Today we’d like to introduce you to Aracelis Rittenburg.
Hi Aracelis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a nurse turned entrepreneur, born and raised in Lancaster, PA. My journey in healthcare actually started with my mom. Growing up, she would take me to work with her, and years later I ended up working at that same job alongside her. I eventually became a registered nurse and have now been in healthcare for over 12 years.
Throughout my nursing career, I saw gaps in care for seniors and their families and knew I wanted to create something different. After years of searching for the right space and building my vision, I opened Arcarea Adult Day Center in 2024, focused on providing modern, holistic, person-centered care.
One of my favorite full-circle moments is that my mom now volunteers at the center I created. What started with me following her to work has grown into something that allows us to continue caring for people together, just in a completely different way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges was finding the right location—it took nearly four years to finally open my doors. I also started without major investors or a blueprint, so I had to learn the business side of healthcare while building Arcarea from the ground up.
Entrepreneurship has taught me that challenges don’t stop once you open; they just change. From staffing and finances to learning how to lead and grow, I’ve had to constantly adapt. But every obstacle has made me more resilient, resourceful, and confident in what I’m building.
As you know, we’re big fans of Arcarea Adult Day Center . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Arcarea Adult Day Center provides modern, luxe, holistic, person-centered daytime care for seniors and adults with disabilities. Our goal is to help seniors age in place and remain in their homes for as long as possible, while giving families and caregivers the opportunity to work, handle daily responsibilities, or simply get a much-needed break.
We provide nursing oversight, health monitoring, personal care, dementia support, meals, activities, exercise, and social engagement. What sets us apart is our modern, non-institutional approach. We believe seniors deserve a beautiful, welcoming environment where they can receive quality care while maintaining their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Resilience and determination. I’ve always been someone who figures things out, adapts, and keeps going even when things don’t go as planned. That mindset has carried me through more than 12 years of nursing, competing on CBS’s *Tough as Nails* and being recognized as the “Toughest Nurse in America,” and now building my own healthcare business from the ground up.
I believe a big part of my success is simply not being afraid to bet on myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arcareaadultday.com/
- Instagram: Arcarea_ADC
- Facebook: Arcarea Adult Day Center
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aracelis-r-aaa209123
