitation offers short-term rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy. The facility partners with several hospital systems, provides both private and semi-private rooms, and includes a specialized memory care unit for residents living with dementia and other cognitive conditions.
Burton said she looks forward to building relationships with residents, families and the Warren community while continuing Chapel Woods’ commitment to compassionate, high-quality care.
