Get to know our passionate leadership team who make The Goldton at Venice a top senior community in Florida.

Laura Blakeman

Executive Director

Laura began her career in senior living in 2005 and has gained experience in a variety of roles, including activities, dining, and operations. Her passion for serving seniors and her expertise across multiple areas of the industry have brought her to Venice, Florida, where she serves as Executive Director of The Goldton at Venice.

With an extensive background in fine dining, Laura brings her passion for great food and wine to the community, enriching the vibrant lifestyle that residents enjoy. She is excited to lead a dynamic team and welcome seniors to the boutique resort-style living offered at The Goldton at Venice.

Laura lives in Englewood with her children—Chet, Brenner, and Amanda—and their two fur babies, Lily and Russell. She believes that at least one day at the beach a week is essential for everyone.

Kelly Trautwein

Sales & Marketing Director

Kelly has a passion for building connections and helping others. Her career began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with martial arts, which became a lifelong pursuit. After moving to Sarasota in 1998, she and her family opened a martial arts academy, creating a strong and supportive community. Today, her daughter owns and operates the academy, while Kelly continues to share her expertise and love for the art.

Kelly has also been drawn to working with the senior community, valuing the wisdom and life lessons they share. At the Goldton at Venice, she finds joy in creating meaningful relationships and learning from residents’ insights on happy living.
As a licensed real estate agent in Florida, Kelly brings her warmth and consultative approach to helping people find a place they can truly call home. Whether coaching in martial arts or guiding older adults, she prioritizes community, connection and a sense of belonging in everything she does.

When she is not working, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, Rick, their kids and grandkids and their 2 cats—Missy Kitty and Kittles. She loves great food, staying active and relaxing at home in Sarasota.

Karla Keeton

Sales Counselor

One of the most noticeable qualities about me is my authentic sense of self. This trait often propels me to connect and spark conversations leading to strong relationships and in many cases, meaningful solutions for others. Having enjoyed a long advertising sales and marketing career in business and tourism, I’ve found a true sense of community, innovation and happiness in senior living in the last couple of years and look forward to working with our team to build relationships, enhanced living and life experiences that surpass expectations. When I’m not listening to residents and colleagues, you’ll find me hanging out with my much beloved dog, Kita, a rescue saved from the mean jungles of DeSoto county; engaged in home renovations or dabbling in furniture design; and of course, tasting and savoring my favorite foods which seem to be ever-evolving… I never thought chocolate would take a backseat to other dessert flavors, yet somehow, it’s true.

Dianne Penxa

Wellness Director

Dianne has been a nurse for 37 years with 25 of those years in assisted living clinical management. She was born and raised in a small town called Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, New York. She moved to Sarasota 41 years ago following her retiring parents.

She has two children, her daughter resides in Sarasota and is studying Real Estate. Her son, (who is a Marine), lives in Tennessee with his wife and new baby boy, (Dianne’s first grandchild).
Dianne enjoys her fur babies, Gracie, a German shorthaired pointer, Rexy, a standard poodle, and their offspring, Tippy and Rudy, one year old Pointer Doodles. She creates glass beads and bracelets as a hobby and enjoys the beach, finding healthy recipes, cooking and juicing.

Meredith R. Nykamp

Academy Director

Born and raised in Grand Rapids Michigan, Meredith has always had a passion for the arts such as Theater, Music, Sports and giving back in her community. While growing up she played basketball and softball, and also enjoyed playing the French horn and performing at church. Meredith attended Liberty University and spent her studies in both Social Work and Theology. She has had the privilege for working with Dr. Steven Covey and several Fortune 500 organizations.

Meredith found her passion for working with seniors while employed by an Elder Care Attorney’s office as a Client Care Coordinator, where she case managed every client. In 2017 Meredith and her family relocated to North Port in Florida when her husband accepted a position with Sarasota Memorial. Since moving to Florida, Meredith has been working in senior care. She feels blessed to have taken on the role of Resident Engagement Director at a local senior retirement facility. Throughout the years she has had the opportunity to develop exciting and engaging programs that have won a National IN2L award and countless “Best of Venice” awards. However, what she enjoys most is building life long relationships and sharing laughter, love and hugs. Meredith is known to breakout in song and dance, just to get a few smiles. She believes that there are never too many hugs to give and today is just the beginning.

Ann St Hilaire

Business Office Director

Ann St Hilaire originally from the State of Maine came to The Goldton at Venice in September 2023 as the Business Office Coordinator. Ann worked over 20 years in the financial industry and several years working in the Promotional Products Advertising field before deciding to go back to college later in life to obtain a Culinary Arts degree as well as finishing her degree in Business Management. Ann’s passion for cooking and helping people led her to take a position as a Dining Service Director at an upscale Independent/Assisted Living community in Maine where she became in love with working with the senior population and making a meaningful difference in their lives every day. Ann enjoys her work in the business and HR field and recently obtained her SHRM-CP certification Human Resources. Ann resides in North Port with her husband George and golden retriever Zoey however she does enjoy traveling back to Maine to visit her two sons Steve and Alex , her 2yr old grandson Damien and their families.

Caitlin Whelan

Director of Dining Services

Simple foods elevated with new flavors, continuous learning and happy satisfied customers is what Chef Caitlin lives for. She is a graduate of Keiser University with a Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management Degree, an Associates in Science from Schoolcraft Community College with a Minor in Nutrition and a certificate in Emergency Medicine. She holds certificates in Geriatric Nutrition, Childhood Obesity awareness, Diabetes education, Public Health and is a Florida State Certified Culinary Professional.

Caitlin is considered a local of Venice Florida. She did her Culinary Externship at one of Venice’s most notable fine dining establishments, The Crows Nest alongside her mentor, CIA graduate Chef Mike Leopold. After graduating she became a Garde Manger Chef and then Pastry Chef for Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. She then became the Executive Pastry Chef for Ophelia’s On the Bay on Siesta Key, an Area Catering Chef for Walters Wedding Estates in Denton Texas, then Executive Sous Chef at Off the Wagon Restaurant Group. She is happily married with two girls, and enjoys traveling with her family and of course, experimenting in the kitchen!

I believe that food feeds the soul, and everyone at any age deserves the best of the best for mealtime. From gourmet dinner dates, casual everyday lunches to the best breakfast sandwiches you’ll ever have. I want to serve food people can relate to bring them back to their favorite memories, as well introduce exciting new combinations to revel in. My personal style is Modern American with a Seaside Southern flare. My goal at The Goldton at Venice is to continue improving, lead a team of true talent, and keep residents coming back for more!

Chris O'Connor

Director of Building Services

Chris has been a manager of maintenance since 2016. Starting out at vacation rentals, he quickly realized his passion for helping others as well as “fixing their problems for them.” He began his career in senior living in 2022 and has since become the Director of Maintenance. Chris has extensive knowledge in maintaining the building and providing an excellent level of service; he is always looking to lend a hand wherever he can. Chris grew up in Sarasota, playing baseball since the age of 4, leading him to eventually volunteer as a coach at both Babe Ruth and Riverview High School after graduating high school himself.

In his free time, he enjoys building boats and fishing with his Dad and friends. He also enjoys traveling to Key West for lobstering every summer and going to the dog park with his dog Lily.