Kara Reiser, ACC Vice President
Bringing Heart, Leadership, and National Advocacy to NCCAP

A Lifelong Commitment to Enriching the Lives of Older Adults

Kara Reiser, ACC, serves as Vice President of NCCAP, bringing more than three decades of experience in life enrichment, therapeutic recreation, and senior living leadership to the organization.

Certified as an Activity Director through NCCAP since 1986 and later earning her Activity Consultant Certification in 2016, Kara has dedicated her career to developing meaningful, resident-centered programming across skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living, and independent living communities.

Leading with Experience, Creativity, and Compassion

In addition to her longstanding work in senior living communities, Kara currently serves as Activity Director for Seven Oaks Resort in Texas where she plans, coordinates, and executes recreational and social events for guests in an RV resort and campground setting. Her core focus is building a welcoming and engaging community by organizing entertainment, overseeing volunteers, and helping maintain and raise funds for the facility budget. Her ability to foster connection and community extends across every environment she serves.

Kara has maintained long-standing involvement with Minnesota State-Wide Activity Professionals (MnSWAP), serving in numerous leadership positions including President, Regional President, Vice President, Convention Co-Chair, and Vendor Chair over the past 20+ years. Her background includes consulting and mentoring activity professionals throughout the field while supporting professional standards and continuing education initiatives.

Representing NCCAP on the National Stage

As Vice President of NCCAP, Kara plays an active role in representing the organization within national aging and long-term care initiatives. She participates in collaborative meetings and discussions with organizations focused on improving quality of care, resident engagement, and dementia support services across the continuum of care. Her involvement helps ensure that the voice of activity and life enrichment professionals remains part of important national conversations affecting older adults and senior living communities.

Kara represents NCCAP in meetings with Advancing Excellence in Long-Term Care, a national coalition dedicated to improving quality outcomes and person-centered practices in long-term care settings. She also participates in the LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease), which advocates for policies, education, and support systems that improve the lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers and care partners.

A Warm Midwestern Spirit and a Passion for Helping Others

Known for her warm Midwestern personality and approachable leadership style, Kara is someone who naturally makes others feel welcomed and supported. Colleagues frequently describe her as friendly, encouraging, and genuinely eager to help others succeed. Whether mentoring new activity professionals, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, or advocating for resident-centered care, she brings compassion, enthusiasm, and authenticity to every interaction.

Expertise Rooted in Person-Centered Care

Her professional expertise includes leadership development, staff coordination, volunteer program management, MDS documentation, care planning, grant writing, public relations, and community engagement programming. In addition, her background in Therapeutic Recreation and Theater Arts from Mankato State University contributes to her creative and person-centered approach to life enrichment programming.

Continuing to Inspire and Strengthen the Profession

Through her leadership role with NCCAP, Kara continues to support the advancement of activity professionals and advocate for quality life enrichment services, meaningful engagement, and person-centered care for older adults nationwide.

“Over the past four decades, I have witnessed the profound impact meaningful engagement can have on quality of life. Whether through music, reminiscing, lifelong learning, spiritual support, community involvement, or simple moments of companionship, my goal has always been to help older adults continue living with dignity, fulfillment, and happiness. It has truly been my privilege.” – Kara Reiser, ACC