From Passion to Purpose: Kamalanimalie Manner’s Journey at The Villas

Kamalanimalie Manner, Assistant Administrator at the Villas by Ohana Pacific Health. Credit: The Villas by OPH

At The Villas, caring for kūpuna was more than a mission for Kamalanimalie Manner, who recently got her Administrative license. For Kamalanimalie, serving the residents and families of The Villas has become both a professional purpose and a way to give back to the community she calls home.

Collaboration with nursing staff to keep resident care running smoothly. Credit: The Villas by OPH

Kamalanimalie, currently serves as the Assistant Administrator at The Villas, a role she has proudly held since 2023. In this position, she helps oversee the daily operations of The Villas Post Acute Care Rehab Facility, ensuring residents receive the highest quality care while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Working closely with each department, including nursing, social services, dietary, rehabilitation, activities, and environmental services, Kamalanimalie works to create a workplace where safety, responsibility, and respect for residents are always a priority. Every decision is guided by The Villas’ mission of “Caring for Kūpuna.”

Kamalanimalie working with Jun, Environmental Services Manager, to prepare a space for their next resident ensuring the room is clean, safe, and ready to welcome them with care. Credit: The Villas by OPH

Education and Returning Home

A graduate of the University of the Pacific in Oregon, Kamalanimalie earned her bachelor's degree in Public Health. After graduating from college, she returned home to Hawaiʻi with plans to pursue a career in the medical field as a Physician Assistant. While exploring opportunities on the island, she noticed that The Villas had an open position, which ultimately led her to apply. What began as an opportunity quickly turned into a meaningful career in healthcare administration.

What Kamalanimalie values most about her work is the opportunity to show up each day for the residents and their families. Whether collaborating with staff or supporting care teams across departments, she takes pride in ensuring that every resident is treated with respect and that families can feel confident their loved ones are in good hands. 

Kamalanimalie with the Rehab Team, exploring the new equipment designed to support our kūpuna. Credit: The Villas by OPH

Mentorship and Career Growth 

Kamalanimalie’s leadership journey at The Villas has been shaped by mentorship and unexpected opportunities. Before becoming Assistant Administrator, Kamalanimalie worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director at the time, Dusty Davis. Dusty encouraged her to participate in management responsibilities and meetings, gradually exposing her to the broader operational side of healthcare administration.

Those experiences paved the way for the next step in her career. One day, Ohana Pacific Health owner Rich Kishaba approached her and said, “Hey Kama, I heard you were going to be part of the AIT Program.” At the time, Kamalanimalie wasn’t even sure what the program was. Shortly after, Alisa Racelo, Regional Director of Operations explained that it was the Administrator in Training (AIT) Program, was created to develop future healthcare administrators. That moment helped Kamalanimalie realize that Dusty had already seen leadership potential in her.

The AIT Program Journey

Kamalanimalie officially began the Administrator in Training (AIT) Program in October 2024. Through the program, she gained deeper experience in healthcare operations, leadership, and facility management. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she successfully passed her exam in January, marking an important milestone in her professional journey. 

Kamalanimalie’s passion for healthcare began during high school. Over time, she also learned that healthcare careers extend far beyond doctors and nurses.

“Healthcare is much broader than people realize,” Kamalanimalie shares. “There’s many numerous careers, such as administration, social work, therapy, medical records, and more. My advice is to explore those different areas and find what truly interests you."

Continuing the Mission

Today, Kamalanimalie continues to grow as a leader while staying grounded in what matters most: caring for the kupuna and supporting the dedicated staff who make that care possible every day. Her journey reflects the power of mentorship, opportunity, and a deep commitment to serving the community.

OPH is committed to supporting employee growth through a variety of career development opportunities. Visit our website to learn more!