September is National Workforce Development Month and we’re spotlighting the success of employees in advancing their careers. Today’s spotlight is Kristy Kyler.
Over the past few years, Kristy Kyler’s professional journey has included several roles within the GreenFields Continuing Care Community while she has also pursued educational opportunities. Kristy is now the Assistant Administrator at GreenField Court and Manor. In August, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration.
Prior to the pandemic, Kristy had a career in restaurant management. She joined the staff of GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center in January 2021 as an activities assistant, helping with games, crafts, music and events for residents. “It was a big change from what I was used to doing,” she recalled.
A colleague noticed Kristy’s skills as a coordinator and suggested that she apply for an administrative assistant role at GreenField Court. Kristy got the job. “I worked full-time Monday through Friday at the desk at the Court, and oversaw the whole reception team,” she explained.
After a little while, GreenField Court and Manor Executive Director Chantal White met with Kristy, saying she thought Kristy had the skills and capacity for handling greater responsibilities. “They moved me from the reception desk to my own office, still under the title of administrative assistant, but I took on a lot of a bigger administrative role for the Court and the Manor,” Kristy said. “Then Chantal sat me down again and told me that I had this beautiful potential – that I could be an amazing administrator one day – and motivated me to go back to college and get my degree.”
Just a few weeks later, Kristy enrolled in an Associate’s degree program. She earned a diploma in 2024. Also that year, she was promoted to the post of Assistant Administrator at GreenField Court and Manor. She continued to go to school, taking online classes at night and working full-time during the day, until receiving her Bachelor’s degree. “It was a long four years, but I’m very proud of myself,” Kristy said.
She graduated with a 3.9 GPA while working and raising a child with her husband. “Managing all that showed me that I can handle a lot.”
Chantal continued to support Kristy in developing a deeper understanding of health service administration. Her leadership training included first-hand experience across multiple teams and departments.
“I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for Chantal. She definitely helped me become the best version of myself I could be,” Kristy said.
In 2025, Kristy joined Lineage Care’s High-Potential Staff Leadership Development Program. It is a proactive, system-wide initiative designed to identify, develop, and retain internal talent by preparing high-performing staff members for future leadership roles.
President and CEO Chris Koenig is Kristy’s mentor in the High-Potential Program, providing more opportunities for her to understand the ins and outs of leadership and decision-making. He encouraged Kristy to apply for a cabinet position with LeadingAge New York, the statewide association that represents not-for-profit, mission-driven and public continuing care providers. Kristy now serves on the association’s retirement housing cabinet.
Throughout her time at The GreenFields, human connections have remained important to Kristy. “The residents become like family,” she explains. “These relationships have developed over time, so there’s a trust there. They see me as a person and not just an administrator.”
“I take pride in that too, walking down the hallway and being able to call every resident by name,” she said. “They know who I am. They know that they can come to me at any time with any issue, and I’ll drop what I’m doing and go right to them.”
