Traci Taylor-Roberts, President
Traci Taylor-Roberts has served as the President of Sodalis Senior Living since February 2020. She has a passion caring for seniors which became evident when, as a child, she constantly gravitated towards seniors and was a frequent visitor at nursing homes. Ms. Taylor-Roberts pursued her passion for seniors with more than 25 years of experience in the senior living and Home Health & Hospice industries. Ms. Taylor-Roberts is a forward-thinking executive with a proven track record of creating and transforming vision and strategy into profitable financial results. Under Ms. Taylor-Roberts leadership, Sodalis Senior Living has grown from nine communities to 29 communities in three states within less than a two-year period. Prior to joining Sodalis Senior Living, Ms. Taylor Roberts served as the Vice President of Sales for Pegasus Senior Living where she led the sales strategy and execution for 31 communities. She also held the role of Regional Vice President of Operations for 10 communities in the region. Other experience includes her appointment as the Corporate Vice President of Sales and Revenue Enhancement at American House Senior Living Communities for more than 55 communities in the Midwest and Florida. Additionally, Ms. Taylor-Roberts functioned as the Vice President of Operations for the company’s Florida region where she oversaw operations, budgeting, and strategic sales of more than 1,050 independent living, assisted living and memory care apartments. During her tenure at American House, another accomplishment was the successful completion of a $800 million refinance transaction. Immediately prior to joining American House, Ms. Taylor-Roberts served as the Regional Director of Sales for Legend Senior Living. She has also held various leadership roles at Holiday Retirement, Emeritus Senior Living, HCR ManorCare, and operating as the Chief Operating Officer at Journey Healthcare (Home Health & Hospice).Ms. Taylor-Roberts is also an active Board member for TALA, CEO/COO Argentum Round Table and Women in Leadership Argentum. Ms. Taylor-Roberts received her Bachelor of Science from University of Florida, as well, as Certificate of Geriatric Care Management.
Mike McClain, Chief Financial Officer
Mike McClain began his professional career in the early nineties as an auditor for a regional CPA firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he conducted assurance and consulting engagements for privately held companies. In 1996, Mr. McClain joined Occidental Petroleum Corporation in their internal audit department. As an audit supervisor, he performed operational, financial, and regulatory compliance audits for domestic and international operating groups, including oil and gas operations in Peru and Russia. Mr. McClain developed an expertise in assessing internal controls, designing appropriate audit programs to evaluate their effectiveness, and recommending cost-effective solutions to senior management. From 1998 to 2005, he returned to public accounting working with regional firms servicing mid-market privately held businesses. Mr. McClain established a working knowledge of accounting, tax compliance and lead consulting services related to internal controls, business financing, due diligence and mergers and acquisition projects, as well as litigation support and forensic cases and Controller and CFO support engagements. In this role, he helped close various multi-million-dollar debt, equity and bonding transactions for clients in healthcare and software development. In 2005, Mr. McClain co-founded the public accounting and professional services firm, The MB Group, LLC. He infused an entrepreneurial spirit into the firm focused on providing quality and personalized service. During his accounting career, Mr. McClain has worked in a variety of industries and specialized accounting areas, such as technology, financial institutions, manufacturing/distribution, healthcare, trucking, collection agencies, restaurant franchisors and operators, employee benefit plans and non-profit organizations. In November 2014, he retired from the accounting firm and formed McClain Ventures, LLC d/b/a McClain Solutions, an investment and consulting company, focused on small to mid-market businesses offering executive management, accounting and financial solutions. Mr. McClain attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a BBA in Accounting in 1993. He is a Certified Public Accountant in Texas and Oklahoma. He has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. In addition to his participation in membership industry associations, Mr. McClain actively devotes his time to various community and charitable organizations lending his accounting and financial knowledge.
Dennis Knapp, Chief Officer of Operations
Dennis Knapp has always had a calling to serve. This call to serve drew him to enlist in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country as a Logistics Superintendent/Manager for 22 years. His desire to serve continued when he retired from the military, leading him to attend to the needs of the elderly which he has done for the past 12 years as an Executive Director and currently as a Regional Director of Operations for Sodalis. Originally from Nebraska, Mr. Knapp currently lives in the Sarasota/Bradenton Florida area. He has a large family consisting of five children and six grandchildren. He is an avid Nebraska football fan and loves to spend time on the golf course where he attempts to try and play golf.
Karen Arway, Vice President of Operations
Karen Arway has worked in the senior living industry for over 25 years. After graduating from nursing school, she began her career as a floor nurse at an assisted living community. Two years later, she was promoted to Health and Wellness Director. Ms Arway continued her education in Healthcare Administration in 2002 and crossed over into operations. In the past 20 years, she has held the role of Executive Director, Operations Specialist, and Regional Director of Operations. When Ms Arway is not busy enriching the lives of residents, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, boating, and loving on her four adorable Maltese puppies.
Rachel Hubbard, Regional Director of Sales (TX)
Rachel Hubbard is a seasoned professional with over 13 years of experience in senior living and healthcare, including hospitals, skilled nursing, and assisted living. Her diverse career has included serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Sales Director, Executive Director, and Operations Specialist. Ms Hubbard's extensive background and deep industry knowledge have equipped her with the skills to lead and excel in any senior care setting, including overcoming complex barriers in assisted living communities. Her experience leading teams effectively in personal and professional settings, as well as the many opportunities she has had to engage with older populations in healthcare environments, have provided her with valuable insight that she utilizes to fulfill her role. Ms Hubbard’s husband serves as a Task Force Officer with the US Marshal Service. Together, she and her husband prioritize patience and respect when dealing with everyone, especially seniors, and are very committed to keeping the community safe and giving seniors the honor they deserve. Free time is something Ms Hubbard cherishes. She often can be found watching her son Levi play his favorite sports, or creating memorable hunting experiences with her husband and son.
Angela Williams, Regional Director of Operations (FL/GA)
Angela Williams is a veteran senior living professional with over 30 years of nursing experience and eight years of specialized management in senior living. She holds the prestigious CORE certification, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of the unique needs of seniors. Throughout her career, Ms Williams has served in key leadership roles, including Nurse Manager, Health and Wellness Director, and Executive Director. Her diverse experience has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to effectively oversee all aspects of senior living operations. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms Williams is a dedicated wife and mother of four children, two stepchildren, and six grandchildren. She maintains strong ties to her hometown of Pensacola, FL, where her parents and brother still reside. In her free time, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, reading, and traveling.
Shadia Freeman, Regional Director of Operations (IL)
Serving others has always been at the forefront of Shadia Freeman’s heart. She decided to become a nurse after being raised in a family of nurses and being a caregiver for her grandparents. After graduating in 2008, Ms Freeman started her first job as a nurse in a LTC facility. During that time, she learned great leadership skills and moved on to her next career goal as a Nurse Manager within the SC Department of Disabilities. She also worked as Interim Senior Director of Clinical Services. A few years ago, Ms Freeman decided to venture into senior living. She has been with Sodalis for two years and considers it one of the greatest decisions in her career. Ms Freeman started as a Health and Wellness Director, was later promoted to Executive Director, and now serves as a Regional Director. She has been successful in our Georgia community as the Executive Director, growing occupancy from 30% to over 96%. Ms Freeman is married and has three children, a son-in-law and one grandson. She was born and raised in South Carolina and enjoys attending church, bowling, traveling, and shopping. Ms Freeman is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator for Georgia. She enjoys working with our residents, their families and our amazing staff, and is passionate in all that she does and for all of those that she serves. For Ms Freeman, her career at Sodalis isn’t just a job, it’s a ministry.
Amanda Spear, Regional Director of Compliance (TX)
Growing up, Amanda Spear knew she wanted to be a nurse, but did not know which field of nursing she preferred. When she finished school for her Licensed Practical Nurse license, she started working in skilled nursing. Miss Spear then went back to school for her Registered Nurse license and joined an assisted living community. She absolutely fell in love with assisted living and never looked back. It is her passion to see that residents live out their lives maintaining as much of their independence as possible and are happy living within our communities. Ms Spear holds a CORE certificate for Administrator’s in Assisted Living Communities in Florida and also is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She says she would not be able to fulfill her passion if it wasn’t for her supportive husband and five kids. Ms Spear also has a fur baby, a Yorkie named Fonzie. She loves spending time with her family and has a love for baseball, saying, go Yankees!
Lori Johnson, Regional Director of Compliance (FL/GA)
Being around medicine and serving those in need has been a passion for Lori Johnson since she was very young. Her mother was one of the first Paramedic Firefighters in the state of Florida which meant she grew up in a firehouse and was told that her scratches were almost never “Band-Aid” worthy. She also became a Paramedic Firefighter at the age of 19, then later in life, a Licensed Practical Nurse. Ms Johnson stepped away from medicine for a short period going into management roles, but was pulled back due to her love of helping people. She has successfully opened two assisted living comminutes, one in Key West, FL. the other in Houston TX. Ms Johnson’s degree is in Emergency Medicine, and she holds a CORE certificate for Administrator’s in Assisted Living Communities in Florida as well as an Administrator’s certificate for Texas. Her love for medicine has always centered around helping retirement-aged people. Memory Care has a special place in Ms Johnson’s heart since her grandmother had dementia. She personally understands the strain it places on families and loved ones. Ms Johnson feels that in today’s fast-paced, these seniors can easily be forgotten. It’s her goal to make sure they’re given the best possible life, which is why she considers it a privilege to help and mentor staff in our community.
Shelby Anderson, Corporate Director of Sales
Shelby Anderson has over 20 years of leadership experience in senior living and healthcare industries, having worked in hospitals, skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, independent living, hospice and home health specialties. She works closely with the staff to ensure that all company policies and procedures are implemented, and oversees the company’s strategic sales initiatives, assisting the President in planning the long-term growth strategy for the business. Ms Anderson has led occupancy growth during her time as a community-level Sales & Marketing Director for Emeritus Senior Living, Brookdale Senior Living, and Americare Senior Living. Her forward thinking and relational sales philosophy led to her success on both the community level, as well as Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Americare Senior Living. Ms Anderson has a passion for seniors and enriching the lives of the employees and residents she serves.
Jeri Rice, Vice President of Human Resources
Ms. Rice has served as the Director of Human Resources since June 2022 and brings with her over twenty-five (25) years of Human Resources experience. During her career, Ms. Rice worked for a large healthcare company in Milwaukee, WI and a large plumbing company in San Antonio, TX. Areas of expertise for Ms. Rice include Payroll and Benefits Administration and Management, Recruiting, Employee Onboarding, Ergonomics, Employee Training and Development, Performance Coaching, Employee Retention and Relations and Workers Compensation.
Cheyanne Schaible, Regional Director of Sales (FL/GA)
Bio coming soon!
Whitne Batiste, Regional Director of Sales (IL)
Working in senior living since the age of 18 truly opened Whitne Batiste’s eyes to meeting the needs of others and putting them first. Starting as a CNA/Phlebotomist, she realized she had more to offer and more people to reach. She then went on to be a Functional Fitness Instructor at a CCRC, Memory Care Director, Healthy Lifestyle Director, Sales and Marketing Director, Executive Director, and now RDO; experience has been her best teacher. Completing her degree from LSCO-Orange, TX, as well as studying at Lamar University, further enhanced her general knowledge. She deeply believes that what is most needed are both compassionate, driven individuals who understand their mission is to serve seniors wherever needed, as well as communities committed to success in every discipline and engagement. Coming from the small town of Port Arthur, TX, Ms Batiste realized that the resources available in Austin were something that she would never be able to offer her late grandparents. This led to her passion for ensuring every senior she crosses paths with does have that access, and that she will be their advocate. Ms Batiste believes she is part of a compelling story where new standards are being set in senior living. She understands her “why”, and is making sure it is executed. Her husband (Jason) and their three children (Manson, Emi, Judah) are the highlight of her life. From them, Ms Batiste has learned patience, unconditional love, and grace, which she carries in her everyday life; in turn giving the same to our residents and staff. Her little family enjoys church, traveling, and any adventure they experience together.
Rebecca Dubreuil, Corporate Director of Marketing
Rebecca Dubreuil joined Sodalis in 2021 and currently serves as the Corporate Director of Marketing. Being newer to senior living, she brings over 19 years of experience in the landscape and irrigation industry, including roles in branch operations and customer service management. Prior to joining Sodalis, Ms Dubreuil earned her bachelor’s degree in education, which has provided her with strong skills in communication, project management, and problem-solving. In her role at Sodalis, she is responsible for creating all marketing materials that highlight the company's commitment to providing exceptional care and services in the senior living industry. When she isn’t putting her creativity into the marketing materials at Sodalis, Ms Dubreuil is using her talents in various crafty outlets as a small business owner. A California native, she relocated to Texas to create a better life for her family. During her off-time, Ms Dubreuil enjoys watching her son play high school baseball and perform in the marching band, attending Dave Matthews Band concerts and exploring all her new state has to offer.
Carrissian “Chris” Shinholster, Corporate Director of Life Engagement
With over 10 years of experience, Chris Shinholster started as an activity assistant before becoming coordinator and next, director. With a bachelor's in Fashion Design and Marketing, his passion for fashion shines through all his activities and events. But there's more to his many talents. His heart lies in memory care, having worked as an Activity Director in a memory care facility. He’s always thinking of ways to enhance the quality of life and the wellbeing of the residents he serves. When Mr. Shinholster is not crafting amazing activities, you'll find this Florida native either indulging in TikTok or designing stylish menswear.
Marissa Simonds, Regional Life Engagement Director
Originally from Binghamton, NY, Marissa Simonds has called the Houston area home for over 40 years. Some 24 years ago, she was blessed to obtain a position as an Assisted Living Caregiver. Senior care is where Ms Simonds discovered her passion as well as her purpose. From caregiving, she transitioned to roles such as Medication Technician, Director of Care, Life Engagement Director, and Assistant Executive Director. No matter her position, her goal is to always make resident connections and leave them with a smile. When not enjoying the company of seniors, Ms Simonds loves spending time with daughters Shelby and Shayla and her significant other, Jeff.
Matt Halada, Corporate Culinary Director
Matt Halada began his senior living career at age 21 in independent living, and quickly learned this was something he truly wanted to do. After accepting a position as Executive Chef at a memory care community, Mr. Halada was nervous, yet optimistic. That’s where he fell in love with serving seniors. He considers the relationships he builds with residents and families to be truly incredible; they become his family. Years later, he accepted a position for Sodalis at the Largo community as the Culinary Director. Mr. Halada instantly felt appreciated and valued. He also has had the opportunity to travel to other communities and help other Culinary Directors. Seeing Sodalis grow these last few years has been exciting and he is excited to see what the future holds.
William Smith III, Corporate Director of Maintenance and Life Safety
William A. Smith III is a third-generation Maintenance Director in Life Safety with 12 years of experience in senior living. His passion for senior care came from growing up in a family of dedicated caregivers, social workers, and maintenance directors. Mr. Smith has overseen physical plant operations on a multitude of buildings, ranging from four-story independent living, assisted living with memory care, and skilled nursing. He honors the responsibility he has been given and prides himself on being dependable. Mr. Smith is an Ohio native who has spent the last 27 years living in Florida with his wife and three stepchildren, but he will always be a BUCKEYE. When not working, he also enjoys spending time on home improvement projects, sports, and being a pepper head, which includes eating the hottest peppers in the world.
Joshua Lunz, Corporate Director of Asset Management
Joshua Lunz has been with Sodalis for three-plus years, and has 14 years of experience in Maintenance and life safety. Having spent most of his career in hospitals, he has vast knowledge in NFPA, OSHA, and ASME, as well as state regs for Texas, Florida, and Georgia. He considers himself proficient in completing tasks and projects, and is someone you can count on to get it done. Mr. Lunz chose his career path because he loves helping others who can’t always help themselves. He has a beautiful daughter that he consider his world and an amazing wife. As a team, they foster dogs to give them another chance at life.
Michael Sherwood, Regional Director of Maintenance and Life Safety
Michael Sherwood was introduced to maintenance from a young age, helping his father on construction sites and rebuilding cars. He spent over a decade in the oil and gas industry before shifting his focus to senior living facilities. For the last 14 years, he has used his knowledge in maintenance and life safety to help create a comfortable and safe environment for senior communities and skilled living. His goal is to make sure individuals live in an environment where he would be proud to have a family member or friend. Mr. Sherwood has lived in multiple states including, Kansas, Ohio, Louisiana and Florida, but his heart lies in Texas where he currently resides. In his off -time, he enjoys flipping houses, cooking, remodeling his 111-year-old home, and enjoying quality time with his wife and daughter.
Julie Stewart, Project Manager
Julie Stewart started at the Sodalis Home Office in August of 2020 as the Executive Assistant. She now serves as our Project Manager, bringing her 14 years in office management and operations expertise as well as her lifelong love for people. Ms Stewart spent much of her childhood tagging along with her grandfather, Odie, as he walked through his daily routine managing rental properties around her hometown. The treasured memory of those times together led to follow the same path: fixing problems, building networks, and recognizing today what people and properties will need tomorrow. She is analytical, energetic, and detail-oriented, while remaining refreshingly down-to-earth in her interactions. Prior to her career in senior living, she built experience across the construction industry from concrete to countertops and took office roles in a myriad of industries to hone her gift of recognizing a need and being there in time with the tools, the expertise, and the attitude to keep a project on track. Ms Stewart raises her two sons in the central Texas area with her husband Zach, and if they aren’t traveling, doing homework, or watching their Dallas football, baseball, or hockey teams, they’re probably down at the river turning strangers into new lifelong friends.
Michelle Goodreau, Corporate Trainer
Originally from Hialeah, Florida, Michelle Goodreau has lived in Florida her entire life. She launched her career in the senior living industry in 2015 and has since enjoyed working across a broad-spectrum of care in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a BS in Long Term Health Care Administration. Since 2016, she has been core-trained and licensed as an assisted living administrator. Much of her career has been dedicated to serving others with strong accounting and human resources experience. Ms Goodreau followed that passion to further her career in senior living and the healthcare industry. She brings her commitment to providing high quality customer service to our residents and staff and is committed to providing a hospitable environment, strongly believing that every resident deserves to be treated with care, compassion, and respect. As a corporate trainer, she works with members of various departments to organize training for employees, raising their qualifications and optimizing performance. Ms Goodreau has two beautiful children, Roan and Cora, (they are her world), and three dogs, Shadow, Laney, and Chester. She is always excited about taking on any challenges and adventures in her life.
