Story Cottage memory care offers a career of purpose for those passionate about supporting families and residents. Family Advisor Kristin Cherry shares why helping families and working with a dedicated team makes her role so rewarding.
What makes being a Family Advisor at Story Cottage meaningful?
Diane Kohan: Kristin, what is your favorite part about being the Family Advisor for Story Cottage?
Kristin Cherry: I’ve been in healthcare for 33 years, and I can honestly say this is the best job I’ve ever had. The passion I feel for our residents and their families means so much to me. Being able to help them through this journey truly makes me feel good.
Why is there such a need for memory care?
Kristin Cherry: A lot of the calls I receive are from families dealing with this progressive disease, and sometimes I can’t help them right away. That’s why I’m really looking forward to having another cottage—because there is such a need for this type of care. Families need it, and they deserve it. They deserve to be in a homelike setting.
How does the Story Cottage team support families?
Kristin Cherry: What I love most is working with families every day and collaborating with our incredible team—people like Diane, our caregivers, and our house managers. They are truly a fantastic group of people, and you don’t find that everywhere in this industry.
“The passion I feel for our residents and their families means so much to me. Being able to help them through this journey truly makes me feel good.”
— Kristin Cherry, Family Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Family Advisor do at Story Cottage memory care?
A Family Advisor supports families through the memory care journey, offering guidance, compassion, and a personal connection.
Why is there a growing need for memory care services?
As more families face progressive memory diseases, the demand for homelike, supportive care environments continues to rise.
How does the Story Cottage team work together to support families?
The team collaborates daily, combining the expertise of caregivers, house managers, and leadership to provide the best possible care.
Diane Kohan
About the Author
I’m originally from Newburgh, IN, and have been an RN for 25 years. I hold a B.S. in Health Information Administration and an A.S. in Nursing from Indiana University. I achieved board certification in 2020 as a Gerontological Nurse through ANCC and a Qualified Memory Care Professional (QMCP) through the Institute for Excellence in Memory Care.
My healthcare journey began in high school as a candy striper pushing the candy/gift cart around all the units, later becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant while in college. After starting my career in medical coding, I quickly realized my passion was hands-on nursing. I spent a decade in acute care at Methodist Hospital and St. Vincent Heart Center before returning to my love for long-term care, assisted living, and memory care.
Over the years, I have served as an MDS Coordinator, Director of Nursing, and MDS Consultant. As a regional nurse, I wrote policies, trained staff, and implemented dementia education across multiple states. My passion lies in providing exceptional care and supporting those living with memory loss. Follow her on LinkedIn.
