Joan Carlson
Director of Quality, Innovation and Culture



25 Technology Parkway South, Suite 201
Norcross, GA 30092

Phone: 770-417-1788
Email: jcarlson@isaksonliving.com

"My first job out of college was as a public health nurse on an Indian reservation. I learned a great deal about how people cope with health challenges. And I learned that my true calling is in helping improve lives through health education."

-Joan Carlson

Joan Carlson is Isakson Barnhart's Vice President of Quality, Innovation and Culture. The title describes a unique set of duties for which Joan is uniquely qualified. A nurse with extensive administrative experience, Joan has served as CEO of an acute care hospital and led long-term care organizations.

At Isakson Barnhart, Joan sees her role as "community builder." She explains: "I reach out to members and employees to ensure that Park Springs and Peachtree Hills Place are great places to live and work." At both Park Springs and Peachtree Hills Place, she works closely with member committees and department directors to facilitate communication and action.

Joan developed new systems to create an orderly and satisfying transition for new members, and to provide for the best use of professional staff and other resources. As well, she has spearheaded significant changes at Cobblestone, the Park Springs skilled nursing facility, to encourage patient-centered care. The approach emphasizes decision-making by members and their families about everything from when and what to eat, to the best combination of therapies. This model will also be introduced at Terraces, the Peachtree Hills Place nursing center.

Joan facilitated the creation of a committee of former physicians - all Park Springs member volunteers - who use their knowledge to improve life at Cobblestone. As medical professionals, they contribute a unique perspective on social engagement, food, recreation and medical care.

At Peachtree Hills Place, Joan collaborates with the management team to explain the community's extensive health and wellness options. She answers questions about individual concerns, and educates the sales team about available options, including home-based assisted living services.

"For me, the satisfaction comes from working with a skilled management team and exceptional employees to build communities we can all be proud of. At Peachtree Hills, for example, even though we're two years from move-in, there's already a sense of connection among members who attend regular events and stay in touch. That means a great deal to me."

Joan has two grown daughters and is the proud grandmother of a grandson and a granddaughter.