STERLING, Kan. — Karen Smith, RN, who was named interim administrator of Sterling Village on Jan. 1 has been named as the new administrator after she recently earned her state license from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. She passed both state and federal exams.

Sterling Village is the new name of the former Sterling Presbyterian Manor, 204 W. Washington. It remains a non-profit entity.

Smith joined Sterling Village in March 2015 and served as quality assurance nurse manager, infection preventionist and healthcare supervisor.

The new full-time administrator announced she is working hand-in-hand with the Topeka-based GraceTeam, which will officially take over management of Sterling Village Aug. 1.

Even though Smith grew up in Colorado, she has strong family ties to Rice County. Her great-great-grandparents, T.J. and Sarah Willett, homesteaded the family farm near Alden. Smith’s parents, Kent and Nancy Shuyler, still live there.

Smith’s education includes a master’s of healthcare leadership from Friends University in Wichita in 2015; bachelor’s degree in hospitality, meeting and travel administration from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 1989; and a nursing degree from Hutchinson Community College in 2005.

Sterling Village will continue to have 45 staff positions. In addition to that, Sterling Village offers 12 independent-living cottages.

Services include in-house physical, occupational and speech therapies, long-term healthcare, independent living, adult day care, respite stays, and in-house hospice care.