Leadership Academy 2013-14 LeadingAge New York Feb. 2014 | Page 12

Michelle Feller
Director of Recreational Services
Archcare at Ferncliff Nursing Home

Mission on the Move
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

My Action Learning Project is called Mission on the Move. The program has been initiated as a way to make a significant difference
in the personal life of a resident. It is a way to fill a special need or wish of a resident.
Project scenario: A resident would currently resides at the facility was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney disease in August 2013.
During a visit with a pastoral care assistant she expressed that she wished she could have visited the Empire State building. She had
never been there. Planning this trip for her and her family was now the team’s goal.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

Through the initiation and implementation of the program I believe my relationship with other interdisciplinary team members has
improved. Through this experience I have gained a better understanding of each team member and the role they play throughout the
facility and in the lives of those we serve. I was able to gain knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses which will be beneficial as
the project moves forward. I have also learned that although the results are important it is just as important to focus on the process.
If the process goes well then team members are more inclined to want to work together on future projects.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with
the action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

Going into the project I assumed that the other team members would not be receptive due to everyone’s busy schedules. I was
sure they did not want to be involved in another “project”. I was pleasantly surprised on how smoothly the process went and how
everyone pulled together to work as a team to benefit the resident.

4

How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact do
you hope it will have on the field at large?

I kept the team small for this project, only 12 members and then invited others in as needed. My goal was to have a successful
outcome and then celebrate throughout the