Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Zeithammel.
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was at a point in life where I was ready to step away from entrepreneurship. I was looking for a more consistent schedule while still remaining in a client-based, customer-service driven role. I’m a humanist by nature, so senior living made sense it offered structure without sacrificing meaningful human connection.
I entered the industry at the ground level as a Resident Assistant in Assisted Living and Memory Care because I wanted to understand the work where the impact is felt most directly. From there, my progression happened quickly: within three weeks I was promoted to Lead Aide on second shift, and within three months I stepped into the Clinical Coordinator role for Memory Care.
During that time, the company was sold, and I effectively carried the responsibilities of an Interim Director of Nursing (without the title) but with full clinical accountability. After approximately six months in that clinical leadership capacity, I transitioned into Sales and Marketing, where my operational and clinical background allowed me to align family expectations with real world care delivery.
A year and a half later, I was promoted to Executive Director. The community was in a period of redirection, and I assumed multiple leadership and operational responsibilities to stabilize culture, staffing, and performance. Nearly two years later, the community was sold again. I remain on as Executive Director under new ownership, and I continue in that role today, leading a stable, growing community, centered around culture driven care and resident centered outcomes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? Not at all. This road had hazards, potholes, roadblocks and detours. I don’t think meaningful leadership is ever smooth. It’s the resilience that grows us, and that resilience shapes how i lead today. The biggest challenge was learning to lead through constant change: rapid role transitions, ownership changes, and periods where I was carrying responsibilities well beyond my title.
I had to learn quickly how to stabilize teams, build trust, and make decisions without perfect information all while staying grounded and focused on long term impact, stability and progress. Those challenges shaped how I lead today: Intention, empathy and consistency.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I serve as an Executive Director in senior living, where I specialize in stabilizing communities through culture-driven care and resident-centered outcomes. My work sits at the intersection of people, operations, and accountability building strong teams, aligning clinical and operational standards, and ensuring residents experience consistency, dignity, and quality of life.
I’m known for stepping into complex environments and creating clarity. I focus heavily on culture, because when staff feel supported, expectations are clear, and leadership is present, outcomes naturally improve for residents, families, and the organization. I lead with intention, empathy, and accountability, and I’m comfortable making difficult decisions while keeping people at the center.
What I’m most proud of is building stability where there was once uncertainty retaining teams through change, improving resident experience, and creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and confident in the care being delivered.
What sets me apart is that I didn’t grow into leadership from the top down. I grew into it from the ground up. I’ve worked directly in care, clinical leadership, sales, and operations, which gives me a full spectrum understanding of how decisions impact people at every level. I don’t lead from theory; I lead from experience, and I bring both heart and discipline to the work.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
What became clear very quickly was the depth of emotion and lived history families bring with them when they admit a loved one. You’re not just admitting a resident you’re inheriting years of fear, guilt, grief, hope, and trust.
I realized early on that my role isn’t only about care delivery; it’s about managing emotion, expectation, and trust often at one of the most vulnerable moments in a family’s life. This perspective changed how i communicate, lead and make decisions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.woodlandterraceotsego.care
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodlandterraceotsego
