I am Kristen Ditman Zihmer, and I own Windchimes, A Senior Living Consulting Agency. I grew up on West Green St., just three miles from where I am now raising my own children. Windchimes is based here in town and assists families in finding the most appropriate independent living, assisted living and memory care communities for their aging loved ones. It feels so good to live AND work in my beloved hometown!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I were best friends for years before we finally started dating and got married less than a year later. We are still best friends! Our son Micah is six and our daughter Evie is four.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?I have worked in the senior living industry for almost fifteen years and opened Windchimes four years ago. The senior healthcare industry has been booming since the 90s; families now find themselves wading through hundreds of potential options for their aging loved ones. My agency takes all of the stress out of the search. My favorite part is that I operate like a travel agency. Thanks to partnerships with almost all of the retirement communities in Carroll County, I am able to provide this service to my clients at no cost!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community?
I can often be found at the window corner table at Jeannie Birds drinking coffee, walking in my neighborhood– Walnut Ridge, or at one of the great community parks with my kiddos.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
True crime documentaries are my guilty pleasure. And my husband wonders why I am afraid of the dark!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Life is short, forgive quickly.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Fleetwood Mac, Carrie Underwood, or Hillsong Worship
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would take Joe Exotic to the outdoor patio at RockSalt to find out what really went down with Carole Baskin!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love seeing people I know almost everywhere I go. Westminster has a true small-town feel.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people do not know that I started a fitness journey last year that has landed me with a fitness obsession. I lift weights and walk two or three miles almost every day. I am running a 15K Tough Mudder this fall!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Westminster Parks and Recreation Summer Camp! My six-year-old son is there this summer for the first time and is having an absolute ball! Between pool days and field trips—there is never a dull moment!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus. Always.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, love and comfort
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Spending time in Israel.
Q: How can I know if someone I am speaking with is a good connection for you? Please include your website link.
They’re all good connections! I love meeting new faces and building my network. More about my agency can be found at www.windchimesllc.com
