Dolan Memory Care Homes’ leadership team is comprised of highly experienced professionals who are committed to providing the highest quality of life for our Residents and their families. If you’d like to join our team, apply now.
-Tim Dolan, Founder
Tim Dolan saw a challenge that needed to be addressed: care for those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease – Every 67 seconds someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s which is currently the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. The numbers are staggering and at present there is no cure. As an innovator, Tim has been involved in memory care for over 25 years. He has had significant influence in changing the perception of the disease along with fostering vast improvement in resources that are now available to families.
Dolan Memory Care Homes (DMCH) specializes in the care of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. DMCH are not a wing or a floor in a skilled facility, or a new building on a large campus; but rather small households within residential communities accommodating ten or fewer residents. When Tim built his first home in 1993 there were very few placement options available for families. As a consumer himself, he was shocked by the limited long term care choices available to families struggling with the disease which at the time were merely locked down wards within conventional nursing homes.
Dolan Memory Care Homes “unique and innovative approach to dementia care” guided Steve to join the team in 2020. Steve leads his peers through example. Steve is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and help out in any way—from offering guidance and leadership to nurses and care partners to providing direct care with residents. During college, Steve was instrumental in taking care of his grandmother in her home, who suffered from dementia.
His hands-on-care for his family member sparked his interest to pursue health care. He started in medical records and shortly after, he began an administrator in training program. Steve has a wide range of experience working in assisted living, intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities. He is originally from Illinois and moved to St. Louis about 10 years ago. While he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family and daughter, reading, and playing golf.
Allison has been with the company over 15 years. She was a Care Partner, an Activities Director, a Nurse Manager, and now works primarily in admissions as Nurse Consultant. “Some days I’m Allison, other days Angie, occasionally a daughter or an old neighbor, and it’s all okay.” With a little imagination and flexibility, Allison highlights the importance of stepping into a resident’s reality.
She recalls a time with a resident who, almost every afternoon around the same time, wanted to pick up her children off the school bus. “We would tidy the house by sweeping the floor and folding towels, and prepare a snack for the children. By the time we were finished, Betty was not concerned with picking up her children. What sets Dolan apart from other memory care centers are the little things: We want to know how our residents prefer their coffee, what time do they rise in the morning, what are they proud of, and what makes them smile. Ultimately, it’s the details, which makes Dolan successful in memory care. “Living at Dolan is the ultimate customer service experience, we are wrong, and the folks that live here are always right. We create a safe environment, so we can take away the No’s. It is empowering for the residents to be independent again.” Allison obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Chemistry at University of Missouri-Columbia. Additionally, she received her Bachelor of Nursing and her Masters of Nursing as an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner at Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College, where she achieved an Academic Excellence Award. In 2018, she was recognized in Jewish Light as a Woman in Business.
Even in nursing school, Toni “always gravitated toward the older people, because they appreciate you so much”. After stints as Director of Nursing at conventional nursing facilities, she learned about Tim Dolan’s cozy, nonclinical approach, with 6 to 11 Residents per home.
When you know your patient that well – you know what they need.” At Dolan Memory Care Homes Toni oversees care for Residents with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia related disorders. The “Dolan Difference” is that the residents enjoy a restrain-free environment that is considerate of their wants and needs. By removing limits, restrictions and the word “NO”, residents feel more comfortable and exhibit less negative behaviors. It’s about what they can do, not what they can’t do. It’s amazing too, when we open up all the possibilities, what you can actually do with folks who have dementia. Who else would take 90 folks with dementia to a Prom! Life with Dementia can be meaningful and enjoyable. Families can stay intact and still have relationships as time goes on. This is what I enjoy most about my work at Dolan.
Kendra has been a nurse for over 15 years mainly in geriatrics. She has worked in pediatrics too. She feels, “nursing is my purpose in life.” Kendra takes care of people like how she would treat her own family. When compared to other long term communities, she loves the intimacy at Dolan, “working at nursing homes you may have over 100 residents in a facility, but you do not know them as well as you do at Dolan.” In her free time, she enjoys spending quiet time alone and watching her grandson. She proudly shares, “Being a grandparent is the best thing in the world.” She hopes to travel to Europe and cruise around to different cities.
Sandi came to the role of activities in long-term care through community service projects with the Girl Scout troops she led. While working as a Legal Secretary she went back to school to take classes in the field of activities. She started her career in 2001 as an Activity Assistant. Three years later she was promoted to Activity Director. Sandi joined Dolan Memory Care Homes in 2013 as Activities Director.
She is responsible for planning and implementing activities at each of the households. She schedules monthly events and entertainers for each house and composes a newsletter of activities for the Residents’ families. She is part of the team implementing and leading the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) program in the houses. Sandi has an Associate degree in Human Services from St. Louis Community College. She is a Missouri Certified Activity Director and a National Certified Activity Director.
I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated with a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Saint Louis University with a specialization in Gerontology.
I graduated from the University of Missouri- Columbia in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. I didn’t know when I began my social work education where it would lead me until both of my grandmothers were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s only a couple years apart. While it had quite a toll on my family and myself, I stepped up and was the main point of contact and very involved in their care; this is where I found my passion. I spent so much time in their assisted living facilities that I was on first name bases with staff, residents, and other family members, often planning and engaging in activities and events with them. Although these were some of the most trying times for me and my family, they were also some of the most rewarding and memorable.
I grew up in Saint Louis and I graduated from Lindbergh High School. Following that, I attended Southeast Missouri State University and graduated with a dual degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a minor in Social Work. Soon after graduating from college, I wanted to take a break from the Midwest and moved to California. Unsure of the career I wanted to pursue but knowing I wanted to be in the helping/social services profession, I entered the field as a case manager working with individuals struggling with being unhoused, substance use, and reentry. Once COVID-19 hit, I was uncertain of what was to come so I returned to my hometown of Saint Louis. Upon returning, I worked with youth as a behavioral therapist for about 3 years. I have an appreciation and passion for working with/helping individuals of all ages and walks of life, so when I came across the opportunity to work with Dolan Memory Care it seemed like a great fit.
I returned to school for my master’s degree in Social Work at Mizzou Online where I am currently a master’s student. I will be graduating with my master’s degree is Spring 2025.
Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending my time engaging is self-care like Pilates, yoga, taking my dog for walks/hikes, and spending time with family and friends.
In my time at Dolan Memory Care, I love the person-centered care Dolan Memory Care provides to its residents. I appreciate getting to know my residents on a personal level, getting to know their history and life stories, and getting to spend time with them. I have experience working in various different residential settings, and none of them have felt quite like “home” like Dolan has.
Amanda has only had two employers her entire life! She began at Marymount Nursing Home for 22 years. First 15 years, she served as a certified nurse’s aid and was promoted to human resources for almost 8 years. She has been proudly nominated for the extraordinary caregiver award through Voyce. Her mom suffers from dementia allowing her to appreciate the disease on a personal level. At Dolan, she trained and worked as a care partner at the Galway home before her promotion as Staffing Coordinator. Amanda goes the extra mile with providing care, like applying lipstick for the ladies! Amanda is a proud mom of three children: 2 at home and 1 in heaven. Her oldest will become a dietician soon and her youngest son graduates this year. She has two dogs. She hopes one day to travel to Niagara Falls.
Mike earned a BS in Human Services with an emphasis in
Gerontology at Lindenwood University.
He joined Dolan in January 2024 with about twenty years of experience in large and small healthcare and assisted living organizations in the St. Louis area. He also completed a college internship with Meals on Wheels, offering first-hand knowledge on home care situations with seniors.
Mike briefly worked as an executive in a large St. Louis
organization. He was eager to return to healthcare and saw position available at Dolan. According to Mike, “Everyone knows about Dolan. Their ground-breaking programs and excellent care is like
no other organization in the industry.”
In his free time, Mike and his wife, Krista have a blended family of 5 children. They all enjoy sports and outdoors. On weekends, their family enjoys their lake property in southern Missouri.
Mike brings a wealth of knowledge on care available for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. His empathy coupled with knowledge give him expertise to successfully match residents and their family members to the best Dolan home.
Max has spent a majority of his career in the restaurant industry and hospitality management. He has a culinary degree and further obtained a BS in education. He initially became acquainted with Dolan for an internship through UMSL. Through his internship, he was surprised how much he enjoyed interacting with the residents. He felt he had more of a sense of purpose than when he was a chef. He worked in activities after he graduated. You could always find Max taking a resident for a walk! The best part about Max is he is always looking to grow and learn more. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors fishing and hiking. He has plan to travel to the National Parks. A fun fact about Max is he has seen Phish in concert 29 times!
Mark is a hands-on Executive Chef at the Dolan Lodge. He
manages the professional Kitchen, plans menus, orders food for the Dolan Homes and prepares delicious meals and snacks garnished so well they look too pretty to eat. His cooking demonstrations and lessons are a delight for residents and staff.
Chef Mark’s role at Dolan is to monitor and supervise food
services. He trains and supervises Care Partners, House Managers
and other staff in techniques of food preparation, ordering, storage and safe food handling. He adjusts the dietcian’s menus to include a variety of flavorful meals. All of this will result in a finer dining experience for residents.
Mark’s appreciation of foods and preparation began at an early age
in the grocery stores and confectionaries owned by his
grandparents.
He received an Associates Degree in Culinary Science and Hotel
and Restaurant Management from Forest Park Community
College. He then relocated to Florida and attended Pinellas
Technical College where he received a degree in Professional
Culinary Arts & Hospitality.
His career began at a country club in Pinellas, Florida as an
Executive Sous Chef. He quickly moved up the ladder and earned
the designation Executive Chef. He has traveled the world studying local cuisines in France, Spain, Italy and Africa.
Chef Mark spent over forty years as owner and manager one of the
largest catering companies in the United States. His focus was
catering to Fortune 500 and Fortune 50 companies in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. He catered executive dining rooms and employee cafeterias. He also owned and operated a trendy bar in the U City Loop for about nine years.
His competition awards are numerous. Most distinguished is the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Chefs from all over the world compete. Mark won 1st Place for dinner and dessert two years in a row.
Mark’s greatest honor was being selected to cook for Presidents of the United States when they debated at Washington University. To be selected Mark had to compete with other chefs, endure taste testing by the by the Secret Service and obtain the necessary security clearances.
Cyndi has been in the nursing field for over 25 years in rehab, as a MDS, Assistant Director of Nursing, Nurse Supervisor, and Admissions/Discharges. Cyndi joined Dolan in 2012 as a Nurse Manager at Clermont. During her career at Dolan, she has also worked as a Weekend Nurse and has recently become a Nurse Manager Trainer. What she loves most about Dolan is the small atmosphere, and having “one on one time with families and residents.” She points out this is a big difference between bigger facilities and appreciates “the extra time to help out a resident or family member.” Cyndi’s extensive experience and management skills makes her a great fit as an educator for new nurses. Cyndi’s light-hearted personality and great sense of humor create a fun work environment. Cyndi is flexible and rolls with the punches! Cyndi is originally from Michigan and moved to St. Louis for family. She has one son and four grandchildren–Daymion, Justice, Rylee, and Jaxon. Her grandchildren love coming to work to visit residents and conduct activities. In her free time, you may find Cyndi on a cruise or traveling. With her adventurous spirit, it is no surprise, she loves attending festivals and hiking.
My name is Silvana Hutchison. I am from Spain, I was born in Peru, but my parents moved to
Spain when I was seven years old. When I was 17 years old my parents asked me if I wanted to go to the USA for my senior year so I could learn English and become bilingual. I said yes, I didn’t even think how hard was going to be, and how I was going to manage to be here without
speaking any English, but I did.
I came here in 1999 and it was one of the best years of my life even with the language barrier. I never gave up, I always found ways to make it work, met amazing people along the way, and decided to stay.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in E-Commerce
and a minor in Mathematics, and I received my Real Estate License in 2012.
Many of my strengths come from my experiences and education.I am a hardworking individual
with an excellent code of morals and a strong work ethic I developed when I was young. My parents taught me to always try my best and be the best I can be in everything I do.
I have 18 years of experience in Client and Product services in different industries. I feel honored to be here at Dolan Memory Care and to help hire the best care partners for our residents.
Above all, I am family-oriented and my husband and I enjoy watching and cheering our two daughters, 10 and 11 years old, and our 5-year-old son in all the sports they do!
Welcome to Dolan, Kate!
Kate is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and Art History.
In addition to her fine arts education, Kate is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, EssentiALZ Certification from the Alzheimer’s Association and holds a Class C Missouri Driver’s License. She held positions in activities at residential care facilities for several years and is quite familiar with the needs and behaviors of dementia. Kate is artistic and creative. She enjoys planning and delivering painting, drawing, games and other interesting activities to our Residents. At this time, her focus is indoor activities, but we might find her driving the bus for an outdoor adventure.
Kate loves the arts. Her spare time is filled with portrait painting and drawing.
She is engaged. In true St. Louis style, her wedding reception will be held at Das Bevo, the former Bevo Mill. This beautiful and historic venue will surely create a memorable event.
We are glad to have Kate as an addition to FUN at Dolan.
Welcome to Dolan, Kathleen.
Kathleen graduated from Missouri State University on the Dean’s List with a Bachelor of Science in Health Services. Her certifications include CITI Health Information Privacy and Security (HIPS), ALF Assessor and Dementia Live Coach.
Kathleen has served as Life Enrichment Director and Memory Support Coordinator for residential living centers in the St. Louis area. Her non-clinical experience includes leading call stations and the documentation of patient medical records.
Kathleen’s education, along with her experience, make her a perfect addition to the Family Support team at Dolan.
Nadir joined the Dolan maintenance team in 2007. At that time Dolan was just five homes. Nadir has been an integral part of the Dolan growth. He has installed, maintained or repaired most of the Dolan equipment, landscaping, appliances and fixtures. In addition to all of that, Nadir has renovated Dolan buildings and a was a team player in the construction of all of the newer homes.
Nadir has a realistic idea of what is required to maintain Dolan homes and complete projects. Under Nadir’s leadership, the maintenance technicians will be able to rely on his knowledge, experience and expertise. Dolan Homes will continue to be meticulously maintained.
Terry has been a loyal member of the maintenance team at Dolan for five years. His performance has been spectacular. His specialty is HVAC, but he is licensed and certified in a host of mechanical specialties. He possesses an uncanny ability to understand how things work and what is required to repair anything and everything. He is also adept at finding suitable replacement when required.
With Terry at the helm, Dolan Memory Care Homes will continue to offer facilities that are safe, functioning and comfortable for our Residents and families.
With Lisa’s experience, caring nature and enthusiasm; she is equipped with the perfect qualities to become a successful Administrator at Waterford.
Lisa earned a BA, Gerontology at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. She continued her education at Lindenwood to earn an MHA, Masters in Healthcare Administration.
Lisa has served seniors at various assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in the St. Louis area for about fifteen years. She held the position of Executive Director at a senior community for five years. Prior to that she served as Administrator for assisted living and skilled nursing centers.
Lisa is a certified member of Eden Alternative. This is an organization that prepares members to focus on what residents can do, not what they can’t, to engage and build on the voice of each resident and to uphold the resident’s right to choose for themself. She is a strong proponent of person centered care.
Lisa is a Certified Dementia Trainer and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator
Lisa leads by example to cultivate a high performing team through guidance, mentorship and promoting a positive work culture.
As the Administrator for Waterford, her mission is to deliver top-tier care for residents and their family. Dolan firmly believes she will accomplish her mission.
Valerie is from Fort Bragg, which is located near Fayetteville North Carolina. She has three daughters and one son. Her daughters and their families live in North Carolina, and her son and his family live in Seattle, Washington.
In her free time, Valerie likes to go to the movies. She also enjoys visiting with her extended family.
She started in the healthcare field with her mother. They worked together until her mother became sick and retired.
Valerie enjoys working at Dolan Memory Care Homes. She likes the Residents and their families.
Earsalyn is from St. Louis. She was raised by her Grandparents and an Aunt due to the loss of both her parents at a young age. Earsalyn and her husband have 3 children – ages, 20, 18 and 13.
In her free time Earsalyn enjoys entertaining with Family and Friends. She always enjoys family time, playing cards, bowling and family outings.
Earsalyn likes taking care of people and has been in the long term care field for 10 years. A friend who is employed by Dolan Memory Care Homes told her about the company. She applied and liked the community as well. Earsalyn has been with for Dolan for 4 years and has been named a CarePartner of the Month each year.
Dolan made her feel welcome day one. “It has been a good journey these past 4 years. The diversity of the work I do ensures that no day is like any other, and I am always focused on bettering the day with making them (Residents) smile, which makes you feel good when the day is done. It has been nothing but a blessing to work with good workers. The families we meet become more of big family as well”.
“I really enjoy coming to work and helping the Residents everyday that I am here. Sometimes it is a walk through the neighborhood or sitting outside playing catch or just talking. Making somebody smile”.
Tarris is from St. Louis. She has one sister.
Tarris is a wife and a mother of three. She also has one nephew and two nieces. In her free time, she loves to shop.
Tarris has a sister who works at Dolan and always talked about the homes. She convinced Tarris to come to Dolan. When asked about working in the homes she said, “I love Dolan. I love my house manager and work partners. My Residents give me life.”
Danayla is from Marion, Indiana. She is married and has 3 sons, ages 7, 13 and 14. In her free time Danayla likes to read novels and binge watch her family shows.
A friend of hers, Delisa, is a CarePartner at Dolan and suggested she join the team. Delisa had expressed how much she like it, so Danayla applied and the “rest is history”.
Danayla describes working at Dolan: “…is fun and challenging at the same time. The Residents are like your Grandparents, they keep you on your toes at all times.”
Letishia joined Dolan Memory Care Homes in 2018 and has been a C.N.A. since 2012 working in various long term care communities in St. Louis. Her favorite aspect of working at Dolan is the home setting, “I really get to know the residents personally, and a bond forms. It really is a big happy family at a house.” Letishia is a mother to her daughter and is involved with her dance team as a coach and volunteers with her school cheer team. She makes it a priority to take an annual family vacation! Thank you for all the you do, Letishia!