The Goldton at Venice is located in a non-flood zone. We have a very stable building with 24/7 staff to assure everyone's safety during an emergency. We are 1.9 miles from the hospital and have direct access to I75. Come and visit this safe haven.

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

Laura Blakeman, Executive Director

Laura Blakeman

Executive Director

Laura started her senior living career in 2005. Over the years, she has worked in activities, dining, and operations. Her passion and knowledge in multiple areas in this industry have brought her to Venice, Florida as the Executive Director of The Goldton at Venice. Laura has an extensive background in fine dining and brings her love of good food and wine to the community. Laura is excited to lead a dynamic team at the Goldton at Venice and welcome seniors to the new luxury lifestyle offered to Venice.

Laura and her husband Curtis are happy to be new residents of Englewood, along with their two dogs, Tilly, and Lilly. Their oldest son, Chet, and his wife to be Amanda are living their best lives in Colorado. Their youngest son, Brenner just moved to Florida from Kentucky.

Anna Dood Sales and Marketing Director The Goldton at Venice

Anna Dodd

Sales and Marketing Director

Anna started her career in senior living as a volunteer for a non-profit organization in 2010, engaging with the residents by orchestrating activities. Once she graduated high school, completing the 4 year medical academy and an active member in H.O.S.A (Health Occupation Students of America), Anna graduated as a CNA. From 2016 till now, she has worked as a CNA, Concierge, and Sales and Marketing. She also obtained her CDP certification (Certified Dementia Practitioner) which allows her to assist and support families in search of Memory Support. Anna has a complete passion for senior living and life enrichment. According to Anna, “seniors deserve the best life, make new friends, and enjoy their day to day, everyday!” She is beyond excited to be able to display the luxury lifestyle at the Goldton at Venice. 

She is a resident of Manatee County with her boyfriend, Connor, and their two fur babies, Roxy and Kita. They enjoy fishing and traveling on their off time. 

Shelbie Greco, Academy Director | The Goldton at Venice

Shelbie Greco

Academy Director

Shelbie Greco comes to us from a long line of public servants. Both grandfathers and father all served in the military and later her parents would meet while working at The City of Miami Police Department. Growing up outdoors in The Florida Keys fishing, camping, snorkeling, and riding horses competitively. Shelbie found her calling as a Florida State Certified EMT with a degree in Emergency Medicine. EMS is where she realized even more, her love of caring for folks in and out of senior living. Affectionately known by her family as Julie McCoy, Shelbie has always found ways to entertain at family gatherings, being an avid marching band parent or planning festivities for her friends. This is why overseeing activities is so fitting for her at The Goldton at Venice and has been a wonderful place for Shelbie to land.

Ann St Hilaire Business Office Director The Goldton at Venice

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.

Sean Krasensky, Wellness Director | The Goldton at Venice

Sean Krasensky

Wellness Director

Sean Krasensky RN had a life career change in 2008 when he got laid off as a Store Manager for a tuxedo company after 7.5 years. He went back to college to become a nurse. Why a nurse? His grandmother was a school nurse for 27 years and looked up to her his whole life. He graduated in 2013 with his RN degree and started looking for jobs and a floor nurse position came available at an assisted living community in Sarasota. After 6 months as the floor nurse, he started his career as a Health & Wellness Director. He is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Ten years later, Sean arrived at The Goldton at Venice. He is here to make a difference in the well-being and care for your loved ones.

Sean is originally from Franklin Park, IL (suburb of Chicago) but graduated from Venice High School when he moved down to Florida in 1987. He is a resident of Sarasota. He resides in Sarasota with his niece Jenee and her son James along with his cat named Melody.

Jon Lague, Director of Dining Services | The Goldton at Venice

Jon Lague

Director of Dining Services

Hello there! My name is Jon, I am originally from Long Island, New York and moved to sunny Florida in January of 2018.  I have been in senior healthcare since March of 2018 when I took the opportunity to work in activities at a community in Celebration Florida. My passion for working with the senior population was ignited and I have not looked back. I continued with activities until 2020 when I was able to transfer into the kitchen and let my true passion shine. I have worked within the restaurant industry since I was 15 years old starting out as a host and bus boy and working my way all the way up to general manager. Cooking has always been part of my life ever since I can remember. My driving force is seeing the community’s reaction when they order any of the creations that we put out.

During my time as an athlete, I learned a few valuable life lessons that I apply every day within the department: “there are two things in life we can control, our attitude and our effort.” “Do not cut corners.” These two sayings are very vital to my approach in the creation of menus and service for the community. Come enjoy some of our tasty creations!

Chris O Connor

Chris O'Connor

Director of Maintenance

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.

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