As the executive director at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, Kara Hanzie sees herself as the coach for her teammates, whose responsibility is to ensure residents, and their families, are provided an exceptional experience on campus.
Her journey with the organization started 18 years ago in Akron, Ohio, as the nursing home administrator at Ohio Living Rockynol. After six years, she was promoted to executive director, and then two years later, made a lateral move to Willoughby, Ohio, to lead the team at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village.
“I oversee all operations and activities for the campus and in doing so, I have the pleasure and honor to work with our Advisory Board and the Lake County community,” said Kara. “It is humbling to hear about the great impact Ohio Living Breckenridge Village has had here, as I engage with members of the community.”
Whether caring for a resident who is facing health challenges or supporting a family member with difficult decisions concerning their loved one, Kara does her best to extend the highest levels of care and compassion. She elaborated, “I have personally experienced aging parents, and I do my best to see through the eyes of the residents and their families. I really enjoy working with our staff and supporting them. Through the years, you build a long relationship with your staff and become close as you see each other’s children grow up, lose loved ones and navigate life’s challenges together.”
Outside of work, Kara is a proud mom to two teenage girls, Abbey and Anna. Abbey is a senior in high school who will be attending Ohio University for her continued education, and Anna is an eighth grader who plans to join the high school cheerleading team in the fall. Kara has been married for 22 years to her husband, Rob, and two dogs, Barkley and Remy, are also a key part of their family unit.
Kara’s newest love is Pilates, and she also enjoys spending time outside with her flowers and taking walks in the summer months. Her family’s “happy place” is traveling to Hilton Head every summer.