Meet Donica Troxler | Facility Director and RN

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donica Troxler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donica, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The Ohana Adult Day Program advocates for overall senior wellness. This population is often overlooked and counted out by our community. We are here to educate and bring awareness to caregivers and the community, letting them know that the older folks are still viable and valuable regardless of a medical condition or cognitive decline. We also give our members hope and purpose, encouraging them to live out their best lives!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been in the healthcare field for over 14yrs. now. I started out as a Department of Defense Control Gate Guard, then a patient with breast cancer in 2004 who did not like seeing the lack of compassion in healthcare so decided to become a licensed practical nurse in 2008. Went back to school and became a registered nurse because I wanted more of a voice in the field. Shortly after obtaining my RN licensure, I began working on my business plan. I knew I wanted to open an adult day center for seniors and disabled adults because I recognized early on in my nursing career that they were an underserved population. While working as a nurse, I spent ALL my free time researching, planning, and writing all my policies and procedures for my dream center. It was never easy, and I ran into many nay sayers along the way, but I was determined to try anyway. I figured, “what do I have to lose.”
I didn’t have any savings and had no clue how I was going to pull it off, but I didn’t allow that to stop me. At times I even thought I was crazy. I was scared to death, but could not let that hinder me.
When o signed the lease in Jan of 2020, I never would have imagined that Covid-19 was right around the corner. It was a devastating blow to my business that had not even had the opportunity to grow. I literally only had three clients that year, which definitely did not pay the bills, which meant more money out of my pocket. 2020 was extremely grim. 2021 was not much better, but I still tread on because so many people kept telling me that the facility was much needed in the community.
The PPP disaster relief helped me hold on a bit longer, although I did not receive very much.
I am so glad that I have not given up. Honestly I do not know how I am making ends meet, considering I still do not bring in enough revenue to pay myself a wage yet. I am so blessed though, because I have learned so much more than any school degree could teach me. I have learned to wear many (if not all) hats, from operations, book-keeping, maintenance, janitorial, food-service…and so on! The list is lengthy!!
I get the most joy in knowing that each member and caregiver who walks through my door will receive my love, compassion, and genuine concern for their well-being! I absolutely LOVE what I do!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my! I honestly would not know because I have not had a chance to get out and enjoy other attractions since becoming a business owner. I love Piedmont park and have always wanted to take a stroll down the walk. I would also like to explore downtown Atlanta and go to the winery in Northern GA (I forgot the name of it).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shout out to God, because He has given me the strength and courage to step out on faith and step away from complacency. I really believe that I would NEVER have taken this leap nor survived these first few years in this business without His constant guidance and reassurance!

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Website: Ohana-day.org

Instagram: Ohana_dayz

Facebook: OhanaADP

Image Credits
Ohana Adult Day Program