The “Red Dragon” DON: Building a CNA-First Culture that Wins

DON of the Year Kierstan Diefenderfer shares the playbook behind a CNA-first culture: training pipelines with local schools, de-escalation that prevents crises, daily systems that keep providers in sync, and aging-in-place strategies that reduce avoidable hospitalizations. We dig into morale builders (yes—dance parties), “fair and firm” leadership, and the faith that fuels resilience in long-term care.TakeawaysBuild a talent pipeline and smarter scheduling with high-school CNAsSoft skills = hard results: de-escalation, empathy, and a “this is their home” mindsetMorning meeting structure that catches small changes before big eventsPractical aging-in-place tactics to lower RTAsLead by example: “If we see it, we fix it.”Guest: Kierstan Diefenderfer (Medina Valley)Hosts: Kip Krueger with CEO James Dieter & COO Chris LightRecorded at THCA’s 75th Anniversary