Meet Our Ocala Senior Care Staff

Carolyn Lukert

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I am very passionate about how we treat our elders, and am keenly aware of the assistance most families need when it comes to caring for their parents (or worrying about caring for their parents).

I also have a heart for elders, so being able to participate in a company that helps them be happy in the remaining years of life is important to me.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I love being a part of an organization that helps elders age in place as long as is reasonably possible. My role is to ensure that our employees (staff and caregivers) have the tools and support they need to be the best caregivers possible, and to help them be so engaged in their work that they wouldn’t want to work anywhere but here. Caregivers who are happy and engaged create very loyal clients.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
Family first, then horseback riding, motorcycle riding, all around animal lover, reading.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
My hometown is Warwick, RI. I currently live in Alachua, Florida. What I love most about Alachua is the fact that I can live out in the country, but be close enough to a city so I have access to whatever I need.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
My favorite main course – grouper and scallops, Favorite dessert – anything chocolate.

 

Cindy Flowers, Care Manager

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
Prior to working at Comfort Keepers I worked for a large retirement community in Gainesville. The members who lived at the retirement center often needed additional care to maintain their independence so I would refer them to Comfort Keepers.

The services and customer service provided by Comfort Keepers was outstanding. Because of Comfort Keepers excellent reputation I had often thought if I were to ever leave working for the Retirement Community I would want to be a part of their team. I’m so happy that I’m now a part of a company so well thought of in my community.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I have been with Comfort Keepers for almost 3 years now and it is the best job I’ve ever had. As a Care Manager I am able to perform assessments on seniors who need help to stay independent in their homes. These assessments lead to establishing caregiving services that bring quality to an individual’s life. So, every day I am able to help someone improve their life or their family member’s life.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
I love to play golf and go kayak fishing.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
I’m originally from Memphis, TN but currently living in Gainesville, Florida. I love all the Univ. of Florida Gator sports. We are “title” town for all our championships.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
I could eat Pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

Susan Manges, Community Relations Manager for Ocala/Marion County

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I have worked in the healthcare industry since 1985, and understand the great need for quality care in our community.  I wanted to work for an organization that has a similar philosophy and dedicated to making a positive difference.  It is a match made in heaven!

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
Our Comfort Keepers are truly the most caring, professional and dedicated caregivers in our industry and I am so proud to be a part of this team!

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
Time is precious and time with my family is at the top of my list. I am blessed to have my entire family living in Ocala including my Mother and Father; my daughter, Jamie who is married with two beautiful little boys, ages 2 and 4; my daughter, Erin who is married; and my son, Zach. I love to travel (my most recent adventure was to South Africa). I am also actively involved in community and philanthropic organizations such as The Ocala Honor Flight for World War II Veterans to Washington, D.C., United Way’s “Women of Worth”, and the Florida Public Relations Association.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
My Father is retired from the United States Air Force and a “hometown” is not really possible when moving every 3 years. I really enjoyed that lifestyle growing up, as it taught me about the diversity and uniqueness of each and every new location. I was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, and have lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast including Alaska. Ocala has become my home and is a great place to raise a family. It is a very giving community and the majority of social events revolve around fundraising and giving back. Ocala is central to almost everything in Florida and is a great place to live!

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
Love seafood (which is one of the reasons I wanted to move to Florida), sushi and spicy foods. Can’t forget peanut butter and anything Chocolate!

What is your role as “Community Relations Manager”?
To create awareness by educating the medical and non-medical community, developing relationships, and growing the market share for our amazing Comfort Keeper Team!

Credentials and Certifications
Studied at the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley and the College of Central Florida and received my accreditation in public relations (APR) through the Florida Public Relations Association, the oldest public relations association in the United States.

 

Ruth Brunner, Sales Manager

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I truly believe I was put here on this earth to assist in taking care of people and to help make a difference in other peoples’ lives. Comfort Keepers gives me the opportunity to further my personal mission of helping people be the best they can be.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I love working with our owners, our team members, our clients and their families. The vast experience of our Comfort Keepers team members is further enhanced by the level of professionalism and commitment we have to deliver extraordinary service to our clients. It is a privilege for me to work with such an awesome group of professionals.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
My favorite hobby these days is to work with my husband in our multiple flower gardens. I also love to go visit my two beautiful daughters and their families who live in north Georgia. My daughters have blessed me with 3 wonderful grandchildren (1 grandson and 2 granddaughters) who all bring much joy to my life.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
I am a native Floridian…born in Clermont and raised in Lake County, Florida. I currently live on 2.5 acres of land in Alachua (just outside of Gainesville). I love the beautiful countryside I wake up to see each day.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
I love Mexican food…especially from the restaurant…La Fiesta in Gainesville.

Candace Hanzes, MBA, HCM

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I wanted to be part of the Comfort Keepers Team because it is a well respected company.  We take great care and pride in choosing those that work for Comfort Keepers.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I love being a Comfort Keeper because I get to interact with Clients and Staff.  I love providing the clients with the ability to stay in their home longer and I love to teach and learn from the staff.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
I love to read, volunteer in my church, and spend time with my family.

Where is your hometown and what do you like most about your current city?
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania in a small town called West Middlesex.  It is in the Snow Belt of the North.  I love that there is no snow in my current city and it still has a small town feel of community.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
My favorite food is anything that comes out of a garden.  I love fresh vegetables and fruit.  My favorite dessert is Cheesecake.