In April, people and companies around the world celebrate diversity in their teams and communities. Together we recognize and celebrate the unique attributes that each individual brings to our organization and world. In honor of Celebrate Diversity Month, we’re highlighting Anne Rosinus, Lifestyle Director with Ovation Heartwood Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska, managed by Arete Living.
Anne’s unique upbringing, which she calls “backpack child,” took her to 42 different countries. Her childhood shaped her outlook on life and what makes her the incredible independent woman she is today.
Anne’s traveling childhood
Anne was born on the German-French border, but her family soon began moving due to her father's job as an engineer. Because they moved around frequently, Anne speaks five languages fluently. She speaks English, German, French, Italian, and Swiss German. Anne also knows some Chinese and Japanese and says because of her childhood experiences, she can learn new languages quickly.
Her traveling childhood instilled in her spontaneity as an adult.
“I’m open to whatever comes in my life,” Anne shared. “I love the unknown because of how I lived.”
Anne’s adventurous beginnings in life continue today! She loves the outdoors, especially hiking, and sports. She also has a German Shepherd puppy.
Anne’s move to the United States
As Anne entered adulthood, she settled in Switzerland with her son Louis. They resided there for 15 years, the longest Anne has lived anywhere. When her son was 14, she had the opportunity to move to the United States to start a business as an interior designer. Louis was on board with the idea, so the two moved to the United States in 2016.
She ran her business for many years as an interior designer specializing in meeting medical needs, such as skin cancer, eczema, and other conditions that are affected by furniture or wallpaper. She helped renovate people’s homes to find the right materials so they could truly enjoy their home, without worry of materials flaring up their symptoms.
During COVID-19, Anne closed her business. Her friend Collette Mieres, Assisted Living Executive Director with Ovation Heartwood Preserve, offered Anne a job, where she’s been now for over a year.
Her son Louis also works at Ovation as the Lead Server. When he’s not studying at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, he’s serving residents at Lorraine’s Kitchen, one of Ovation Heartwood Preserve’s in-house restaurants.
Bringing different cultures to Ovation
Anne’s childhood of travel and exposure to many cultures has translated perfectly into her current role as a Lifestyle Director at Ovation Heartwood Preserve.
She organizes regular “trips” for residents to foreign countries, complete with smells and food of those locations, so that they can experience new cultures and traditions.
One of her activities was a Japanese tea ceremony. They enjoy hearing about Anne’s experiences – and share with her their own life experiences too.
“They make you cry and laugh every day,” Anne shared about working in senior living. “It's emotional every day. I have a great relationship with them.”
Anne said listening is crucial for working in senior living – and it’s a trait she developed from her childhood.
“You need to care,” she stated.
Anne certainly shows she cares in how she treats residents and by listening to what activities they enjoy – and planning activities based on their preferences.
Celebrating diversity through connection
Anne loves connecting with people and learning about their life experiences. She believes the key to celebrating diversity is being open to trying new things, whether that's new food, new activities, or simply having conversations with people who have different backgrounds and perspectives.
Anne's message for Celebrate Diversity Month is simple but powerful. She encourages people to be more kind and interested in others’ lives. Whether it's trying new food, talking to someone with a different religion or culture, or simply being more kind to strangers, Anne believes that small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
“Be interested in your co-workers, friends, or strangers,” Anne shared. “Ask about their life and learn something about it.”
In honor of Celebrate Diversity Month and throughout the year, let's take Anne’s perspective and embrace our differences. Be more open to new experiences, learn about other cultures and traditions, and most importantly, let's be kind to one another. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming world for everyone.