What makes a job feel truly meaningful? At Atria Forest Hills in Queens, New York, it’s about more than just tasks on the checklist. It’s about being part of something that genuinely changes lives. From the kitchen team to department leaders, everyone works together to create a community that feels like home – and that kind of teamwork doesn’t go unnoticed.
A place where families feel the difference
That dedication shows in how families feel about the care their loved ones receive. When Lynn visits her sister Karen – who lives at Atria Forest Hills – she’s not just stepping into a clean, well-run community. She’s walking into peace of mind. As a retired nurse, Lynn knows quality care when she sees it. “I’m never gonna move her,” she told Executive Director Bill Deignan. “Because I know she’s safe here.”
Why team members love working here
Atria Forest Hills has a trophy case full of Quality (Q) Awards – the kind that reflect real results in safety, cleanliness, emergency response and overall care. Deignan’s team has earned three of them in just three and a half years.
“You can’t win something like that alone,” Deignan says. “It takes everyone buying in – from the directors to the people working behind the scenes. One person doesn’t win a Q Award. The whole team does.”
When work feels more like family
Karen used to call Lynn constantly, overwhelmed by anxiety while living alone. Since moving to Atria Forest Hills, things have changed. She’s more social. Her anxiety is down. And Lynn can finally breathe easy.
“She’s got her Atria family now, too,” Deignan says with a smile.
And then there’s Portia – an artist who found not just care, but also encouragement. Her daughter Danna regularly spends the night with her mom and has watched the staff go above and beyond. They haven’t just cared for Portia – they’ve celebrated her work, even hosting exhibitions of her paintings, including portraits of Danna.
Leadership that lifts people up
Bill’s style is all about trust and support.
- Department heads are given room to lead.
- Excellence is woven into everyday work – not added on top.
- When the team does something great, Deignan makes sure they feel appreciated.
“I’m a big fan of letting smart people do smart things,” he says.
The moments that stick with you
For Deignan, the best part is watching someone go from skeptical to thriving. “After a few months, they get to know the team and other residents,” he says. “And suddenly they’re like, ‘I can’t believe I ever didn’t live like this.’”
One resident took more than a year to settle in – but today, she’s the one showing new folks around as Atria Forest Hills’ most enthusiastic Resident Ambassador.
What sets this team apart
Families notice the difference at Atria Forest Hills right away.
- The place sparkles – and stays that way.
- Medical alert systems help residents feel safe.
- Staff don’t just show up – they pay attention.
- Hobbies and passions are encouraged every day.
Deignan echoes what he shared in a previous interview about the community. “There are no shortcuts. The only way to earn a Q Award is to live it. Every single day.”
Want to be part of it?
“This is a job where everybody works hard toward a shared goal,” Deignan says.
If you’re looking for a career where your work really matters – and where you’re part of a team that supports each other – check out open roles at Atria. You might help someone like Karen rediscover her spark, or maybe you’ll cheer on a resident like Portia as she keeps doing what she loves.