Employee Spotlight: Kiondria Etheridge, Admissions Coordinator, A.G. Rhodes Atlanta
It was Kiondria Etheridge’s grandmother who motivated her to pursue a career in healthcare.
“She always said, ‘You love helping people. You should get into the medical field.’”
Kiondria followed her grandmother’s advice and became a CNA, which was beneficial when her grandmother got sick.
“I was hands-on with my granny. She was home so I would leave work and go help care for her.”
In addition to serving as a CNA, Kiondria has been promoted to various other positions throughout her 20-year career in long-term care, including staffing coordinator and admissions assistant. In August 2024, she joined A.G. Rhodes Atlanta as the Admissions Coordinator. In this role, she talks with families who are looking for long-term care options for loved ones and assesses their needs to ensure A.G. Rhodes will be a good fit, coordinates with other team members to verify insurance requirements, and helps ensure a smooth process when new residents are admitted to the community. Beyond the paperwork and processes, Kiondria says her favorite part of the job is reassuring new families that their loved ones will be well cared for at A.G. Rhodes.
“I’m a people person so I like interacting with the families and elders. I make the families happy and confident knowing that they can have a good night’s rest and not worry about their loved one being in the right place.”
While she’s been at A.G. Rhodes for less than a year, she’s already making a big impact.
“Kiondria’s ability to connect with families during what can be a difficult transition has made a lasting impression,” said Loretta Barnes, Administrator of A.G. Rhodes Atlanta. “She exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and professionalism.”
What makes Kiondria truly stand out is her blend of professionalism and warmth. Though she’s no longer providing the same type of hands-on care that CNAs do, her background as a CNA has proved beneficial in supporting elders and their families in personal ways—whether it’s stocking her office with snacks for a resident she checks on daily, or taking time to chat with a family member in the hallway.
“I still try to be hands-on without being hands-on. I want to show people that we care.”
Working in long-term care isn’t easy, but Kiondria credits prayer, patience, and heart for keeping her grounded. She approaches each day with empathy, especially when navigating tough conversations.
“You’ve got to have a good heart to be in this field,” she says. “Don’t just do it for a paycheck. Do it because you care.”
Looking to the future, Kiondria has her eyes set on going back to school for nursing, with the goal of eventually moving into management. Her inspiration? Still her grandmother, and a deep love for caring for others.
Kiondria’s advice for anyone thinking about a career in long-term care?
“Come into this field knowing that you’re going to give your all; a 100%, and you’re going to treat these elders with 100% respect and think of them as if they were your own family. Be passionate about being here.”
And Kiondria is passionate about being here, every single day.
April 2025