Meet the Leadership Team at Otterbein Sunset Village

Posted on: April 21, 2022

There’s a whole “village” — pun intended — ready and excited to be part of your journey at Otterbein Sunset Village. When considering a move here, you’ll meet many of our partners (staff). As a resident, you’ll get to know them even better, and oftentimes, they will start to feel like family.

In this blog, we provide a brief introduction to some of the leadership team members at Otterbein Sunset Village. They each have a special part to play, and all have a passion for senior living.

Meet Dan, Executive Director

“I’m thankful and excited to be part of Otterbein Sunset Village — a community with such a rich history and a strong foundation for continued success!” – Dan Smith, Executive Director

Executive Director Dan Smith, a St. Louis native, has served in the field of senior living since 2005. Before joining the OtterbeinDan Smith, Executive Director at Otterbein Sunset Village. community, Dan spent 13 years serving seniors as an administrator and executive director with Life Care Services. He began his career in senior living as a student intern while attending Miami University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in social gerontology.

Dan and his wife, Betsy (a native of northwest Ohio), have two children who were raised in communities like Otterbein Sunset Village. Dan enjoys swimming, playing volleyball and golf, and spectating his kids’ sports and activities.

Meet Rachael, Admissions Coordinator

“When I can visibly see someone’s face relax, I know I’ve done a good job.“ – Rachael Operacz, Admissions Coordinator

Admissions Coordinator Rachael Operacz graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in family and individual studies in 1991 and sat for the licensed social worker exam in 1992. She was the social service director at Otterbein Sunset House from 1997-2000. Rachael Operacz, Admissions Coordinator at Otterbein Sunset Village.

After her first position at Otterbein, Rachael transitioned into her role as a stay-at-home mom to her two children for nearly 10 years. Then in 2009, she was approached about an opening in the admissions department at Otterbein Sunset Village and has been here ever since. Rachael coordinates all admissions and tries to make the transition from a person’s home to our community as seamless as possible.

Rachael’s favorite pastime is reading historical fiction novels, and she is planning a bucket list trip to Ireland within the next two years!

Meet Heather, Marketing Director & Fieldstone Villas Manager

Marketing Director and Fieldstone Villas Manager Heather McGannon is responsible for sales, marketing, and communications across all levels of care at Otterbein SunsetHeather McGannon, Marketing Director and Fieldstone Villas Manager at Otterbein Sunset Village. Village. She also serves the residents and staff of the Fieldstone Villas.

Heather has over 25 years of experience in the health care field in various positions, including regional sales director, executive director, and marketing director. She has been with Otterbein Sunset Village for nearly five years and lives in Maumee, Ohio, with her husband Scott, their five children, and two loveable boxers. In her free time, Heather enjoys event planning and photography.

Meet Katie, Housekeeping Director

Housekeeping Director Katie Beaudry oversees both the housekeeping and laundry departments. Katie was born and raised in Perrysburg and still resides there with her daughter. Katie Beaudry, Housekeeping Director at Otterbein Sunset Village.

Katie found that she enjoyed cleaning and doing household chores at a young age — she wanted to do anything her mom did around the house. Before her role at Otterbein, Katie spent six years cleaning upscale hotels and then five years cleaning various apartment complexes in the area. 

When she is not busy cleaning, Katie loves to be outside. In the summer, you will often find her at her family’s summer cottage in Michigan!  

Meet Dawn, Resident Care Services Director

Dawn Link has been part of the Otterbein Sunset Village leadership team since 2016 but has worked in long-term care forDawn Link, Resident Care Services Director at Otterbein Sunset Village. over 25 years. Dawn loves witnessing her team help in any way needed to bring quality care to the residents. She also enjoys the variety of her workdays and building meaningful relationships with residents and partners.

Dawn treasures spending time with her family and friends, riding her bike, and doing Zumba classes with her friends during her spare time.

Meet Jennifer, Business Office Coordinator

Business Office Coordinator Jennifer Kesler joined the OtterbeinJennifer Kesler, Business Office Coordinator at Otterbein Sunset Village. Sunset Village leadership team early in 2022. In her role, Jennifer coordinates and processes all accounts payable and receivable, processes resident charges, and provides exceptional customer service to all residents and their families.

Jennifer loves spending time with her children, working with her miniature horse, and riding her motorcycle when she’s not working.

Meet Lindsay, MDS Coordinator

MDS Coordinator Lindsay Kesselring joined Otterbein Sunset Village toward the end of 2021. She has been a registered nurseLindsay Kesselring, MDS Coordinator at Otterbein Sunset Village. for 14 years in various roles, including floor nurse, MDS coordinator, and director of nursing in the long-term care setting. She has previous experience working for Otterbein for over six years at Monclova SeniorLife Neighborhood.  

As the MDS coordinator, Lindsay assesses and monitors every resident’s health, following medical regulations and guidelines. She works with the entire health care team to create care plans using a holistic approach.

Meet Lindsey, Life Enrichment Director

Life Enrichment Director Lindsey Demski graduated with a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy from the University ofLindsey Demski, Life Enrichment Director at Otterbein Sunset Village. Toledo and completed an internship at Otterbein Perrysburg. 

In her role, Lindsey creates programming for the residents, introduces new activities to the monthly calendar, completes assessments for activity connection, and creates unique experiences to encourage an active lifestyle. Lindsey enjoys walking her three dogs, photography, and traveling in her leisure time.

Meet Bill, Maintenance Director

Maintenance Director Bill Hastings lived in Guatemala as aBill Hastings, Maintenance Director at Otterbein Sunset Village. missionary for 10 years working with indigenous people before joining the Otterbein team. Upon returning to Toledo, he started working at Otterbein Sunset House in maintenance for two years. After a brief time at another position, he was invited back to Otterbein to continue his maintenance work in the director position at Otterbein Sunset Village. 

Meet Kiran, Therapy Director

Symbria Therapy Director Kiran Dornala has been practicing physical therapy in the long-term care setting since 2010. HeKiran Dornala, Therapy Director at Otterbein Sunset Village. earned a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from NTR University of Health Sciences in India, a Master of Science in kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Utica College. 

Outside of work, Kiran enjoys spending time with friends and family. He also loves traveling, cooking, and exploring various cuisines.

Meet Justin, Culinary Director

Culinary Director Justin Fisher has led the culinary team at Otterbein Sunset Village for almost 13 years. He received trainingJustin Fisher, Culinary Director at Otterbein Sunset Village. from his experience at a prestigious yacht club in Tennessee. Justin loves sharing his creative flair during holiday family open houses and enjoys interacting with residents and partners daily.

His fan-favorite dishes include homemade chicken noodle soup and mango chicken salad. When Justin isn’t finding new recipes or cooking for residents, he likes to work in his vegetable garden, hunt, and spend time with his three young sons.

Ready to learn more about Otterbein Sunset Village?

Are you ready to meet the additional staff at Otterbein Sunset Village? Would you like to experience life here and get to know the residents? Click on the link below to request additional information or schedule a visit.

Learn More About Otterbein Sunset Village