Leadership Team

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.
Evolution of an Idea
Tim began reading everything he could find on environmental design and different care techniques that he could incorporate in a new model of care. He had heard of other ideas that were similar to his that were beginning to take shape in other parts of the country. He traveled to these facilities to see how their approach might help with his design. Tim learned that a family member in New York had donated funds to a research center in Ohio; the Corrine Dolan Alzheimer’s Research Center (CDARC) which he collaborated with in the development of his new care design. While CDARC was not his exact vision, it proved to be a wealth of knowledge that he could use in the developing his own program. In fact, every place he visited he learned something that he could use.
Vision Takes Hold
The journey was a definite struggle; but he did have some successes along the way. Tim did not anticipate the lack of social awareness and the overall stigmatism that existed with the illness. When you couple that with the state’s various licensure categories that ran counter to his style of care; he soon learned that he would be in for a long campaign. In 1999 Dolan Residential Care, as his young company was known, was chosen as one of only 2 facilities in the St. Louis area to participate in the State’s Alzheimer’s Pilot Program to investigate and develop new environments and care techniques for Missourians suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. He developed 3 state-of-the-art households that included numerous environmental design features that addressed the cognitively impaired along with several new innovative building techniques. In 2006 Tim’s effort in the field was instrumental in helping to change the licensure regulations in Missouri. Senate Bill 616 was introduced, passed and later signed by the Governor providing Missouri families with an array of long term care choices never before available to Missourians. In 2010 Tim was chosen by the Governor to be a member of the Missouri State Alzheimer’s Task Force representing the long term care in the state. Other Task Force members included Dr. John Morris, Margret Donnelly, Director of Missouri Health and Senior Services, Senator Bill Stouffer sponsor of Senate Bill 616, Carol Rodriguez from the Alzheimer’s Association. The Task Force’s duties were to identify how the disease was affecting Missourians, what resources were available and how the state could better serve those families affected with the disease.
Vision Becomes a Reality
Currently, Dolan Memory Care Homes has 12 households in the St. Louis area. In 2014 Tim completed Les Maison a memory neighborhood. Les Maison is the first of its kind green development consisting of four homes specifically built to accommodate those suffering from various forms of memory impairment. It is a true patient centered, social model in every sense of the word. Residents are encouraged to participate in their own care as well as to be involved in the day to day operation of the home. Residents have the freedom to go outside in an enclosed yard and to socialize by visiting other residents within the neighborhood. To date, there is no other development like it in the country, making it a true “feather in the cap” for St. Louis Based on Les Masons’ success, in 2018, Tim began developing his second memory neighborhood, Waterford Crossing.
Vision for the Future
While Tim’s mission of care for persons living with dementias and their families; he also contributes to a world without Alzheimer’s by working closely with and donating to the St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and Memory Care Home Solutions.

As the Director of Operations for Dolan Memory Care Homes, John oversees all aspects of operations for the company. He also serves as licensed administrator for five of our nine homes. John received a BA in Business from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and an MBA from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. His career in long-term care began in a McHenry County (Illinois) Nursing home working part-time during summers and semester breaks in maintenance. Following graduation, John became an Assistant Administrator, which led to being a licensed nursing home administrator.Since that time John had several assignments as an Administrator, an Executive Director, a Regional Administrator, a Regional Director and Director of Operations for various management companies. In 2002 John was at a crossroads in his career and following twenty-five plus years of corporate healthcare management he was looking for a change. Fortunately, he met Tim Dolan and realized that long-term need not be a spreadsheet. Small group homes provided the opportunity to provide long-term care on a personal level, a level that you could make a positive difference; long-term care the way it should be.
Over his 15 plus years with Dolan Memory Care Homes he has been involved in all aspects of the households. He has great interactions with the Residents and wonderful stories to share. John says “I feel very fortunate to be part of Dolan Memory Care Homes.”

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.
“Whenever I visit the Residents at their homes, they are always so welcoming and so appreciative that I have come to visit them. I love the stories they tell me and learning so much about them. I love working on new projects with them and going out to lunch with them. Every day is always a new day!! Although I am supposed to be going to visit to make their day special, they always end up making my day special too!”

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.

Mary Kate joined Dolan Memory Care Homes in 2015 after completing a graduate school practicum here the year prior. Her job includes forming, fostering and maintaining partnerships with residents and their families throughout the resident’s transition and life at Dolan. Additionally, she supports the interdisciplinary care teams of her assigned homes. MK holds meetings for family members of new Dolan residents along with the other two social workers. Additionally, she facilitates our Music and Memory™, aromatherapy, and pet therapy programs. She’s regularly found in the houses engaging with residents in complementary therapies, activities, or visiting residents with her therapy dog, Kateri. As a registered yoga teacher, MK also brings accessible yoga classes to our residents. Her energy and compassion for our residents make her a valuable addition to our team. MK graduated from Michigan State University with a BSW and received a Master’s in Social Work degree from Saint Louis University with a specialization in Veteran Services and a concentration in Health/Mental Health where she was twice nominated for Social Work Student of the Year. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Qualified Mental Health Professional, a certified Cognitive Stimulation Therapy facilitator, and a certified ALF Assessor. MK is also a member of Social Work Leaders for Healthcare of Metro St. Louis, Social Workers in Long Term Care, and she regularly volunteers for the Let’s Talk program at the Alzheimer’s Association. “My favorite part of my job is building relationships with the remarkable individuals for whom we care and their families, especially through our alternative programs like music and pet therapy. The power of music and pets can’t be understated and I love watching the transformative joy they bring our residents. In addition, I am touched by the families who wear the caregiver hat for so many years with grace. Caring for a person with dementia is one of the hardest roles one ever takes on. I cherish the moments when I can help a family member find peace in their journey of being a caregiver. To be excited to go to work each morning for a community that does true person-centered care is a rare gift and it’s not one I take for granted. I’m thankful for every day and every moment with the extraordinary residents of Dolan.”

Britney came to Dolan Memory Care Homes as a Social Work Intern in June 2017. From the start of her internship, she knew Dolan was the place for her. Her love for the Residents was transparent and found that Dolan’s mission aligned with the care she strived to give. “Person-centered care is worked towards all over the world, but Dolan is the only place that I have seen truly exemplify choice, individuality, and true quality of life for those impacted by dementia.” She began working immediately following her internship. Britney’s role is meeting with families and Residents and providing a constant support through their transition and life at Dolan, as well as providing dementia education through the process. She is involved with Cognitive-Stimulation Therapy (CST) groups, as well as a spiritual CST research project and 3D reminiscence research project collaboration with Saint Louis University. She is involved with bereavement services, such as, end-of-life support, memorial services, and preparing comfort kits for families. Britney graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health and graduated with her Masters in Geriatric Social Work and a Gerontology Certificate from Saint Louis University. She was also a Certified Nursing Assistant, with multiple years of experience working with residents with dementia. Britney is a member of Social Work Leaders in Healthcare of Metro Saint Louis, Social Workers in Long-Term Care and volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association. When asked about working at Dolan, Britney said, “When I come to work each day, I feel at home. The love and joy the Residents and staff bring is unconditional. My favorite part is getting to learn all the details, both big and small, about what makes each Resident who they are. Having the privilege of being a part of their lives and learning their stories is a great blessing! Most of my family lives in Illinois, but I found my St. Louis family at Dolan.”

Dolan Memory Care Homes is fortunate to have an outstanding team member, Kiera be apart of the organization for over 8 years. She has held several positions and as a Care Partner (3 years), Activities Assistant (5 years), and now Staffing Coordinator. Kiera reflects on her first day as a Care Partner at Dolan, “A resident thought I was a student of hers and I went with it. My full first day I spent it with her, we went for a walk, she taught me to play Rummy, and from day one a bond was built.” Kiera shares, “Working at Dolan has made me love working with people. Residents have become my extended family. Working here has been a great experience leading to many friendships with staff and residents.” Kiera found Dolan Memory Care Homes through a connection her Mom made. She also strongly fees that “God sent me here for a reason. Working here has taught me a lot about serving God’s people. I believe God brought me here to help serve his people (the residents). He knew that my youthful look, patience, and kindness would help me love, build relationships and take care of the residents like my own family.” In her free time, she enjoys shopping with her sisters and playing video games with her brother. She claims, her one year old niece is “her favorite girl in the world. She brings a lot of joy to my life and I’m so thankful her! ” Kiera also recently started volunteering for The YMCA before school care. She shares, “I love it, the kids are great! They think I’m one of them! On my first day, a kindergartener said “she sounds like a grown up, I thought she was a kid.”

Laura’s role at Dolan is as business office mgr. this can include resident accounts, payroll, employee benefits, and keeping the bills paid, just to name a few. The variety makes it interesting! I have been doing this sort of work for over 35 years and I enjoy it, and hope to stay at Dolan for a long time to come.

Michelle has been working in Human Resources with Dolan Memory Care Homes for more than 3 years and is a member of Society of Human Resource Management. While finishing her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Missouri St. Louis, she worked for a local non-for-profit providing for impoverished children. It was during this time that she recognized the importance of working for a company that strived to meet meaningful and inspirational mission and vision statements. After graduating from the Pierre Laclede Honors College UMSL as Summa Cum Laude, she found that Dolan was a spark of innovation amongst the Assisted Living Communities as it strived to provide a true model of person-centered and social model of care. At Dolan she provides assistance to our staff with regards to state and federal compliance, policy and procedure interpretation, HR information and management system training and use, counselling advisement’s and determinations, and much more. She enjoys her work and hopes to continue improving in her role to provide the best service to our staff.

Barb is an administrative assistant with more than 50 experience supporting top executives in large and small organizations in the St. Louis area. Her responsibilities include, but are not limited to: answering the phone and directing calls, bookkeeping for the Waterford project, reporting, publishing an internal newsletter for our employees, publishing a web based newsletter for our resident families and many other duties as needed. “I am proud to be a part of Dolan Memory Care and support the professionals that deliver the unique quality of care we give to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.”

Natasha has been a part of Dolan’s team as a care partner since 2003. She has worked at several Dolan homes and has informally been a mentor to new care partners. At Dolan, she has worked at 3 different homes. A previous supervisor encouraged her to apply to Dolan in 2003. Her favorite aspect of Dolan is the ability to spend one on one with residents, noting she wouldn’t have this luxury at other long term care communities. She appreciates the time to build relationships through hand holding and asking about their past. She understands this investment builds trust. Natasha also loves the family oriented feel. Natasha is originally from Illinois. Her family and friends describe her as “a go-getter with a big heart.” Natasha enjoys a challenge and often does for others before herself. She has two sons and is also a foster parent to many fortunate children. In her her free time, she enjoys spending time outside in nature, walking in state parks, and shopping.

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.