Glazed & Grounded: The Healing Art Behind the Healthcare Leader
At Erie Family Health Centers, leadership takes many forms—none more inspiring than the blend of strategic vision and creative expression brought to the organization by Hannah Keel, Senior Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations.
By day, Hannah drives innovative clinical workflows and fosters partnerships that empower nursing teams and improve patient care. But outside the walls of Erie, she finds balance and inspiration in an unexpected place: a potter’s wheel.
Hannah’s journey into ceramics began as a post-grad exploration for a hobby. “Two of my mom's friends were potters, and I was always intrigued by the pieces they had in their homes,” she says. “After grad school, I realized I needed something to turn my brain off—and I signed up for a ceramics class. I didn’t expect it to become such an important outlet.”
After taking a series of classes, she eventually became a member of a local studio. “I have a shelf just for my creations,” she says, naming a few favorites: a salsa-sized snack bowl, a handmade pour-over coffee set, pumpkin luminaries made at a friend’s request, and delicate ring dishes that she loves giving as gifts. “People often ask, ‘Can you make one for me?’—and I think that’s the coolest compliment.”
To view more of Hannah's work and pottery making, watch here.
The rhythm and process of pottery—the patience, the tactile nature, the need for faith in the final result—have unexpectedly mirrored Hannah’s professional life. “In pottery, you can’t force the clay to do everything. You have to work with it, be patient, and trust the process. That’s something I carry with me at Erie,” she reflects. “With all the moving parts in healthcare, you rely on everyone doing their part. Change takes time—but it’s worth it.”
Currently, Hannah takes classes at The Pottery Studio, a California-based company that opened a Chicago location. It’s a space where she finds a moment of zen in the spinning wheel, often accompanied by a carefully curated playlist. “It helps me get out of my academic headspace,” she explains. “There’s more relief in creating something with my hands than zoning out to a TV show.”
Whether reshaping clay or healthcare systems, Hannah Keel brings intention, creativity, and resilience to everything she touches.
A few pictures showcase a taste of some of her recent projects!
