“I think most people are exactly where they want to be,” said Colleen Hojnacki. This phrase certainly rings true for her, as she finds herself in a career that she loves, surrounded by people who support her, enjoying life to the fullest.
As a practice supervisor at Porter Physician Group’s Portage Medical Group, Hojnacki said she has a plethora of women in her life who have continued to amaze and inspire her. Evie Mason, Director, Porter Primary Care with Porter Physician Group, has been a particularly strong mentor and friend to her.
“She challenges me to look at things in different ways and to look for answers in new places,” Hojnacki said. “I have grown so much from working with her.”
Equally influential in her life is her daughter, Kate.
“It may seem surprising, but Kate is now a very big influence in my life,” Hojnacki said. “She encourages me to be accepting of myself, reminds me to laugh and to give myself a break. She is an amazing woman.”
Having a strong network of people who believe in her has given Hojnacki the confidence to accomplish more than she ever thought possible.
“Having people that believe in you makes a difference,” she said. “It is my mission to give that back to those that I come in contact with.”
Hojnacki has strived to honor that mission daily for the past 5 1/2 years in her role as practice supervisor, supporting her providers and staff just as she has been supported herself.
“Most of the time, our new staff at the clinic is new to the medical field, so I love watching my staff learn and grow and become outstanding in their field,” Hojnacki said. “I work with remarkable providers, and knowing I can make things easier for them and give my support makes me feel that I’ve made a difference.”
As if her remarkable influence through her admirable work wasn’t enough to make her a strong role model in the community, Hojnacki is also a cancer survivor.
“Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer; it was a tough year,” she said. “ But so many people supported me. My family and friends were there every step of the way, and my work family laughed with me and held me up when I needed them.”
“I don’t know that any of these people will ever truly know how much I appreciate them,” Hojnacki continued. “I really don’t think I could have walked this journey without them.”
Outside of work, Hojnacki loves to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle, making sure to work out, eat good food, drink good wine, and laugh whenever she can.
“When I can do all this with my family and friends, it’s a good day,” she said.
Another light in Hojnacki’s life is her granddaughter, Sloan.
“Recently my son and daughter-in-law had their first child,” Hojnacki said. “Being Sloan’s granny is the highlight of my life these days. It doesn’t get much better than that!”
Hojnacki grew up in Portage, and though she recently moved to Chesterton, to this day she has a strong connection with the city.
“I lived in Portage most of my life; it is a beautiful community filled with hard working people,” Hojnacki said. "I love the farmers market, festivals, and all the community activities Portage offers. It truly is a great little city."
Though she certainly has an affinity for her hometown, nothing stops Hojnacki from seeing the rest of the world, too.
“I love to travel and see and do new things,” she said. “One of my favorite places is Italy and I’d love to go back! I think that goes back to my love of wine and good food.”
With all the wonderful things she’s experienced and enjoyed in her life, and the happiness she continues to find every day, Hojnacki said she wouldn’t have life any other way.
“I love my life and really wouldn’t change much,” Hojnacki said. “I have truly been blessed.”