National Activity Professionals Week | January 26–30, 2026
At Oriol Health Care, we believe great care is never one-dimensional. It’s clinical excellence and connection. It’s recovery and confidence. It’s safety and a sense of belonging. That’s why our Resident Life (Activities) teams are such an essential part of how we care for the whole person—body, mind, health, and community—because our family truly is taking care of yours.
This year, the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) invites communities across the country to celebrate National Activity Professionals Week, January 26–30, 2026, with the theme: “Beyond the Ordinary: Everyday Superheroes.” And honestly? We couldn’t imagine a better theme for the incredible team members who bring purpose, joy, and meaningful moments to life every single day at Holden and Oakdale.
The Heart of Our Homes: Resident Life at Holden & Oakdale
Activity Professionals do far more than plan calendars and events. They create opportunities for residents to stay engaged, feel seen, and remain connected to who they are. Their work supports:
- Emotional wellbeing through joy, routine, and relationships
- Cognitive engagement through learning, creativity, and conversation
- Physical wellness through movement, motivation, and participation
- Community & belonging by building friendships and shared experiences
In short, they help transform care into life.
We’re proud to spotlight two outstanding Resident Life leaders who help make that happen:
- Ildi Kolonusz
Resident Life Director
Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center
- Michelle Chausse
Resident Life Director
Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center
Ildi and Michelle lead with creativity, compassion, and a deep understanding of what matters most to the people we serve. They guide teams that bring energy to our centers—helping residents celebrate milestones, explore interests, stay active, and feel at home.
“Beyond the Ordinary” Looks Like This
The theme “Everyday Superheroes” fits perfectly because the impact of Resident Life is often felt in the small moments that become the biggest ones:
- A resident who feels isolated joins an activity and finds a friend.
- A new short-term rehab patient gains confidence through gentle encouragement and community connection.
- A long-term resident lights up when they’re able to share their talents, stories, and traditions.
These moments don’t happen by accident. They happen because dedicated professionals show up every day—planning, adapting, cheering people on, and meeting residents where they are.
Words of Appreciation from Leadership
As part of this week of recognition, we want to share gratitude from the leaders who see firsthand how much Resident Life teams mean to our communities.
Tara D’Andrea, Administrator at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, shares:
“Our Resident Life team brings so much heart to Holden. The care we provide is strengthened every day by the connection, purpose, and positivity they create for our residents. Their work is truly essential to the feeling of home we strive to provide.”
Jennifer Crowley, Administrator at Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, adds:
“Resident Life is at the center of our community at Oakdale. This team makes a meaningful difference—not only in what residents do each day, but in how they feel. Their creativity, compassion, and commitment are nothing short of extraordinary.”
Celebrate With Us All Week Long
We’ll be sharing snapshots of the fun, the friendships, and the meaningful moments happening at Holden and Oakdale throughout National Activity Professionals Week.
Follow Oriol Health Care on social media for a look at our daily activities, meaningful moments, and the communities we’re proud to serve.
Thank You to Our Resident Life Teams
To Ildi, Michelle, and every member of our Resident Life teams at Holden and Oakdale: thank you for being the heartbeat of our communities. Thank you for going beyond the ordinary. Thank you for being the everyday superheroes who make Oriol Health Care feel like home.
Because when residents feel connected, supported, and engaged—that’s full-circle care. That’s our family taking care of yours.
