Meet the Team

Meet the Grace Team!

John Grace grew up in Wamego Kansas and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Washburn University in Topeka and then a Master’s in Studies in Aging from the University of North Texas. From 1979-1984 he was the first Executive Director of Meadowlark Hills, a newly constructed continuing care retirement community in Manhattan, Kansas. In 1984, Grace became the President of the Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, a trade association serving 150 not-for-profit aging service providers in Kansas and served in that role for 20 years. In 2004 John began providing management and development services to aging service across the nation.

John R. Grace, Founder (retired)

Ryan J. Grace, President

Ryan is a 2002 graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management and a master’s degree in Public Administration. He began his career in 2004 as the Assistant Administrator of St. Joseph Village, a 96-bed skilled nursing facility owned by Via Christi Senior Living Services. In 2006, he joined ARI a national long-term care consulting firm. From 2008-2017, Ryan served as the Licensed Health Care Administrator of Santa Marta, a Catholic diocese sponsored continuing care retirement community serving over 250 elders’ in Olathe Kansas.

Eric is responsible for the financial and managerial accounting services of the organization and its management clients. As part of project development services, Eric provides financial modeling and pro forma services as well as working with banks in securing short and long-term financing. Prior to Grace Team, Eric served as a partner in the national senior living consulting firm, ARI. He has been in involved in new developments, management consulting services and operational assessments for numerous nonprofit, senior living clients around the nation. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is also a licensed adult care home administrator (inactive).

Eric Huebert, Chief Financial Officer

Chrystal Chituck, Regional Clinical Consultant

Chrystal collaborates with community teams to develop policies and procedures, operational systems and staff education and training. She has more than 17 years of long term care experience in various management roles. Prior to joining GraceTeam, Chrystal worked for PMMA as a Director of Nursing and in various leadership roles. Chrystal shared, "It's a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together!"

Dana worked for the Good Samaritan Society of Sioux Falls South Dakota for 21 years. She began her career as an Administrator at the Minneapolis Good Samaritan Center in Kansas and then most position has been Manager, Quality Services Rehabilitation/Skilled Care and Senior Living for their 160 facilities nationwide. Dana graduated from KSU in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Secondary Major in Gerontology and Long-Term Care Administration. Dana shared, "My passion is focused on person directed care and changing our industry towards this model of care."

Dana Rice, Regional Operations Consultant

Jona Freel, Regional Marketing and Fund Development Consultant

Jona supports our communities with census building, promotion/marketing, and fund development efforts. Jona has 25 years of experience in the industry, 14 of these as a regional consultant for a 6 state area. Jona is involved in helping communities share their work of providing person centered care and positive team environments. Jona shared, "Helping others to be successful is my passion. Building relationships is key!"

Teresa supports locations in the areas of Environmental Services, Safety, HR and Wellness. She has broad range of hands on experience and leadership that brings great value to the team. Teresa has over 25 years in the industry and shared, “I love to use my experience to guide others in their achievement of success.”

Teresa Tallant, Regional Environmental, Wellness, & HR Consultant

Tammy Pettijohn, Regional Graceful Living & Workforce Consultant

Tammy supports locations with implementation of Graceful Living and staff recruitment. A Kansas native, Tammy graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1994 with a bachelor’s of science in psychology and a minor in sociology. Tammy spent the early years of her career working in the mental health field before becoming a nursing home administrator in 2011. Tammy also serves as the Administrator at SunPorch of Smith Co. in Smith Center, KS. “I’m excited to bring my passion of small homes, elder centered living and staff empowerment to all of our Graceteam locations. Creating culture is the key.”