A Note from Our Leadership: “Flatrock is Family”
In an industry as challenging as adult foster care, it’s easy to focus solely on the operational demands. However, the heart of our mission is people at Flatrock. Whether it’s celebrating a resident’s triumphs, supporting a team member through life’s ups and downs or sharing a laugh during a tough day, Flatrock is more than a workplace for our employees or a care facility for our residents. It’s truly a home.
The phrase “Flatrock is Family” is the foundation of everything we do. From the way we support residents to how we collaborate with staff, this guiding principle shapes our culture, decisions and approach to care. For Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Burnett and Chief Operating Officer Carrie Aldrich, these words capture the essence of a community built on trust, compassion and mutual respect. Nicholas and Carrie have dedicated their careers to ensuring that every individual at Flatrock feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Their unique leadership styles and personal experiences have shaped Flatrock’s success and reinforced the belief that when we come together as a family, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Whether you’re a staff member, a resident or someone considering joining the Flatrock community, Nicholas and Carrie’s stories will inspire you to see the power of connection, compassion and leading with heart. Keep reading to learn what “Flatrock is Family” means to them, how it influences their approach to leadership and why this ethos is essential to the culture they’ve built, especially as they continue to grow and expand their services to those in need.
Nicholas Burnett: Leadership Rooted in Compassion
For Nicholas, family is about connection, understanding and leading with kindness. Over his two decades at the helm, Nicholas has cultivated a hands-on leadership style that prioritizes both staff and residents' well-being.
“I believe it’s crucial not to be so removed that we lose touch with the pulse of our operations,” Nicholas explains. “When I’m actively involved, I earn the respect of our employees. This creates a safe environment where staff can make mistakes, learn and grow.”
This philosophy extends to every corner of Flatrock. By prioritizing a positive work environment, Nicholas ensures that team members can balance the demands of their roles with their personal lives, leading to better care for residents.
Furthermore, Nicholas views challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether supporting a struggling employee or navigating a tough business decision, he leads with grace and authenticity. “We can’t do this alone,” he says. “Flatrock’s strength comes from the incredible people who show up every day with dedication and heart.”
Carrie Aldrich: A Mission of Empowerment
Carrie brings her deeply personal experiences and a steadfast commitment to the table. Her journey as a leader is marked by resilience and an unwavering focus on empowering both residents and staff. One of Carrie’s most defining moments as a leader came during her battle with stage 4 cancer. In the face of uncertainty, she leaned on the Flatrock team, sharing her story with vulnerability and courage.
“At the end of the day, we weren’t sitting in that room as superiors. We were family, caring for one another,” Carrie recalls. “Thanks to their incredible support, I was able to focus on my health and come back stronger.”
This same compassion extends to Flatrock’s residents. Carrie shares the story of a woman who, after years of silence, found her voice and confidence within the supportive environment Flatrock provided.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when she sang at our talent show,” Carrie says. “Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.”
What “Flatrock is Family” Means to the Leadership Team
For Nicholas and Carrie, family is about trust, connection and leading with heart. They understand that everyone at Flatrock – residents, staff and leadership – has their own strengths, challenges and needs. By fostering a culture of kindness, openness and support, they’ve built a sanctuary where everyone can thrive.
“Flatrock stands out because we lead with heart,” Carrie notes. “Whether it’s a resident choreographing a dance or a staff member navigating a tough day, we show up for one another. That’s what family does.”
This commitment to care and connection resonates throughout the Flatrock community. Let’s hear from a few of our dedicated team members about what “Flatrock is Family” means to them:
“I truly feel like the residents are my family, and I treat them as such by ensuring they are happy and healthy. I would advocate for them just as I would my own children and family.”
- Jennifer Thurman, Administrative Manager
“We will love your children just as much as we love our own. We will share in their successes and hold their hands during the challenging moments. We will provide many opportunities for them to experience the world that they might not otherwise have. We will braid their hair for prom and make sure they have an amazing Christmas. We celebrate together. At Flatrock, we are a big family where everyone is accepted and loved.”
- Patti Lee, Clinical Director
“When I talk about Flatrock, including what we do daily and why we do what we do, I am always speaking to the fact of who we are here for. Our family members here at Flatrock are those who need help daily with basic care needs that someone else might take for granted. Being able to see my family experience new things – even just to see their faces light up when they see you – is the best reminder of how we impact their lives. To get a hug out of nowhere is one of the most heartwarming experiences here. I have many family members here that I have made bonds with for 6 years. I never would have expected to get where we are now. These relationships are priceless!”
- Tiffany Ellis, Healthcare Manager
At Flatrock, family means showing up for one another, celebrating the milestones, and providing unwavering support in life’s most challenging moments. It’s this deep sense of connection and care that transforms Flatrock into a safe, supportive and comforting home.
Flatrock is always looking for compassionate individuals who share our vision of creating a supportive, inclusive environment. If you’re interested in learning more about our mission or joining our team, please visit https://www.flatrockinc.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.