Meridian Senior Living is proud to announce that Christina Harris, RN, Regional Clinical Director, was recognized as one of seven honorees of the Inaugural Spirit Award at the 2022 McKnight’s Women of Distinction gala ceremony on May 13 in Chicago, IL. Ms. Harris graciously accepted the award and brought tears to many as she delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech.
“My grandfather would sit me down and say in order for you to succeed in life, you've got to have three things. Number one is honesty; number two is kindness; and number three is hard work,” said Ms. Harris. “I would like to honor each and every nurse throughout the whole industry and throughout the world for all their hard work their sacrifices – sacrificing their loved ones, their families, their children including individual ordinary people from day to day to ensure the care for humanity. This award belongs to our front-line staff including our caregivers, housekeepers, dishwashers, and servers who do their job day in and out. They are the pillars and the rocks of our communities.”
“We couldn’t be prouder of Christina and it's an honor to watch her grow her career throughout the years,” said Kevin Carlin, Principal and Chief Sales Officer of Meridian Senior Living. “She always puts the patient first and never hesitates to vigorously help any community, resident, or employee work through the most demanding time in our careers.
Ms. Harris is an alumnus of California State Fullerton and boasts a twenty-year career in nursing, which has given her many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients and residents. For the last ten years, Harris has served as Regional Director, Clinical Services at Meridian. She provides clinical support and oversight for communities managed by Meridian in the western United States.
According to the McKnight’s website, “The Spirit Award recognizes inspirational caregiving deeds and other noble gestures by women who have demonstrated acts of bravery, courage, perseverance, dedication, or determination.” A nomination process was used to identify honorees for the McKnight’s Women of Distinction.
Harris was nominated for this award by stepping up to the challenge during the global pandemic and exceeding expectations among residents and family members. During the beginning of the pandemic, she spearheaded a mission to deliver care filled with compassion and emotional support to treat affected residents that went above and beyond on many fronts. When one of her residents was overcome with sorrow when she learned that her husband died and she had COVID-19, Harris acted fast to be by her side. Wearing protective gear, Harris sat down with her and listened to her story, provided comfort, and delivered old fashioned care to help her recover. Ms. Harris not only battled the pandemic in her assigned Meridian communities, but also traveled without hesitation to other Meridian communities to treat those residents as well.
To learn more about the McKnight’s Women of Distinction award honorees, visit McKnight’s Senior Living website.
