Strengthening Senior Care Through Experienced Leadership

At The Campus of Anna Maria of Aurora, leadership is deeply rooted in family, experience, and a long-standing commitment to exceptional senior care. Recently, the campus proudly marked an important milestone that reflects these values: Diane Sample officially passed her Nursing Home Administrator exam, further strengthening the family-owned legacy that has guided Anna Maria for generations.

As the granddaughter of Anna Maria’s founders and cousin to Administrator Chris Norton, Diane represents the next chapter in a story built on compassion, responsibility, and hands-on leadership. Not only is her achievement a personal accomplishment, but it also reinforces the philosophy that quality care begins with leaders who truly understand the needs of residents, families, and staff.

A Family Tradition of Care and Compassion

Equally important, the story of Anna Maria is, at its heart, a family story. Founded in 1964 by Robert and Loretta Norton, Anna Maria of Aurora was built on the belief in the worth and dignity of every human life. Over the decades, while the campus has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of seniors, it has remained firmly family-owned and operated. Today, third-generation family members continue to lead the community, ensuring that decisions are guided not by corporate interests, but by relationships, responsibility, and respect. This enduring commitment shapes a warm, home-like environment where residents are known personally and families feel supported every step of the way. To learn more about the values, history and family that continue to guide the campus, visit our About The Campus of Anna Maria of Aurora page.

A Career Built on Experience and Compassion

Throughout her 15-year career at Anna Maria of Aurora, Diane has steadily advanced through nearly every level of clinical leadership. Beginning as a floor nurse, she later served as Clinical Manager, Unit Manager, Restorative Nurse, and Director of Nursing. Because of this progression, she brings firsthand insight into the daily realities of skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.

Moreover, this depth of experience allows leadership decisions to be guided by real-world knowledge and empathy. As a result, families can feel confident knowing that care standards are shaped by professionals who have worked closely with residents and care teams alike.

Strengthening Care Across the Entire Campus

Importantly, having another licensed Nursing Home Administrator on campus enhances the strength and stability of the entire community. With additional leadership in place, the team is better equipped to mentor staff, ensure continuity of care, and respond to the evolving healthcare needs of seniors.

This collaborative leadership model benefits not only skilled nursing and rehabilitation but also The Kensington at Anna Maria, which provides assisted living and memory care services. By sharing the same family-centered values and administrative support, both communities work together to provide a seamless continuum of care and peace of mind for families.

A Trusted Leader in Senior Care, Year After Year

In an industry increasingly shaped by corporate ownership, Anna Maria of Aurora continues to stand apart as a family-owned and operated senior care campus. Over the past two years, the community has consistently been recognized among Ohio’s leading nursing homes—demonstrating a sustained commitment to quality, safety, and compassionate service rather than a single moment of success.

At the same time, The Kensington at Anna Maria has also earned recognition among the state’s most trusted senior living communities, reinforcing the strength of care offered across the entire campus. Together, these acknowledgments highlight excellence across skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, and memory care.

Ultimately, Diane Sample’s advancement into administration reflects more than professional growth. It symbolizes a continued promise to lead with heart, experience, and accountability. For residents and families, that means confidence in a community where care is guided by people who treat it like family—every resident, every family, every day.