Two Rising Star Admins Win National Senior Care Honor

Amanda Kerr and Kelsey Bundy are proving that great leadership in senior care starts with treating everyone like family.

The two Good Samaritan Society administrators just won the prestigious 2026 McKnight's Women of Distinction Award in the Rising Stars category. A national panel of independent judges selected them from hundreds of nominees across the skilled nursing, senior living, and home care industries.

Kerr leads Good Samaritan Society – Water Valley Senior Living Resort in Windsor, Colorado, where the Rocky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for resident care. Her secret to success is simple but powerful: celebrating life's everyday moments with both residents and staff.

"She sets the tone of the campus, celebrating life's everyday moments of residents and staff," said Randy Fitzgerald, Good Samaritan vice president of operations. "Amanda knows how to make people feel special and she inspires her team members to be their best selves."

Kerr calls her residents and team members her "second family." She says connection drives everything she does, from engaging with residents to partnering with families and the broader community.

Meanwhile, Bundy leads the team at Good Samaritan Society – St. Ansgar in Iowa, where she's become known for rolling up her sleeves wherever help is needed. Whether it's dietary, nursing, or housekeeping, she ensures every team member feels supported and valued.

Her hands-on approach has built deep trust and respect among her staff. That genuine spirit of helpfulness shows in the care residents receive every single day, according to Cassie Greene, senior director of Operations for Good Samaritan.

"St. Ansgar is a small, close-knit community," Bundy said. "It is a privilege to take care of our friends and neighbors, church members and loved ones."

The Ripple Effect

The Rising Star category specifically honors women under 40 or with fewer than 15 years of experience who demonstrate exceptional commitment. Both Kerr and Bundy have created cultures where staff engagement and job satisfaction translate directly into better resident care.

Their leadership style puts people first, whether that means celebrating small victories with a resident or helping a housekeeper during a busy shift. That approach creates ripples throughout their entire communities, improving morale, retention, and quality of life for everyone involved.

Both administrators will be honored at the McKnight's awards ceremony in Chicago on May 4.

These two leaders prove that the future of senior care is in compassionate, capable hands.