Michelle Snell Earns National Board Certification as Activity Director
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Michelle Snell, activities Director at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook became State Certified for the State of Montana in June. On July 30, 2021 she learned she had past the test and met all requirements becoming a Nationally Board Certified Approved Activities Professional.
The Sweet Memorial Nursing Home has certainly been trending up recently. The staff and administration have been working hand in hand to provide the best possible care to the Residents.
The latest accomplishment comes from Sweet Home Activities Director, Michelle Snell. In a fast paced, busy summer, Snell has put in the work to become both state certified and nationally certified in her position.
Snell began her tenure at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in May of 2018. As an Activity Aide Snell truly appreciated the opportunity in front of her, "Being with the residents everyday, getting to know them, it's such a rewarding experience.
As an activities Aide Snell got to interact on a personnel level with the residents. From arts and crafts to outdoor activities to 'cooks corner' it's a unique connection that is developed.
Then in the early stages of the Covid-19 Pandemic Snell took over as Activities Manager in June of 2020. With very little introduction to the 'ins and outs' of what the position required Snell dove headfirst into her new job.
She began actively searching online, joining groups that included other activity directors and staff to find ideas and ways to reach the residents.
It's one thing to start a job such as this in a 'normal' year, but in the midst of a pandemic, it's whole different story.
Soon Covid would find its way into the Sweet Home and to get the residents involved in activities or to connect with them in any significant way became a challenge. Snell didn't back down and navigated the Activity Department through the toughest days of the pandemic.
As things began to return to return to normal, she turned her attention to getting the residents back on track as a group. Among other things she began to really understand her roll as manager and was able to implement new ideas.
As summer approached Snell headed to Helena June 21-25 to attend the Basic Activities Director Course and became certified as an Activities Director for the State of Montana.
Not stopping there Snell took the The National Association of Activity Professionals Credentialing Center (APNCC) Activities Professional National Credentials Certification test in the middle of July and was notified that she was a Board Certified Approved Activities Professional on July 30.
Sweet Home Administrator Rebecca Shackelford had nothing but praise for Snell's accomplishment, "Michelle is a true asset here at Sweet. She is always willing to do whatever is asked. This certification is a testament to how dedicated she is to Sweet Home and its residents."
