When you meet Oak Hammock Quality Improvement Manager Calvin Reynek, you’re immediately struck by his professionalism, depth of knowledge and calm demeanor. His kind smile and twinkling eyes may soften his presence but make no mistake, Reynek approaches his healthcare professional role with exceptional seriousness and dedication.

And serious it is. The responsibilities Reynek holds are complex, far-reaching and vital to the safety and well-being of every resident and team member at Oak Hammock. What many don’t realize is just how challenging the role of a quality improvement manager can be, requiring both deep regulatory expertise, operational efficiency and strategic leadership.

In His Own Words

So, what exactly does Reynek do? Here’s how he describes his role:

“In the heart of a thriving Life Plan Community, I serve as a steward of excellence, ensuring that every resident receives the highest standard of care across all levels—independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. This role is both strategic and hands-on, blending regulatory expertise with compassionate oversight.

I collaborate with senior leadership and department heads, encompassing clinical, dietary, housekeeping, plant operations and administration, to ensure our policies align with state and federal regulations, including those from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, and state health departments. I lead audits, inspections and root cause analyses to foster a culture of continuous improvement. I also oversee incident reporting, ensure timely follow-ups and submit data-driven reports to executive leadership to inform policy decisions.

Ultimately, my job ensures Oak Hammock not only meets but exceeds regulatory standards, while always upholding the dignity, safety and well-being of our residents and team members.”

In short, Reynek translates complex regulatory guidelines into clear, actionable procedures that our team members can implement with confidence. Thanks to his ability to distill technical data into practical steps, Oak Hammock continues to receive outstanding recognition for care quality.

Vice President of Community Life Enrichment & Health Services Sonja Donlin shared her thoughts about Reynek:

“Calvin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and clinical insight in infection control and quality assurance/performance improvement. His efforts organizing and managing vaccine clinics were essential to promoting public health within our community.

He has also played a key role in educating staff and residents, helping to ensure our team is informed, competent and confident. Most notably, Calvin has been instrumental in our Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement, or QAPI, initiatives that have directly improved resident outcomes and elevated our overall standard of care.”

A Lifelong Learner with a Heart for Advocacy

Has Reynek always had this mindset? According to him, yes. “I was always the kid in class who asked ‘why,’” he laughs. A passionate, lifelong learner, Reynek thrives on solving complex challenges.

Originally from Logan, Iowa, Reynek is the oldest of five siblings and remains close to his family. Although he cherishes their annual summer gatherings, harsh winters were one reason he left the Midwest.

He moved to Ft. Myers, Florida, with nothing but what would fit in his car. After 10 years and surviving Hurricane Ian’s aftermath, Reynek and his husband, Jonathan Albert, relocated to Ocala, where they’ve recently purchased a home. They now share it with their dog, Gus, and cat, Hunter.

Recently, Reynek reflected on his role at Oak Hammock:

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy operationalizing regulatory guidance, turning state and federal requirements into practice while supporting the highest level of care. I’m passionate about being a resource, helping departments identify and solve challenges as well as improving Oak Hammock’s healthcare quality overall.

I love making what is complex accessible, bringing an interdisciplinary team approach to each solution. It’s like solving a giant puzzle, aligning the most stringent standards to create processes that truly work.

I get great satisfaction when Oak Hammock improves quality standards and achieves operational success.

How do you apply the We Care themes to what you do? 

The WeCare values are welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic and are critical to our success. I always welcome feedback and strive for the best possible outcomes. I respond attentively and follow up until issues are resolved and expectations exceeded.

A good example of this was establishing Oak Hammock’s partnership with a third-party vaccine provider, which made it easier for residents and team members to receive recommended vaccines without having to travel. This was a team effort—and a reflection of how resident choice and quality care go hand-in-hand. As a senior living healthcare organization, I see our role as providing improvement initiatives for our community.

As a registered nurse, or RN, I see advocacy not just as part of my job—but a calling.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I started as a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, when I was 16 years old and have worked in senior living since 2007. I never imagined working in healthcare. When I was younger, I actually wanted to work at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo! But fate had other plans.

Outside of work and school, my husband and I enjoy dining out and listening to live music of all genres. We both remain busy and find ways to work on our separate goals while in a side-by-side situation.

Professional development is important to me. I am currently pursuing my master’s in healthcare administration through Western Governors University and should graduate in a year and a half. I am also studying to be an administrator in training, or AIT, which will be completed within the year. I keep busy by dedicating 15–20 hours a week to my studies.

Education is a lifelong journey and I believe the knowledge we gain should be used to improve ourselves and the lives of those around us.

What others have said about Reynek:

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Calvin on several occasions and have come to know him as both a reliable problem-solver and an invaluable resource. He supported me through Health Pavilion integration challenges related to the Music and Memory program, clarified medical coursework details for an OHICAN Scholarship application, and provided simple to understand instruction on AED usage. Calvin is consistently accessible, responsive and highly skilled — a true role model for effective resident-staff collaboration.” – Phil Morrison, resident

“When Calvin started at Oak Hammock, as the Residents’ Council Health and Wellbeing Committee chair, I was trying to find experts to address some of the workshops long requested by committee members. Calvin stepped up to teach a number of classes: AED Use, Cognitive Fitness, CPR Certification and First Aid. Calvin did a great job of engaging residents and addressing their questions. He is consistently responsive and really wants to help residents.” – Ellyn Ahlstrom, resident