Meet Our Senior Living Professionals at Discovery Commons Cypress Point

Donna Holden

Executive Director

Executive Director Donna Holden brings more than 30 years of senior living industry experience to her role at Discovery Commons. Prior to joining our team, Donna held multiple leadership positions within the Brookdale organization, including Director of Resident Services and Assisted Living Director for a sizeable Continuing Care Senior Living Community (CCRC) in Bradenton, Florida.

She has been CORE certified for more than 15 years in addition to receiving a vast amount of supplemental, healthcare training throughout her career. However, it’s her genuine compassion and commitment to residents and team members that form a foundation for her leadership within our community.

Outside of work, Donna and her husband, Joe, make their home in Fort Myers, and enjoy plenty of family time with their two daughters, who live nearby.

Jamie Johnston

Senior Living Counselor

Jamie’s career kicked off in 2004 with Manpower International Global staffing where she found her passion for helping professionals seek new career opportunities and those preparing those entering the workforce for the first time. Jamie earned gold, bronze & silver awards for instrumental role in driving record-high sales. In 2013, Jamie and her husband left the frozen state of Wisconsin for year-round sunshine in Florida. Jamie shifted her passion for helping to assisting families that needed direction, support, and options for Senior Living.

Jamie is Dementia friendly certified, has over 10 years combined experience as a Senior Living Advisor and Asset Management protection.

Outside of her career, you will find Jamie “under the sea” snorkeling in our beautiful waters or on the golf course with her husband.

Barbie Campos

Business Office Manager

Senior Lifestyle Coordinator, Barbie Campos, has worked in the senior living industry for about 26 years. She started her career in Michigan, where she obtained her Certified Nursing Assist License.

After moving to Florida in 2001, Barbie worked at Shell Point as an aide and was promoted to Medical Assistant in their medical office. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in health care administration graduating for Rasmussen University. Barbie has great passion for what she does and has worked in various positions in the senior living field. She has two beautiful daughters who are 12 and 10. When she is not spending time with her girls Barbie, you can find her at the gym.

Michele Howard

Director of Health and Wellness

Director of Health and Wellness Michele Howard brings a wealth of knowledge of senior living to our community. Michele was born and raised in Fort Myers and has been a nurse for 33 years, focusing on senior living for 32 of those years. Michele has been married to her husband Bill for 27 years, with five grown children (including two sets of twins!) and in her free time, Michele enjoys camping, canning jelly and spending time with her seven grand children.

Nicole Ippolito

Memory Care Director

Memory Care Director Nicole Ippolito is a decorated and highly experienced practitioner whose career spans more than 12 years and multiple leadership roles at several, well-respected Assisted Living and Memory Care communities in the Fort Myers area. Ever dedicated to providing the finest-quality resident care, she holds certifications in Alzheimer’s Disease Levels 1 & 2, Elopement and Wandering, Emergency Response and Situational Awareness in Assisted Living Facilities, CPR, First Aid, and Assistance with Medication, among others. Nicole has also been a proud volunteer with the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association since 2012.

Originally from Englewood, New Jersey, she moved to Fort Myers as a child in 1991, graduating from nearby Cypress Lake High School in 1997. In her current role with our community, Nicole strives to achieve excellence in person-centered memory care and create a warm, welcoming environment that ensures comfort and consistency, safety, and superior quality of life overall.

Beyond the community setting, Nicole is a loving mother who enjoys family time with her three children, ages 24, 18, and 16.

Anita Reinhart

Director of Celebrations

Director of Celebrations Anita Reinert has been committed to bringing life and joy to each resident’s day by providing physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually engaging activities. And welcoming the input of every resident and their life experience and interests. Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Anita was a Greenhouse Grower at a sizeable senior living community while she earned her degree at Harrisburg Area Community College with an emphasis on art, photography, and business. She started a wedding and portrait photography business which grew steadily for the following three years until her family moved to southwest Florida where she worked for a local school photographer before joining our Concierge team. Now as our Director of Celebrations, she encourages participation and includes valuable suggestions from team members and families. Anita has four fantastic children with her loving husband.

Ace Manzano

Director of Culinary Services

Chef Ace Manzano carries an extensive background in the food industry. He developed a passion for curating savory dishes over 20 years ago in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, later expanding to Southwest, Florida in 2011. He takes immense pride in all the skills gained throughout his profession. Chef Ace excels in preparing cultural cuisines from all over the world, delivering five-star presentations. He is always inspired by the story ‘behind the meal’ and how it brings people together.

Donnie Smith

Director of Facility Operations

After 23 years as a firefighter in Kokomo, Indiana, Donnie retired and relocated to Florida in 2018. Donnie wanted to continue helping people, and pursued a career in senior living as a Director of Operations. Donnie has four grown children and six grandchildren. In his free time, Donnie enjoys boating and the beach.