About Us

Sodalis Staff Members

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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 was evident when as a child she was constantly gravitated herself towards seniors and was a frequent visitor at nursing homes. Ms. Taylor-Roberts pursued her passion for seniors which is evident with her 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 9 communities to 29 communities in 3 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 of Ms. Taylor-Roberts 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.

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Steven Crittenden, Chief Financial Officer

Bio coming soon!

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Karen Arway, Regional Director of Operations

Karen Arway has worked in the senior living industry for over 25 years. After graduating from nursing school in the 90s she began her career as a floor nurse at an assisted living community. Two years later she was promoted to Health and Wellness Director. Karen 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 Karen is not busy enriching the lives of the residents she serves, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, boating, and loving on her four adorable Maltese puppies.

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Dennis Knapp, Regional Director of Operations

Dennis 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 didn’t end when he retired from the military. It drew him to serve the elderly which he has done for the past 12 years. In those 12 years, he has successfully operated as an Executive Director and currently as a Regional Director of Operations for Sodalis. Dennis is originally from Nebraska but currently lives in the Sarasota/Bradenton Florida area. He has a large family consisting of 5 children and 6 grandchildren. Dennis is an avid Nebraska football fan and loves to spend time on the golf course where he attempts to try and play golf.

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Shadia Freeman, Regional Director of Operations

Serving others has always been at the forefront of my heart. I decided to become a nurse after being raised in a family of nurses and being a caregiver for my grandparents. I graduated in December of 2008 and started my first job as a nurse in January of 2009 in a LTC facility. During that time, I learned great leadership skills and moved on to my next career goal as a Nurse Manager within the SC Department of Disabilities. During that time, I also worked as Interim Senior Director of Clinical Services. Two years ago, I decided that I wanted to venture into the senior living industry. I’ve been employed with Sodalis for two years and it’s been one of the greatest decisions that I’ve ever made in my career. I started as a Health and Wellness Director, was later promoted to Executive Director, and am now serving as a Regional Director. I’ve been successful in our Georgia community as the Executive Director, growing occupancy from 30% to over 96%. I’m married and we have three children, a son-in-law and one grandson. I was born and raised in South Carolina. I enjoy attending church, bowling, traveling, and shopping. I’m a Certified Assisted Living Administrator for Georgia. I enjoy working with our residents, their families and our amazing staff. I’m passionate in all that I do and for all of those that I serve. My career at Sodalis isn’t just a job, it’s a ministry.

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Whitne Batiste, Regional Director of Operations

Working in senior living since the age of 18 has truly opened her eyes to meeting the needs of others and keeping others before herself. Starting as a CNA/Phlebotomist helped Whitne to realize that she had more to offer and more people to reach. From that, she 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. Things she learned upon the completion of her degree from LSCO-Orange, TX and classes taken at Lamar University enhanced Whitne’s general knowledge, but she soon understood what our seniors need are compassionate driven individuals that understand our mission is to serve in whatever capacity they need, while maintaining communities to be set toward success in every discipline and engagement peaking at an all-time high. Coming from the small town of Port Arthur, TX Whitne realized that the resources available in Austin were something that she would never be able to offer her late grandparents, so her drive and passion is centered upon ensuring every senior she cross paths with gets that access and for them to know they have an advocate in her. This story she is a part of consists of a compelling script and is far from ordinary, new standards are being set, and she is committed to taking senior living away from the boring storylines and enhancing the vision. She understands her why, and it is being executed. Her husband (Jason) and their three children (Manson, Emi, Judah) are the highlight of her life. She has learned patience, unconditional love, and grace from them that she carries in her everyday life, which in turn translated into her giving the same to our residents and staff. Her little family enjoys church, traveling, and any adventure that they experience firsthand together.

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Amanda Spear, Regional Director of Compliance (TX)

Growing up I knew I wanted to be a nurse, but never knew what field of nursing I wanted to go into. When I finished school for my Licensed Practical Nurse license, I started working in skilled nursing. I then went back to school for my Registered Nurse license and started working in an Assisted Living Community. I absolutely fell in love with Assisted Living and never looked back. It is my passion to see that my residents live out their lives maintaining as much of their independence as possible and see them happy living within our communities. I hold a CORE certificate for Administrator’s in Assisted Living Communities in Florida and I am also a Certified Dementia Practitioner. I would not be able to fulfill my passion if it wasn’t for my supportive husband and 5 kids. I also have a fur baby, a Yorkie named Fonzie. I love spending time with my family and have a love for baseball, go Yankees!

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Lori Johnson, Regional Director of Compliance (FL/GA)

Being around medicine and those in need has been a passion of mine since I was very young. My mother was one of the first Paramedic Firefighters in the state of Florida which meant I grew up in a firehouse and was told that my scratches were almost never Band-Aid worthy. I followed suit and became a Paramedic Firefighter at the age of 19 then later in life as Licensed Practical Nurse. I had stepped away from medicine for a short period going into management roles but was pulled back into medicine ten plus years ago due to my love of helping people. I’ve successfully opened two Assisted Living Comminutes one in Key West, FL. the other in Houston TX. My Degree is in Emergency Medicine, I hold a CORE certificate for Administrator’s in Assisted Living Communities in Florida as well as an Administrator’s certificate for Texas. My love for medicine has always centered around helping the retirement aged people. Memory Care has a special place in my heart since my grandmother had dementia. I understand the strain it places on families and your loved ones; we’ve been there personally as a family. I feel our world travels so quickly anymore and this age group can easily be forgotten, it’s my goal to make sure they’re given the best life they can possibly be given. I’m so very thankful to be in the position I am help and mentor our community staff members, it’s truly a privilege!

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Shelby Anderson, Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing

Shelby has over 20 years of leadership experience in senior living and healthcare industries having worked in Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Hospice and Home Health specialties. Shelby works closely with the staff to ensure that all company policies and procedures are implemented. Oversees the company’s strategic sales initiatives and works closely with the President to plan the long-term growth strategy for the business. Shelby 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. Shelby’s forward thinking and relational sales philosophy has led to her success not only at a community level, but as a Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Americare Senior Living. Shelby has a passion for seniors and enriching the lives of the employees and residents she serves.

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Mackenzie Harrell, Regional Director of Sales

Mackenzie Harrell, Regional Sales Director at Sodalis Senior Living, began her career in the hospitality industry. Her experience in sales and management spans from hotels to restaurant management where she developed and learned the importance of customer service and hospitality. In 2012 she joined the senior living industry in sales & marketing. She never looked back due to her passion for helping families navigate through life changing events for their loved ones. Mackenzie is very family oriented, which is her strong suit in working with all types of family dynamics. Outside of work you will find Mackenzie spending time with her family and friends, and she loves going to the beach and hanging out by the river!

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Tricia Von Gonten, Regional Director of Sales

I was born and raised in East Dallas. My mom was a single parent and I have 1 younger sister. In high school I was in a specialized program studying travel and tourism, competing in sales competitions, toastmasters training and internship at Six Flags Over Texas learning the multifaceted aspects of the hospitality industry. I have been married for 23 years and have 3 kids. God and family have always been the central part of my life from childhood to current. My family all lived within 5 blocks of each other my entire life and have all relocated to Central Texas to remain close and involved with each other. As a young adult I always had the desire to help people. I began my journey with an interest in becoming a Firefighter/EMT. I attended Texas A&M Fire Academy and received certification as a Firefighter/EMT in the late 90’s. This began my journey in healthcare as I began working in EMS and Emergency Room Care in Dallas until my husband and I relocated to Central Texas near Bryan/College Station. At that point I realized I was more passionate about healthcare than the fire service industry. I continued working in EMS as did my husband. As we began growing our family, we realized both of us working 24 hour shifts became cumbersome as our boys entered their toddler years. I was presented the opportunity to work as an Admissions and Marketing Director in Skilled Nursing utilizing both my healthcare background and sales background and realized I found my calling. I have been fortunate to work in a variety of services within the healthcare industry to include skilled nursing, assisted living, hospice and in-home non-medical care. My husband also works in healthcare as a Director of an EMS Service and Flight Nurse, so its safe to say taking care of people is a family passion. My boys are both grown and learning how to adult while my daughter is a freshman in High School. We travel frequently as a family supporting our daughter who competes in wrestling with aspirations to wrestle in college and possibly the Olympics one day!

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Rebecca Dubreuil, Corporate Director of Marketing

New to the Senior Living industry, Rebecca spent 19 years in the Landscape and Irrigation industry where she started as a Branch Clerk and worked her way up to the corporate level as an Order Fulfillment Coordinator and Customer Service Center Manager. As a graduate of Chapman University, Ms. Dubreuil earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. This experience makes her the ideal candidate for leading our company’s Life Engagement Directors in providing our residents with the best daily activities in the industry, including the implementation of the MyndVR virtual reality programming. When she isn’t putting her creativity into the marketing materials at Sodalis, she’s using them in various other crafty outlets as a small business owner. A California native, Rebecca recently relocated to Texas with her family and during her off time she enjoys watching her son play baseball, attending Dave Matthews Band concerts and exploring all her new state has to offer.

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Carrissian “Chris” Shinholster, Corporate Director of Life Engagement

Meet Carrissian Shinholster! With over 10 years of experience, He started as an activity assistant to work his way to coordinator then director. He Graduated with a bachelor's in Fashion Design and Marketing, his passion for fashion shines through his activities and events. But there's more to him! Carrissian's heart lies in memory care, having worked as an activity’s 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 he's not crafting amazing activities, you'll find this Floridia native either indulging in TikTok or designing stylish menswear.

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Marissa Simonds, Regional Life Engagement Director

Hi, my name is, Marissa Simonds. I am originally from Binghamton, NY and have called the Houston area home for over forty years. Twenty-four years ago, I was blessed to obtain a position as an Assisted Living caregiver. Senior care is where I discovered my passion as well as my purpose. From caregiving I transitioned to roles such as, Medication Technician, Director of Care, Life Engagement Director, and Assistant Executive Director. No matter the position I hold, my goal is to always make resident connections and leave them with a smile. When I am not enjoying the company of Seniors, I love spending time with my two daughters, Shelby, Shayla and my significant other Jeff.

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Matt Halada, Corporate Culinary Director

I began my senior living career at 21 years old in an independent living building. I learned quickly this was something I truly wanted to do. After accepting a position as Executive Chef at an all memory care community I was nervous yet optimistic. That’s where I fell in love with serving seniors. The relationships you build with residents and families is truly incredible. They become your family. Years later I accepted a position for Sodalis at the Largo community as the Culinary Director. I instantly felt appreciated and valued. I’ve been given the opportunity to travel to other communities and help other Culinary Directors. Seeing Sodalis grow these last two years has been exciting and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

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William Smith III, Corporate Director of Maintenance and Life Safety

William A. Smith III is a third Generation Maintenance Director in life Safety with twelve years of experience in senior living. Will’s passion for senior care came from growing up in a family of dedicated care givers, social workers, and Maintenance Directors. He has overseen physical plant operations on a multitude of buildings ranging from four story independent living, assisted living with memory care, and skilled nursing facilities. Will honors the task of responsibility with self-pride on being dependable.
Will 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, Will also enjoys spending time working on home improvement projects, sports and being a pepper head, which includes eating the hottest peppers in the world.

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Joshua Lunz, Regional Director of Maintenance and Life Safety

I’ve been with Sodalis 3 years now, I have 14 yeas background in Maintenance and life safety spent most of my career in hospitals, I have vase knowledge in NFPA, OSHA, ASME also with state regs for Texas, Florida, and Georgia. I’m proficient on completing task, projects, and being someone you can count on to get it done. But I got into the career path I did because I love helping others that can’t always help themselves and show care and compassion. I have a beautiful daughter that is my world and an amazing wife and we as a team foster dogs to give them another chance at life.

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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 utilized his knowledge in maintenance and life safety to help create a comfortable and safe environment for senior communities and skilled living facilities. His goal is to make sure individuals live in an environment he would be proud to have a family member or friend in. Michael 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.

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Jeri Rice, Director 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.

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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. Julie spent much of her childhood tagging along with her grandfather, Odie, as he walked through his daily routine managing rental properties around her hometown, and the treasured memory of those times together has her walking the same path: fixing problems, building networks, and recognizing today what people and properties will need tomorrow. Julie 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. Julie 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.

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Michelle Goodreau, Corporate Trainer

Originally from Hialeah, Florida, Michelle has lived in Florida her entire life. Michelle 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 Michelle’s career has been dedicated to serving others with strong accounting and human resources experience. Michelle followed that passion to further her career in senior living and the healthcare industry. Michelle brings her commitment to providing high quality customer service to our residents and staff. She is committed to providing a hospitable environment and strongly believes that every resident deserves to be treated with care, compassion, and respect. As a Corporate trainer, Michelle works with members of various departments to organize training for employees, raising their qualifications and optimizing performance. Michelle has two beautiful children, Roan and Cora, and they are her world. She has 3 dogs, Shadow, Laney, and Chester. Michelle is always excited about taking on any challenges and adventures in her life.