“The moment I walked into Holiday Forsyth Court, I could feel the difference,” says Amy Willsey-Keefe, Quality Enhancement Director at Atria Senior Living. “A singer was performing for residents, music was playing and people were up dancing. The team looked confident – I could tell they were well-prepared.”
That energy helped drive an outstanding performance in Atria’s rigorous Quality Enhancement (QE) audits. Holiday Forsyth Court not only earned a coveted Q Award, but also achieved one of the most significant score improvements in recent history. This achievement highlights how QE has strengthened Holiday by Atria, making it an exceptional place to live – and an inspiring place to work.
How Quality Enhancement strengthens Holiday
When Holiday by Atria was created following a merger between Holiday Retirement and Atria Management Company, it adopted Atria’s well-established approach to quality, setting high standards across all communities. This shift not only improved resident experiences but also created an environment where employees can thrive, grow their careers and take pride in their work.
Atria’s QE program is an internal audit system with more than 400 indicators, designed to drive excellence in all aspects of community life – from resident care and dining to cleanliness and safety.
While this process was new to Holiday communities, its impact has become clear over time. Sean Purser, Chief Quality Officer for Holiday, has watched communities embrace the program and elevate their standards.
“Quality sells,” he says. “People want to live and work in a place that’s detail oriented. The QE program provides the playbook – but you have to execute the playbook. Holiday Forsyth Court is a perfect example of what happens when you put the right people in a position to succeed.”
A career path with purpose
At the heart of this success is General Manager Antoinette McDowell, who has been with Holiday Forsyth Court since 2012.
“I just fell in love with the work,” she says. “Or rather, I fell in love with who the work was for.”
Her close relationship with her grandmother and great-grandmother instilled a deep respect for older adults that carried into her career. Antoinette started as part of the waitstaff, later worked in the kitchen as a utility worker and sous chef and then moved into leadership as Hospitality Manager before becoming General Manager. Her journey demonstrates the career growth opportunities Holiday offers dedicated employees.
She credits Atria’s QE program with helping her team refine its approach since the merger. The audit process, once seen as a test to pass, is now a collaborative effort that drives lasting improvements.
“The biggest difference now is that quality isn’t something we scramble for – it’s just how we operate,” Antoinette explains. “We’ve built habits that ensure we’re always at our best, and that consistency strengthens the entire Holiday brand while making this a rewarding place to work.”
A supportive and engaging workplace
A major factor in Holiday Forsyth Court’s success has been staff continuity. With a hospitality manager, executive chef and maintenance director with years of experience to lean on, the team knows the residents, understands expectations and takes ownership of their roles. This foundation has created sustained excellence, reinforcing Holiday’s reputation as a trusted name in senior living ¬– and a desirable employer.
“The team I have now, especially my department directors, has the experience to see how quality affects the big picture,” Antoinette says. “They respond to feedback and take whatever steps we need to improve.”
Amy agrees that the success of QE hinges on the people bringing it to life.
“Attitude matters,” she says. “When a team genuinely wants to improve and takes pride in their work, it shows in everything. That’s why we prioritize and incentivize longevity through our employee programs. It goes hand in hand with a thriving community and a positive workplace culture.”
A quality career path
Holiday Forsyth Court’s success is proof that when quality becomes a daily habit, meaningful progress follows. With strong leadership, an experienced team and a focus on continuous improvement, they have demonstrated how QE strengthens the Holiday brand while making it a place where employees can build lasting careers. Their commitment ensures that Holiday communities aren’t just places to live – they are places where employees feel valued, supported and inspired to make a difference every day.