Athena Dir. of Therapeutic Recreation Honored As Senior Living “Rising Star”

Athena Dir. of Therapeutic Recreation Honored As Senior Living “Rising Star”

MASSACHUSETTS — Diamond Boone, Director of Therapeutic Recreation for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, was chosen as one of 15 “Rising Stars” to be honored in the 2024 McKnight’s Women of Distinction program.

This program honors women either 40 years or younger, or with less than 15 years of experience in the senior living, skilled nursing, or home care fields.

“All have demonstrated an exceptional commitment at the community, facility, agency or corporate level,” the program writes.

“I feel honored and truly grateful to be nominated for such a magnificent award! I’m truly passionate about developing innovative and effective programming that residents of all ages benefit from. Recreational programming is so important to everyone’s overall well-being, and I’m thrilled to be able to represent Athena Health Care Systems and all of our recreation staff that show dedication and commitment to ensuring our residents are able to grow, heal, and find happiness through recreation,” Boone, who has been with Athena since February 2021, said.

Boone (pictured on the left) making cotton candy for residents at Marlborough Hills.

In her role across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Boone oversees the Therapeutic Recreation staff and programming to deliver high-quality, life-enrichment activities to our residents and staff in respective states. The recreational programming focuses on providing social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical activities to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

“This is an incredible honor for Diamond and Athena Health Care Systems,” said Athena’s President and C.E.O. Larry Santilli. “It’s a reflection on the hard work and dedication demonstrated by Diamond, the recreational teams, along the entire team at Athena Health Care Systems, highlighting their commitment to delivering high-quality care and programming for our residents.”

The Women of Distinction program is a joint effort of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living, and McKnight’s Home Care. The program is judged by a national independent panel of experts.

The women will be honored in May during the 6th annual McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards banquet in Chicago.