Indira Desai is the Founder, President and CEO of Waterview Lodge, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Ashland, MA.
Desai’s journey from East Africa to Navsari in Gujarat to Boston is an inspiring story. “I received a Masters of Education from Baroda University. I always wanted to be a doctor, but that did not happen,” she recently told community portal Lokvani. “I came to the US and somehow that ambition always stuck with me. I went to study and became a nutrition consultant.”
Ms. Desai, who holds a Doctor of Science degree in Nutrition from Boston University, was recently honored by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) with the 2018 Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award. Fewer than 11% of facilities nationwide qualify.
Ms. Desai, who is the founder and Administrator of Waterview Lodge Rehabilitation & Healthcare in Ashland, MA, was one the 38 Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award recipients. Based on the premise that facility excellence reflects leadership excellence, this award recognizes the Administrator of record who provided that leadership for the full 2017 calendar year.
Eligibility for this award is based on three years of skilled nursing facility data, including the Health, Fire Safety and Complaint Surveys, as well as top quartile performance on designated Quality Measures. The criteria also include an 85% or greater facility occupancy and a three-year avoidance of a Special Focus Facility status. This prestigious award embodies excellence as an Administrator who cared for residents, their families and their community.
INDIA New England News: To which charitable, community and professional groups do you belong and why?
Indira Desai: Worcester Crisis Committee Domestic Violence-being a survivor of domestic violence.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving-after my 17 year old son was killed by a drunk driver in 1993.
Newton Advisory Board Council on Health-to improve in public health initiatives in Newton.
Newton Rotary Club International-to give back to the community and work on collaborative projects to help disadvantaged communities around the world.
Long Term Care Financial Association-to help and educate young professionals entering the long-term care industry through seminars and conferences.
TIE-to mentor young Indian entrepreneurs.
INE: What are your hobbies and interests?
ID: Community service and travel.
INE: In what way do you feel you have positively influenced or served the local community, your company/organization or professional field?
ID: We employ over 100 employees in the healthcare field from over 18 countries. We service the needs of the Indian community with specialized services and provide preference to Indian employees and residents.
INE: What are your favorite books?
ID: Depak Chopra is my favorite author and I enjoy philosophical writings.
INE: Your favorite quotes?
ID: “If you imagine it, you can achieve it. If you dream it, you can become it.” -Arthur Williams.
” Success is achieved when you refuse to be captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.”- Anonymous
” Do not pray for an easy life. Pray for strength to endure a difficult one.”-Bruce Lee.
INE: Who inspires you the most?
ID: Of course, Indira Gandhi.
INE: What core values do you try to live by?
ID: Honesty and compassion.
