Meet the Team at Kalamazoo
Executive Director
Amanda Buhl
Amanda has worked in the healthcare field for 14 years. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and is also certified in CMS Hand in Hand training, is a Best Friends Approach Ambassador and currently working on her certification to become a Licensed Administrator in the state of Michigan. Amanda enjoys playing volleyball and spending quality time with her son Trey.
Director of Wellness
Jessica Habelitz, LPN
With more than 25 years of nursing experience, Jessica Habelitz brings both skill and heart to her role as Director of Wellness at North Woods Village of Kalamazoo. A California native, Jessica began her nursing career after earning her license there and has devoted her professional life to caring for the geriatric population.
Jessica has a special passion for supporting individuals living with dementia, finding fulfillment in providing compassionate, person-centered care that enhances quality of life for each resident. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her three children and extended family. She loves road trips, outdoor adventures, and being near the water—places where she can recharge and reflect on the joy of helping others.
Community Relations Director
Rick Garlick
Rick has worked in healthcare for over 35 years, spending the first 20+ years in the pharmaceutical industry in sales, sales training, and management. Since 2009, he has worked in Home Care, Home Health Care, Hospice, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. He is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. He and his wife Sharon have been married for 35 years and have four children (three boys and a girl). In his spare time, he enjoys disc golfing with his sons, working out, and anything that involves spending time with his family.
Director of Dining Services
Ryan Thompson
Ryan is a native of Gobles, MI and brings over 24 years of culinary experience to North Woods Village. After honing his skills in the Grand Rapids culinary scene for nearly two decades—from fine dining to catering—Ryan spent the last nine years specializing in preparing nutritious, flavorful meals for older adults and individuals with disabilities. He believes great food begins with fresh, local ingredients and is dedicated to delivering meals that nourish both body and spirit without sacrificing taste. Outside the kitchen, Ryan enjoys baking with his 9-year-old daughter, who shares his love for cooking and inspires him daily.
Life Enrichment Director
Cadena Fenwick
Cadena Fenwick began her healthcare career at age 15 as a nursing assistant and brings over 34 years of experience across assisted living, skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care, hospice, and home health. After 22 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she transitioned into Life Enrichment and has spent the last 4 years leading meaningful, resident-centered programming. Dementia certified, Cadena is passionate about enhancing quality of life and creating purposeful engagement for those she serves.
Outside of her professional role, she is a proud mother of three daughters and grandmother of nine. She finds peace along the shores of Lake Michigan, a place that reflects the calm, steady presence she brings to her residents and their families.
Environmental Services Director
Tom Cox
Tom is a Kalamazoo native with more than 15 years of hands-on maintenance experience. He is certified in HVAC, plumbing, and construction, and spent a decade working in apartment construction and maintenance before bringing his skills to the senior care industry. Today, Tom takes pride in maintaining a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents and staff alike. Outside of work, he enjoys football—especially cheering on the University of Michigan—and spending time with his two children and two beloved furry companions.
Business Office Director
Stephanie Zagar
Stephanie has over 20 years of business office management experience in both the healthcare and real estate industries. With a fervent passion for training, teaching and mentoring others, Stephanie is committed to helping others achieve their fullest potential and loves seeing everyone succeed. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with family and her beloved cats. She finds joy in crafting, exploring farmers markets, sitting on the beach with a good book, and nurturing her flower
gardens.
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