Berkshire Profile: Kathy McLain

By Jen Thomas - February 25, 2008
iBerkshires Staff

Kathy McLain

NORTH ADAMS - For Kathy McLain, family is everything.

Whether its her own three children (and two grandchildren) or the individuals she supervises at the Adult Day Health Center for the Brien Center, McLain says she loves the "comfy, cozy feeling" that comes with being part of a close-knit community.

"I've always loved the idea of a small community. Where I grew up, I was always surrounded by family. I just like the roots and the closeness," said McLain, a city native.

"It's just like here [at the center]. The people get really interested in you and your life. It's like having a big ol' family," she continued.

As the assistant director, activities coordinator and site supervisor, McLain takes on multiple roles at the center, working with both the adults who utilize the center every day and her staff of seven, which includes nurses, social workers and volunteers.

The center, which caters to the needs of those with mental or physical disabilities, operates every weekday and provides participants with access to nursing and personal care, socialization help and daily activities like basketball, bingo and trivia.

McLain, who worked as a program assistant at the center for 18 years before taking on her new duties 2 1/2 years ago, personally maps out the activities for the month and works tirelessly to ensure that everyone has a good time.

"Their days are fashioned after what I planned for them and when they enjoy themselves, it makes me feel good. When I can do something different and spectacular, it's really cool. There's nothing I enjoy more than making sure everyone is happy," McLain said. "I pride myself on making sure everything is right and if everyone is happy and content than I'm happy and content."

Most of the center's 30-plus regular clients are seniors who cherish a familiar place to go every day, where people care for their needs and special events are a common occurrence.

"They look out for each other and they take care of each other," said McLain.

From daily exercises to working closely with Director Cecelia Swanson, McLain takes on a host of responsibilities - "I do a whole slew of things here" - but she wouldn't have it any other way.

"They come to me with questions and some days are harder than others but we always manage. With the program assistants, I've been there so I know what they go through. This is my job and I love it," McLain said.

McLain, who comes from a family of nurses, always knew she wanted to help people. So when her sister took a job as a nurse in the Adult Day Health Center more than 20 years ago, McLain figured she's pitch in an extra pair of hands for a couple of hours a week. Now, as the center's supervisor, she says she can't describe what it is that makes her job so wonderful.

"I certainly could have done a lot of other things but I was drawn to this," she said. "I love my job - the coordinating, the responsibility and I love coming to work every day."

The only downfall of changing positions, according to McLain, is losing the personal one-on-one time with the people who frequent the center.

"It was a tough transition for me go from being on the floor to being in my office all the time. Interacting with the program's participants was my favorite part of the job," she said, but added that she can appreciate the time she does spend with them during activities because "it's quality time, rather than quantity time."

"Plus, they never leave me alone for long, so I can't miss it too much," said McLain, who also works as a private-care personal attendant for a 104-year-old woman on weekends.

Family Ties

The Adult Day Heath Center is more than a workplace for McLain; it's more of a second home. Both her mother and her sister have lent a helping hand and her youngest son is a part of the mix.

"My son will turn 21 next month and it's like he grew up with the people here. I can't believe that he was just a baby when I started working here," McLain said.

And when Sally McKeon, McLain's mom, died nearly five years ago, the center was more than happy to put up two landscape portraits in the main area in her memory.

"It's like there's a little part of her still in the room," said McLain.

Calling her family "the light of her life," McLain said she can't help but be a career mom.

"I never thought of myself as anything special. I just treat people they way I want to be treated and I come into work ready to help," she said. "I'm just taking care of my small community."