Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayron Carr.
Hi shayron, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in the healthcare industry as a Direct Care Worker in the mental health field in Mississippi. Through dedication and hands-on experience, I advanced into a supervisory role while completing my Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Upon graduation, I was promoted to Recreational Therapist, where I became an active member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
Serving on the IDT deepened my passion for advocacy—not only for residents, but also for the staff who care for them. I realized I did not want my impact to stop at one department. With a desire to broaden my influence and leadership, I continued my education and earned a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, followed by a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
After extensive research, prayer, and reflection, I pursued licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator. This journey led me to relocate to Missouri, where I began my career as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. I have been licensed since 2021 and currently serve as a state-approved preceptor for Missouri, mentoring and developing future administrators.
Throughout my career, I have found deep fulfillment in advocating for residents—ensuring their needs are met, their voices are heard, and they experience dignity, safety, and quality of life. I am equally committed to supporting staff and fostering a culture of accountability, compassion, and excellence.
I do not take sole credit for this journey. God has truly guided me every step of the way, and I am grateful for the unwavering support of my family, which has played a vital role in my personal and professional success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, I have experienced both rewarding and challenging moments in leadership. One of the most defining periods of my career was during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic tested leadership in ways none of us could have anticipated. While navigating strict and rapidly changing regulations, I often felt the weight of responsibility for both resident safety and staff well-being. It was especially difficult to witness residents separated from their families and to see staff work countless hours under unprecedented pressure. During this time, I learned that effective leadership requires resilience, empathy, transparency, and unwavering advocacy. Despite the obstacles, I remained committed to supporting my team, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring residents continued to receive compassionate, dignified care.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently serve as the Executive Director of Wilshire at Lakewood Rehab Center, where I provide overall leadership and operational oversight for a skilled nursing and long-term care facility. My role encompasses regulatory compliance, quality improvement, staff development, census growth, and—most importantly—ensuring residents receive compassionate, dignified, and high-quality care.
I specialize in healthcare administration with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, staff engagement, and culture transformation. Having worked my way up from direct care, I bring a hands-on leadership approach that allows me to understand the challenges faced by frontline staff while maintaining accountability to state and federal standards. I am known for being present, approachable, and deeply involved in day-to-day operations—whether that means rounding with staff, speaking directly with residents and families, or addressing concerns proactively before they become issues.
What I am most proud of is my ability to advocate for both residents and staff. I believe quality outcomes are achieved when staff feel supported, educated, and valued. Navigating the challenges of long-term care—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—reinforced my commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and resilience. Leading through that period required balancing strict regulatory guidance with empathy, creativity, and unwavering advocacy for resident safety and staff well-being.
What sets me apart from others is my journey and perspective. I began my career in direct care and progressed through supervisory and clinical interdisciplinary roles before becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. This path has shaped my leadership style—I lead with humility, accountability, and faith. I do not take sole credit for my accomplishments; I believe God has guided my path, and I am grateful for the strong family support that has sustained me throughout my career.
Additionally, I am a preceptor for the state of Missouri, helping to mentor and develop future nursing home administrators. Giving back to the profession and shaping the next generation of leaders is something I take great pride in.
At my core, I am a servant leader committed to excellence, integrity, and advocacy. My goal is always to create an environment where residents feel at home, families feel confident in the care provided, and staff feel empowered to grow and succeed.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a company that truly supports you and believes in your vision is critical. When leadership alignment exists, it allows you to lead authentically, make meaningful change, and grow both personally and professionally. Equally important is being actively involved in your community. Building genuine relationships—within the organization and beyond it—creates trust, collaboration, and long-term support. Strong leadership is rooted in connection, visibility, and shared purpose.
