About Elderwise

Nurse, entrepreneur, educator, researcher, and lifelong adventurer, Cynthia McDaniel brings more than 35 years of clinical, operational, and regulatory leadership to Elderwise. Driven by a lifelong dream to practice nursing, Cynthia earned an Associate’s degree in Nursing from Walla Walla Community College, her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Walla Walla University, and a Master of Science in Nursing focused on Nursing Education and Community Health from Gonzaga University. Her master’s thesis focused on resident demographics in Oregon’s assisted living communities and contributed to today’s survey processes. She is a Fellow of the Geriatric Nurse Leadership Academy.

Cynthia’s nursing journey began as a nursing assistant in a nursing home before practicing as an RN in hospital pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and specialized care for disabled children. She then transitioned to geriatric leadership as director and administrator of a large home health and in-home services company. Over three decades, her roles have spanned state and county consulting, geriatric care management practice, faculty appointments at Central Oregon Community College and Oregon Health & Science University, and serving as Regional Director of Clinical, Regional Vice President, and COO for senior living providers. As co-founder and CEO of Elderwise and creator of NurseLearn, Cynthia’s passion remains helping teams build confidence, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and achieve measurable quality outcomes.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Born in California and raised in Oregon since age two, Cynthia has lived in Montana, Washington, and Central Oregon (25 years). Today, she lives in the Portland area.
• The Personal Side: Cynthia loves traveling, climbing, sailing, skiing, running, surfing, reading, writing, and savoring good food and wine. Her favorite destinations are anywhere by the water, in the desert, or high in the mountains—from climbing all over the US and in Nepal and Thailand, to sailing and surfing in Mexico.
• Fun Fact: Cynthia and her husband, John, met while working as professional ski patrollers on Mt. Hood. Together, they also operated a climbing guide service in Central Oregon, lived out of vans, tents, RVs, and boats, and have repeatedly chosen life experiences over possessions.
• At Home: Cynthia shares her life with her husband, John, and Ella, a high-energy Border Collie currently preparing for dog agility training.
• Favorite Media & Books: A fan of comfort classics like The Devil Wears Prada, The Princess Bride, and Ted Lasso, Cynthia considers The Mists of Avalon her favorite book, having read it repeatedly through milestone journeys including nighttime ocean sailing passages.
• Fictional Alter Ego: Nancy Drew—driven by curiosity, persistence, and an innate instinct for investigating complex puzzles.
• Proudest Accomplishments: Building Elderwise and developing NurseLearn’s educational curriculum, alongside having the courage to build an unconventional, purpose-driven life.
• Personal Motto: “Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace the adventure.”

Engineer, builder, entrepreneur, and lifelong problem solver, John McDaniel brings a unique blend of analytical systems design, operational strategy, and hands-on resourcefulness to Elderwise. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Portland State University, driven by a foundational desire to understand how systems work and how to make them work better. Before entering the healthcare space, John built a dynamic career that bridged technical design and emergency response—working as a systems design draftsman, commercial mechanical and safety engineer, EMT, professional ski patroller, ski patrol director, outside operations manager for a ski area, and mountain guide.

Over the past 13 years, John has applied that same problem-solving mindset to senior living. After first entering the sector through a construction management project, he discovered a passion for resolving complex operational challenges. He began as a physical plant and environmental consultant before expanding into overall facility operations, earning his residential care administrator’s license. Co-founding Elderwise with his wife, Cynthia, over a decade ago, John serves as Chief Financial Officer, providing the financial structure and operational architecture that empower the team to build sustainable, high-impact systems for communities across the Pacific Northwest.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, John’s journey has included 25 years in Central Oregon, living out of a van across the country, tents in the mountains, an RV in Mexico, and a refitted (by him) sailboat. Today, he is back living in the Portland area.
• The Personal Side: An adventurer who thrives on self-reliance, John spends his time climbing, skiing, mountain biking, running, surfing, sailing, and reading. His favorite environments are the open sea and the desert, drawn to their shared demand for adaptability, respect for nature, and healthy sense of risk.
• Fun Fact: John met his wife and co-founder, Cynthia, while both were working as professional ski patrollers on Mt. Hood. Together, they have run a climbing guide service, built custom homes, lived aboard boats and RVs, and traveled to climb in the US and globally.
• Unique Skills: While good at riding a OneWheel, John’s standout talent is reverse-engineering practical solutions to complicated challenges—whether repairing mechanical systems, completing a major boat refit, or navigating complex business operations.
• At Home: John shares his life and outdoor adventures with Ella, a Border Collie who loves frisbees just as much as trail time.
• Favorite Media & Books: A fan of Ted Lasso, Die Hard, and the extended cut of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, John cites Full Catastrophe Living and the novels of John Grisham among his top reading picks.
• Fictional Alter Ego: Han Solo—independent, resourceful, and always finding a way forward when plans go off script.
• Personal Motto: “Things change. Adapt and overcome.”

Tiffany Luevano believes that exceptional organizations are built by empowering people, creating efficient systems, and never losing sight of the mission. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about helping businesses grow by bringing structure to complex challenges, aligning teams around shared goals, and building processes that allow people to do their best work.

With nearly a decade of experience in business development, operations, marketing, and executive leadership, Tiffany has led initiatives focused on organizational growth, operational excellence, strategic planning, and business transformation. She has built her career helping organizations scale while maintaining strong relationships, clear communication, and a people-first culture.

As Chief Operating Officer, Tiffany oversees operations, strategic initiatives, technology, marketing, and business development across both organizations. She works closely with leadership to strengthen consulting and education services while supporting the teams that serve adult foster homes, assisted living, memory care, and other community-based care settings.

Tiffany is passionate about creating practical solutions that make work easier for employees and clients alike. Her favorite part of the job is helping talented people succeed by removing barriers, improving processes, and building systems that allow the team to focus on what matters most: improving the lives of older adults and those who care for them.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Tiffany continues to call the Pacific Northwest home and now lives just outside the Portland area.
• Hobbies & Interests: Cooking is Tiffany’s love language. She enjoys bringing people together around the table and creating meals for family and friends. Growing up in a family that owned and operated a restaurant, food has always been an important part of her life. She also enjoys traveling, baking homemade bread, and taking on home improvement projects.
• Fun Fact: Tiffany loves finding more efficient ways to do just about anything, whether it’s streamlining business operations or perfecting a new recipe in the kitchen.
• At Home: Tiffany lives with her husband, Jordan, their son, Tyson, and their dogs. Together they enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and creating meaningful family memories.
• Favorite Getaway: Tiffany loves traveling internationally and experiencing different cultures. Spain remains one of her favorite destinations for its history, food, and sense of community.
• Proudest Accomplishment: Building a career centered on helping organizations grow while leading teams that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
• Personal Motto: “Leave it better than you found it.”

Kristy Dunn is a healthcare executive and Registered Nurse with over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in post-acute care and senior living. Her career began in medical spas and dermatology as a licensed esthetician, where assisting physicians with minor surgical procedures sparked a passion for direct patient care and led her into healthcare leadership. Kristy holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Leadership and Management from WGU Texas.

Throughout her career, Kristy has specialized in assisted living operations, clinical quality, regulatory compliance, and organizational improvement, partnering with executive teams to build sustainable systems that elevate both resident care and business performance. Joining Elderwise in July 2026 as Vice President of Consulting Services, Kristy’s leadership philosophy centers on servant leadership and coaching. She believes exceptional care begins with empowered leaders, and her favorite part of the job is helping teams build confidence, overcome operational challenges, and achieve lasting results.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Grown in Central Oregon, Kristy spent a year traveling with people after high school before living in Portland and spending nearly 15 years in Austin, Texas. In 2019, she returned to live in Central Oregon.
• Hobbies & Interests: Outside of work, Kristy loves camping, riding side-by-sides, traveling, and exploring new outdoor spots, especially anywhere with mountains, forests, or coastal views.
• Fun Fact & Unique Skills: In addition to enjoying the occasional karaoke night, Kristy has been able to recite the entire alphabet backwards since memorizing it for extra credit in the second grade!
• At Home: Because her work and travel keep her on the move, Kristy swaps pets for a thriving collection of houseplants.
• Favorite Media & Books: A fan of Stephen King novels, Kristy also loves watching documentaries, mysteries, and travel shows that inspire new adventures. She finds herself most similar to Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings, happiest behind the scenes, supporting others, clearing the path for their adventure, and being someone people can count on.
• Proudest Accomplishments: The resilience gained through life’s lessons and failures, and the life and career she has thoughtfully built along the way.
• Personal Motto: “Leave people and places better than you found them.”

For over 20 years, Kari’s primary mission has been simple: to make people feel better and ensure older adults are comfortable and genuinely cared for. She built her career in healthcare from the ground up, starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Medication Technician before earning her BSN from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and later an MSN with a focus on Nurse Education from American Sentinel University (which is now Post University).

Kari spent the early part of her nursing career in acute care settings before transitioning to community-based care nearly a decade ago. Her extensive background encompasses case management, home healthcare, and restorative consulting for assisted living and memory care facilities. Celebrating multiple years with Elderwise (since 2019), Kari’s favorite part of her work is the people, partnering with residents, care staff, and leadership teams who are all committed to supporting the aging community.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Grown in Gladstone, Oregon (affectionately known as “Happy Rock”), Kari now resides in Central Oregon.
• Hobbies & Interests: An outdoor enthusiast, Kari spends her free time mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, paddleboarding, and traveling. When time allows, she also loves diving into landscaping and gardening projects.
• Fun Fact: Kari’s very first job was at Cinnabon, and to this day, she still can’t resist a good cinnamon roll!
• Favorite Destinations & Media: She loves traveling to explore new countries and cultures. At home, she enjoys watching Ted Lasso and reading The All Souls trilogy (A Discovery of Witches).
• Proudest Accomplishments: Completing her Master’s Degree and raising an amazing daughter.
• Personal Motto: “Do it scared.”

Laura Richardson brings a distinct blend of scientific inquiry, human empathy, and clinical leadership to the Elderwise team. She earned degrees in Biology and Psychology from the State University of New York before taking an intentional detour to pursue her love for food and natural healing, graduating from the Natural Gourmet Culinary School in NYC and working as a chef for many years. Deciding to pivot into meaningful healthcare, she earned her nursing degree from Central Oregon Community College (COCC). As Laura puts it, biology taught her systems, psychology taught her stories, and nursing brought both together to truly help people and solve complex challenges.

Over an 18-year healthcare career—which began as a caregiver and med-tech—Laura has served as Director of Health Services for multiple assisted living communities and Director of Nursing Services for a skilled nursing facility. Specializing in regulatory compliance, change management, and staff education, she provides training and consulting that turn care teams into confident problem solvers and leaders. Celebrating nine years with Elderwise, Laura partners directly with leadership teams to build sustainable, long-term change, with her favorite part of the job being building the operational systems that help communities succeed.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Originally from New York, Laura moved out west to Portland and later settled in Central Oregon where she lives with her husband, Josh, and their two children.
• The Personal Side: Outside of consulting, Laura enjoys painting and drawing, baking, hiking, and skiing. While travel often makes her own bed her favorite destination, her family loves annual camping trips and exploring the Oregon Coast year-round.
• Fun Fact: Laura’s first job was as a pharmacy cashier before she spent years working as a chef in New York City.
• At Home: Laura’s household includes two dogs: a Chiweenie and a rescue who is affectionately suspected to be half Chihuahua, half gremlin.
• Favorite Media: Laura loves the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, the series Breaking Bad, and movies ranging from Interstellar to Dumb and Dumber.
• Fictional Alter Ego: A blend of Dana Scully (The X-Files) for being a scientist with a soul, and Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation) for being a relentless builder of systems who shows up with heart.
• Proudest Accomplishment: Pivoting careers with intention—choosing nursing to bring her science, psychology, and culinary backgrounds into purposeful work.
• Personal Motto: “Build what’s missing. Fix what’s broken. Elevate what’s good.”

Mikayla Sheriff-Webb is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and proud U.S. Air Force veteran. Before transitioning into clinical leadership, Mikayla served in the Air Force, an experience that deeply shaped her disciplined, mission-focused approach to leadership and patient care.

With over 20 years of healthcare experience, starting as a CNA in a skilled nursing facility before moving into Emergency Room care and Hospice, Mikayla has held key leadership roles including Director of Nursing, Regional Director of Clinical Operations, Corporate Director of Clinical Education, and Program Director for an Oregon-based CNA program. Today, she partners with organizational leaders to strengthen staff competency, streamline clinical operations, maintain regulatory readiness, and cultivate confident facility leaders.

Mikayla earned her BSN from Hawaii Pacific University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (Education) from Capella University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She sees potential for growth in every person and facility, guiding teams through compassion, mentorship, and practical clinical application.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Raised in Kailua, Oahu (Hawaii), Mikayla now calls the Vancouver area home, though her favorite place to visit will always be back home in Hawaii.
• Hobbies & Interests: When she isn’t helping clinical teams thrive, you can find Mikayla horseback riding, riding motorcycles, or catching up on crime podcasts and murder mystery shows like Criminal Minds and Yellowstone.
• Fun Fact & Unique Skills: A former barrel racer and pistol shooter, Mikayla has a natural gift for staying grounded and bringing calm to chaotic situations.
• At Home: Her household includes two German Shepherds, Blue and Dakota, and a Bearded Dragon named Toothless.
• Proudest Accomplishment: Earning her master’s degree in nursing.
• Personal Motto: “Love and learn with empathy & compassion.”

Natalie’s approach to nursing is rooted in education, mentorship, and a deep appreciation for building meaningful relationships. Before entering healthcare, Natalie worked on organic farms, as a florist, and at local farmers’ markets. She went on to attend Southern Oregon University and the OHSU School of Nursing, beginning her nursing career in acute care specializing in neurology, orthopedics, and critical care float pool nursing, where she also mentored new graduate nurses and led joint replacement classes.

Though she originally set out to become a nurse midwife, Natalie fell in love with geriatric care along the way. Her 14-year healthcare career spans hospice and palliative care, clinical CNA instruction, and serving as Director of Nursing for three memory care communities. For the past seven years, Natalie has specialized in nursing support for adult foster homes, helping providers navigate complex clinical scenarios. She has been a part of the Elderwise team since 2023. Her favorite part of the job is working alongside the team, supporting nurses, and guiding communities back into regulatory compliance through practical education and hands-on support.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Raised in Talent, Oregon, Natalie now lives in Southern Oregon.
• Hobbies & Interests: Deeply connected to nature, Natalie loves spending time in the mountains, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, paddleboarding, and traveling. She attended massage school and is also skilled at wildcrafting plants, creating home remedies, and preserving much of the food she grows in her garden.
• Unique Sports & Interests: Natalie is skilled in horseback riding and the working dog sport called Schutzhund.
• At Home: Natalie is a proud mom of four children, sharing her home and property with two dogs, chickens, and quail.
• Favorite Reading: Her favorite book is Kristin Hannah’s historical novel, The Nightingale.
• Personal Motto: “The grass is greener where you water it.”

Kay Bassett brings a rich, multi-faceted background in human services, clinical care, and executive operations to the Elderwise team. Her interest in senior care began early in high school during a project capturing resident biographies at a local assisted living community. Kay earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Oregon State University, starting her professional journey as a social worker in a nursing facility. She later returned to school at Clackamas Community College to earn her Nursing degree, beginning her RN career in Labor & Delivery.

After taking time away from healthcare to raise her four sons, Kay re-entered the workforce on the other end of life’s spectrum in senior living. Starting as a Health Services Director for a large assisted living community, she quickly realized she had found her true calling. Kay went on to serve as Corporate Director of Health Services and spent eight years in regional and executive leadership, providing oversight, support, and training across multiple states. She has been with Elderwise since 2021. Kay’s favorite part of her work is helping senior living communities optimize their systems and processes to deliver exceptional care.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon, Kay now calls the Portland area her home.
• Hobbies & Interests: Outside of work, Kay loves hiking, walking, exploring new areas, traveling, and spending quality time with family. An active sports enthusiast, she enjoys playing tennis, volleyball, softball, and pickleball.
• Fun Fact: Kay’s very first job was in the restaurant industry, starting out busing tables before stepping up to become a waitress.
• At Home: Kay shares her home with a beloved small dog.
• Favorite Reading: Kay enjoys deeply compelling stories, such as Unbroken, The Help, and Demon Copperhead.
• Proudest Accomplishments: Raising four wonderful sons, and having the courage to embrace a new career path later in life that opened doors to amazing leadership opportunities.
• Personal Motto: “Be kind, it goes far.”

With over five decades of dedicated service in healthcare, Kathryn brings an extraordinary wealth of experience, leadership, and heart to the Elderwise team. Though her early ambition was to pursue a career in government and politics, her trajectory shifted when she became a Registered Nurse in 1974, discovering a lifelong passion for long-term care that has defined her 52-year career.

After entering the field, Kathryn continued her education while married, attending several colleges before earning a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Portland State University. Over the years, she has held an impressive range of leadership positions: working for a professional review organization conducting Medicare and Medicaid quality assurance, serving as a Nursing Home Administrator, and providing regional oversight across independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities. With Elderwise since 2021, Kathryn finds her greatest reward in resident and staff interactions, building meaningful relationships, and encouraging others to pursue their dreams.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Born and raised in Molalla, Oregon, where she spent the first 55 years of her life, Kathryn now resides in the mid-Willamette Valley.
• Hobbies & Interests: In her free time, Kathryn stays active and creative through bike riding, stained glass crafting, gardening, reading, and solving mysteries. Her absolute favorite place to travel is Italy.
• Fun Fact: Kathryn’s very first job (outside of picking berries and babysitting) was cleaning the local City Hall, Police Station, and Library. She would always schedule her cleaning to end at the library so she could spend hours browsing through the books!
• At Home: While she doesn’t currently have pets, Kathryn has a soft spot for gentle giants and previously owned Great Danes. Today, her heart is filled by enjoying time with her 13 grandchildren.
• Favorite Media: Her favorite book is The Measure by Nikki Erlick, and her favorite film is Secondhand Lions.
• Proudest Accomplishment: Raising kind, honest children.
• Personal Motto: “Be kind.”

Strength, dedication, and deep compassion define Lana’s approach to both her life and nursing career. Driven by a true passion for serving others, she put herself through nursing school while raising five children under the age of eight, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Linfield College with additional studies in Art and Religion.

Lana began her 17-year healthcare career in acute hospital settings, spending five years in med-surg and critical care. Over the years, she expanded her expertise as a nurse preceptor, nursing assistant instructor, and triage manager in family practice before transitioning into community-based care for over 15 years. Her roles have spanned Health Services Manager in assisted living to Regional Nurse Specialist, where she traveled across Oregon and Washington supporting assisted living and memory care communities and earned the distinction of “Care Manager of the Year.” Certified through the CDC as an Infection Prevention Specialist, Lana has been with Elderwise since 2023, where her favorite part of the job remains directly supporting and caring for the geriatric population.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Raised in Dufur, Oregon, Lana now lives in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
• Hobbies & Interests: When she isn’t supporting care teams, Lana loves riding horses, baking, reading, crocheting, and tending to her flower gardens, especially her roses and dahlias. Her favorite travel getaways include Las Vegas, Destin (Florida), and Long Beach (Washington).
• Fun Fact & Favorite Media: A multi-sport athlete growing up (playing everything from basketball and tennis to swimming), Lana loves media about perseverance, family, and scenery, citing Heartland, The Madison, and Under the Tuscan Sun as favorite watches, and Dark Cloud by Ken Sansom (her brother) as her favorite book.
• At Home: Lana lives on a small farm where she cares for two horses, cows, chickens, dogs, and two cats. Above all, she treasures spending quality time with her 14 grandchildren.
• Proudest Accomplishment: Graduating from nursing school while raising five children under 8 years old.
• Personal Motto: “YOLO: You Only Live Once.”

Empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of floor life lie at the heart of Lindsey’s approach to nursing. Originally a professional nanny, Lindsey joined the U.S. Air Force to pursue higher education, where she was assigned as a Medical Technician, discovering her natural calling for healthcare. After earning her nursing degree from Lane Community College, she went on to complete her BSN at Bushnell University (formerly Northwest Christian University).

Over a 15-year career in healthcare, including 9 years as a Registered Nurse, Lindsey found her way into geriatric care through a stroke of curiosity and has never looked back. Having worked with Elderwise since 2023, Lindsey’s children also work in the industry as caregivers and med techs, giving her a uniquely grounded perspective on the daily rewards and challenges care teams face. Her favorite part of the job is letting community nurses know they are capable and not alone, using education and mentorship to help professionals grow and make positive impacts in elders’ lives.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: The daughter of an Army veteran, Lindsey grew up all over the country. While she has spent most of her life in Oregon, she considers North Carolina her spiritual home.
• Hobbies & Interests: Outside of work, Lindsey loves reading, doing yard work, tending to her indoor plants, and visiting her best friend. She also genuinely loves cleaning and organizing, it is her absolute favorite way to unwind!
• Fun Fact & Pets: A fan of fun names, Lindsey shares her home with two unique pets: a Crested Gecko named Harvey Wall Banger and a Betta fish named Bobby.
• Favorite Book: The Princess Bride by William Goldman. Hands down, if you have not read it, you should. Hilarious!!
• Proudest Accomplishment: Her perseverance and grit. Overcoming early reading difficulties and life’s curveballs to earn her BSN and build a thriving career is a journey she takes immense pride in.
• Personal Motto: “Play it by ear.”

With over 30 years of experience in healthcare, Dusty has dedicated her career to advocating for older adults and developing clinical leaders. Dusty began her journey in healthcare as a CNA in 1994, going on to earn a bachelor’s in human development and addiction studies from Warner Pacific College, a nursing degree from Lower Columbia College, and a master’s in counseling specializing in geriatric addiction studies from Portland State University.

Dusty’s deep background spans executive leadership and hands-on clinical care. She has served as Vice President of Nursing for a nationwide senior living provider, Regional Director of Nursing, Executive Director, and Director of Nursing, earning a reputation as a trusted authority on regulatory compliance and operations. Beyond community-based care, her experience includes skilled nursing, hospice, cardiology, infectious disease prevention, and education. Dusty has worked with Elderwise since 2023. Her favorite part of consulting work is mentoring emerging healthcare leaders. Dusty is also an adult family home operator and Washington State Medicaid Nurse Delegator.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Grown in the Pacific Northwest, Dusty now lives on the coast.
• The Personal Side: Outside of work, Dusty loves spending time outdoors, particularly kayaking, boating, and visiting the beach. She also has a background in sports, having played and coached volleyball.
• Fun Fact & Community Advocacy: Dusty worked her very first job at age 13 in her grandmother’s restaurant. Today, she gives back deeply to her community, volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children in Washington and working with elderly veterans facing addiction and homelessness.
• At Home: Dusty shares her life with two dogs: a 5-year-old French Bulldog and a 14-year-old Pitbull/Greyhound mix.
• Favorite Reading & Media: Dusty loves classic storytelling, citing Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides as her favorite book and The Goonies as her favorite movie.
• Fictional Alter Ego: Beth Dutton from Yellowstone: loyal, outspoken, resilient, driven, and chronically convinced that 30 hours of work can fit into a 24-hour day.
• Proudest Accomplishment: Completing nursing school and building a career dedicated to serving vulnerable populations.
• Personal Motto: “What costs my peace, costs too much.”

Camryn’s nursing career is grounded in advocacy, person-centered dignity, and deep clinical curiosity. She holds a comprehensive academic background with a B.S. in Public Health from Portland State University, a B.S. in PreMedicine from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Concordia University, St. Paul. Witnessing the dedication of frontline nurses during COVID-19 solidified her decision to pursue nursing, inspiring her to blend hands-on care, clinical education, and patient advocacy.

Camryn began her healthcare journey at age 16 as a CNA in assisted living, where she learned firsthand the value of building trust and lasting relationships with residents. With multiple years in the senior care industry, her background includes serving as a Health Services Director and as a Washington State nurse delegator. Drawn to geriatric care by the wisdom and life stories of older adults, Camryn is dedicated to preserving resident dignity and empowering facility teams with creative problem-solving and compassionate leadership.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Born and raised in Hawaii, Camryn moved to Oregon for her studies and fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Today, she lives in a countryside home in the Vancouver, Washington area.
• The Personal Side: Outside of work, Camryn loves spending quality time with her children, reading, crafting, and browsing local farmers markets. Her favorite outdoor destination is the coast, where the ocean provides peace and grounding.
• Sports & Perseverance: Camryn played competitive volleyball throughout high school until a senior-year meniscus injury; an experience that taught her resilience, teamwork, and grit.
• At Home: Camryn’s household includes a much-loved Golden Retriever named Bentley.
• Favorite Media: Rather than watching standard television, she loves watching Disney movies with her kids. Her favorite book is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, cherished for its poignant message on human kindness.
• Fictional Alter Ego: Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls—for her ambition, resilience, and dedicated devotion to her family.
• Proudest Accomplishments: Her children, alongside building a meaningful nursing career while remaining an active, present mother.
• Personal Motto: “Live with purpose, lead with kindness, and leave a lasting impact through the lives you touch.”

Grounded in servant leadership, operational teamwork, and community culture, Casey brings more than 15 years of hands-on senior care experience to the Elderwise team. Casey grew up around long-term care—her mother served as a Director of Nursing—and got her start as a dining room server in an assisted living community. After exploring roles in hospitality, she returned to direct caregiving and steadily advanced into facility management.

To expand her expertise in team dynamics and operational systems, Casey attended Western Oregon University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Gerontology, and then a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. Initially drawn to social work, she discovered her true professional calling in geriatric care, where she could focus her compassion on building supportive environments for residents and caregivers. Casey’s favorite part of her work is partnering directly with care teams, watching communities overcome challenges to succeed, and collaborating with other Elderwise consultants.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Originally from Parsons, Kansas, Casey now makes her home in Southern Oregon.
• The Personal Side: Outside of work, Casey loves being outdoors, hiking scenic trails, and spending quality time with family. An adventurous traveler at heart, her favorite destination to visit is simply anywhere she hasn’t been yet.
• Sports & Pastimes: A former softball player and gymnast as a kid, Casey now loves relaxing and watching sports alongside her husband.
• At Home: Casey and her new husband are currently blending a lively household that includes six beloved dogs.
• Favorite Media & Books: A fan of classic comfort movies, Casey loves Dirty Dancing and Sweet Home Alabama. Her favorite reading includes The Shack by William P. Young and anything written by spoken-word artist and author Hosanna Wong.
• Proudest Accomplishments: Taking the leap to attend and complete college later in life to earn her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership.
• Personal Motto: “Rooted in faith, built by resilience, and led by love.”

Resilience, adaptability, and an immediate heart for senior living define Cathy’s journey in healthcare. After spending a decade working in the mortgage industry, the 2008 economic shift led Cathy to pivot her career—taking a job as a caregiver in an assisted living community. From that very first day on the floor, she discovered an enduring passion for geriatric care and knew she had found her lifelong calling.

Driven to advance her clinical scope and impact, Cathy attended the Breckenridge School of Nursing, persevering through school in her late 30s while balancing full-time work and raising three children. Over nearly two decades in senior living, she has blended front-line empathy with strong clinical guidance. Having recently joined Elderwise, Cathy’s favorite part of her work is human connection: collaborating with the dedicated Elderwise consulting team and supporting the incredible staff and residents across partner communities.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Raised in Aloha, Oregon, Cathy now makes her home just outside the Portland area.
• The Personal Side: Outside of consulting, Cathy loves staying active outdoors through hiking, camping, walking, and country dancing. When planning vacations, she heads straight for the sunshine—her favorite destination is anywhere tropical!
• Sports & Pastimes: An active team player growing up, Cathy played competitive softball and volleyball in her younger years.
• At Home: Cathy shares a busy, loving household with three dogs.
• Favorite Media & Books: A devoted fan of 90s television, Cathy considers Friends her all-time favorite show, and she loves diving into true crime reading, especially anything written by Ann Rule.
• Fictional Alter Ego: Lois from Malcolm in the Middle—an affectionate comparison made by her kids for her fierce devotion, resourcefulness, and ability to keep a lively family running smoothly.
• Proudest Accomplishments: Powering through nursing school in her late 30s while working full-time and raising three wonderful children.
• Personal Motto: “You only live once (YOLO).”

With nearly three decades of dedicated experience in senior housing and assisted living, Nicole brings a passion for mentorship, growth, and compassionate care to the Elderwise team. Originally planning to become an elementary school teacher, Nicole realized her true calling lay in healthcare two years into her studies and pivoted to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walla Walla University.

Nicole started her healthcare journey as a CNA before transitioning into nursing, spending her first seven years as a charge nurse in a locked behavioral health unit. Over the past 27 years in assisted living and senior care, including more than 10 years in regional and corporate leadership roles, she has developed a deep love for empowering care teams. Nicole’s favorite part of her work continues to be teaching and watching healthcare professionals learn, build confidence, and grow in their roles.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Born in Los Angeles, Nicole moved to Oregon at age 9 before relocating to Arizona, where she currently lives on 10 off-grid acres in the heart of the Mojave Desert.
• Hobbies & Interests: In her free time, Nicole and her significant other raise and breed wolfdogs. When she was in her teens and twenties, she also trained and showed horses.
• Favorite Getaway: With her serene desert homestead, her favorite place to visit is simply home.
• Favorite Reading: Nicole loves stepping into magical worlds through books like the Harry Potter series and similar fantasy literature.
• Proudest Accomplishments: A thriving, fulfilling 27-year career in assisted living, alongside her family, which includes two children, two grandchildren, and her wonderful partner.
• Personal Motto: “The world would be a better place if we could all just be nice and assume the best of intentions in our fellow man.”

Tim Malone brings over 35 years of specialized experience in social work, behavioral health, and older adult care to Elderwise. Dedicated to geriatric mental health from the very start of his career, Tim completed his undergraduate studies at Fairhaven College (Western Washington University) before earning a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in geriatrics from Portland State University. His post-graduate career began at the Veteran’s Administration Older Adult Day Treatment Program in Vancouver, Washington.

A recognized specialist in dementia, complex care consultation, and behavioral advocacy, Tim developed and supervised a community mental health program for older adults for 22 years. In addition to teaching behavioral intervention classes, he runs a private practice, Gero Care Solutions, helping families and caregivers navigate complex behavioral challenges. An Elderwise Associate since 2016, Tim’s favorite part of his work is traveling, getting outdoors into different communities, and tackling new, complex client cases.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Tim moved to Central Oregon in 1993.
• The Personal Side: An avid wilderness enthusiast, Tim enjoys studying primitive technologies, desert travel, and remote camping. His favorite places to explore and visit are Alaska and the canyon country of Southeast Utah.
• Favorite Reading: A fan of deep history and historical fiction, Tim appreciates rich, authentic storytelling over watching television.
• Fictional Alter Ego: The fictional version of Jeremiah Johnson: resourceful, independent, grounded, and deeply at home in nature.
• Proudest Accomplishments: Saving several lives throughout his journey, including his own.
• Personal Motto: “Everything you do, from now on, really matters.”

With over four decades of experience in long-term care and healthcare leadership, Kathy brings a deep commitment to organizational leadership, regulatory compliance, and community service. Kathy earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Social Work from George Fox University and began her career as a Social Services Director in a skilled nursing facility, where she fell in love with geriatric care and decided to dedicate her career to the field.

In 1992, Kathy became a licensed Skilled Nursing Facility Administrator and spent 15 years providing specialized consulting to nursing facilities before managing a community benefit program for a non-profit health system. While serving on the board of a life-plan community, her passion for senior care was reignited, leading her to pursue her Residential Care Facility (RCF) license and serve as Director of Health Services in 2018. Kathy earned her Master’s in Ministry Leadership from Portland Seminary and joined Elderwise in March 2024, where her favorite part of the job is sharing her extensive experience, mentoring others, and celebrating their operational successes.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: A native Oregonian, Kathy grew up in Western Oregon and continues to call the area home.
• The Personal Side: Outside of work, Kathy loves quilting, photography, kayaking, spending time outdoors, and gathering with family and friends. Her favorite places to visit are any clear mountain lake, river, or Oregon beach.
• Fun Fact & Unique Skills: Kathy worked her way through college in fast food, student work-study, and processing Oregon strawberries at a local cannery. She is also a 3rd-generation 4-H sewing instructor with a passion for textile arts.
• At Home: A lifelong dog lover, Kathy has had a dog by her side since early childhood.
• Favorite Media: Kathy is a big fan of upbeat, warmhearted television, with Ted Lasso and Schitt’s Creek tied for her top favorite show.
• Fictional Alter Ego: Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation: driven, organized, community-focused, and endlessly enthusiastic about supporting others.
• Proudest Accomplishment: Raising intelligent, kind children into intelligent, kind adults.
• Personal Motto: “Persistence pays off!”

Rachael Garner leads growth, strategy, and revenue development for Elderwise, partnering closely with executive leadership to expand organizational reach and strengthen core services. Rachael’s career is built on a foundation of service, grit, and hands-on execution, beginning in hospitality on the Gulf Coast before completing healthcare certification pathways in phlebotomy technician, chemistry, and pharmacy technology.

With over a decade of healthcare leadership, Rachael brings a practical, people-first approach to building scalable systems and empowering front-line teams. Prior to joining Elderwise, she spent nearly nine years in a pivotal role scaling high-impact clinical education initiatives, including their flagship certification courses. Her passion for supporting healthcare professionals is deeply personal, driven by a commitment to enabling nurses and clinicians to deliver consistent, exceptional care. Leading with heart and humor, Rachael joined the team to ensure those on the front lines feel equipped, confident, and supported every day.

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Raised primarily between the deep South and Upper East Coast, Rachael now resides in the Portland area.
• The Personal Side: An avid film and television enthusiast, Rachael loves expanding her movie room when resting at home, or tending to her dedicated garden room as she builds out her own indoor urban jungle. Around the city, you can often catch her hunting for local art and unique finds at neighborhood markets, exploring local museums, or taking in the crisp Pacific Northwest autumns.
• Fun Fact: Rachael’s work ethic took root early in life, starting out as a farm hand on her family’s land and working cash jobs at local flea market stalls.
• At Home: Rachael shares her life with her youngest child, who is 17 and entering their senior year of high school, alongside Blue, an 11-year-old Brindle Chiweenie who is very much her shadow.
• Favorite Reading: She is a huge fan of historical fiction, particularly the classic Earth’s Children series by Jean M. Auel.
• Proudest Accomplishments: Overcoming adversity to lift her family out of poverty and break generational cycles, watching her older children now live stable, independent lives chasing their own dreams, with her youngest getting ready to take that next big step into adulthood.
• Personal Motto: “Dance every day, smile when it hurts the worst, and love with all your heart.”

Corryn Pettingill has been the System Administrator for Elderwise since 2025 and thoroughly enjoys assisting in the progress and improvement of geriatric care. Working mainly behind the curtains, she strives to optimize operating processes and ensures a sturdy system for consultants to work efficiently for Elderwise’s clients.

Corryn has held key operational roles including working as Assistant Manager for Portland Parks and Recreation, a Manager at Michael’s Stores, and numerous Portland-based publishing companies. Today, she is grateful to be able to use her accumulated skills to assist the amazing consultants who support our community. Starting out as an editor for NurseLearn, she has learned so much about Community-Based Care, and is always wanting to know more!

Corryn earned her bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College, and majored in English and Studio Art. In the summer of 2025, she attended Columbia University in New York City for an exclusive publishing program. She lives on a 5-acre farm with her family, taking care of horses, dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, and lots of chickens!

Beyond the Bio

• Roots & Residence: Although raised in North Portland, Corryn always had a foot in both country and city life. She now resides in the Vancouver area.
• Hobbies & Interests: Corryn loves to ride horses, read, write, swim, and paint as much as she can! During her free time, she loves to watch movies and TV shows such as True Blood and any Marvel movie.
• Fun Fact & Unique Skills: Corryn did her senior art thesis on women in Greek mythology and can create some pretty scary paintings on their wicked deeds.
• Favorite Book: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo remains her favorite to reread each Autumn.
• At Home: Her most devoted animals are her horse, Opal, and very needy kitty, Songbird.
• Proudest Accomplishment: Getting her bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College.
• Personal Motto: “If you prepare for the worst, you can always expect the best.”