Shiloh Burke
Shiloh is a licensed, independent insurance agent that specializes in Medicare Insurance. She believes in educating clients and offering many options to suit each individuals needs.
Over the years she has volunteered in various roles, from Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher to Boone School Board member.
Mary Eikenberry
Mary is a Senior Downsizing Coach, providing guidance and support to seniors (and their families) as they go through the “downsizing” process &/or navigate late-life moves. Having sold real estate for 30 years, Mary saw first-hand the fear and anxiety that older adults and families experienced as they began the journey of downsizing.
These late-life moves are anything but typical. Mary has developed the reputation of providing the skill, expertise and patience that seniors deserve. She will help to develop a plan on your terms, with the understanding that this is an overwhelming and emotion transition.
Mary’s role in helping seniors is that of an advocate and educator. She is involved in several networking groups who are involved in helping seniors. She keeps up to date with additional classes provided by the Senior Real Estate Institute in learning how to better serve seniors.
In July 2018, Mary launched the “Straight Talk Senior Living Series” seminars. These monthly seminars, free to seniors and their adult children/care givers, provide education on a variety of topics that are needed we age….no one gave us a handbook on how to age. Local experts on the numerous topics share their expertise in the panel discussions, moderated by Mary. You can find out more about the seminars at
www.StraighTalkSeniorLivingSeries.com
As a Senior Downsizing Coach (CSHP), her goal is to Educate, Equip and Empower seniors to help them make informed decisions as they age.
Tisa Johnson
Owner
Senior Transitioning Services of Central Iowa, LLC
(515) 277-7845
Tisa Johnson has owned and operated Senior Transitioning Services since 2015. A former social worker, she recognizes the many practical and emotional factors involved in making a later-life move, and she and her team seek to make big transitions as smooth as possible by handling logistics such as packing, unpacking and setup of a new space, emptying a previous home, and the often innumerable other details. Additionally, she works with seniors and their families on an ongoing basis on making downsizing or "rightsizing" decisions whether a move is planned or not. She offers presentations frequently on downsizing, moving, and related topics.
Debbie McAninch
Assistant Administrator
Senior Suites of Urbandale
(515) 270-9700
debbie@seniorsuitesofurbandale.com
Debbie is the Assistant Administrator at Senior Suites of Urbandale. Debbie has been a part of the Senior Suites family since 1997. She assists seniors and their families in providing information on both assisted living and memory care options. Debbie strives to provide insight and information to assist in making a difficult decision easier. She enjoys knowing that Senior Suites offers a community that provides the best in both Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Vicki Monaco
Executive Director
Life & Legacy Advisors
(515) 309-2985 Office
(515) 494-3261 Cell
Vicki Monaco provides clients in central Iowa comprehensive financial, retirement & estate planning services. Being a veteran of the financial services industry for over 25 years, Vicki Monaco has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help people reach their financial goals. Ms. Monaco offers comprehensive wealth management services and specializes in pre and post retirement planning, as well as Estate Planning. Long term relationships with clients and a true dedication to their success is the driving force of Life & Legacy Advisors.
Mallory Wentland
Community Relations Director
Edencrest at Tuscany
(515) 850-6199
mallory.wentland@edencrestliving.com
​edencrestliving.com
I began my journey in the senior living industry as an intern in a life enrichment program, where I was soon offered a full-time position. After graduating from Grand View University with a bachelor’s degree in human services and a minor in psychology, I accepted a role in social services and quickly discovered my passion for serving older adults and supporting their wellbeing.
I later transitioned into a customer relations leadership role, where I continued to grow my skills and deepen my commitment to enhancing the resident experience. I now serve as the Community Relations Director at Edencrest, where I focus on fostering strong connections with residents, families, and the broader community while supporting the mission of providing exceptional senior care.
My work is driven by a genuine commitment to advocacy, relationship-building, and creating meaningful experiences for seniors and their families.
Maria Mendoza
Chief Operating Officer
Home Care Assistance of Des Moines
Office (515) 264-2438 / Cell (515) 444-4654
Maria Mendoza took on the role of Executive Director at Home Care Assistance of Des Moines in August of 2021 and was promoted to COO in January of 2025. Maria graduated in 2002 from the University of Toledo with her B.A. in graphic design with a minor in business. She furthered her education through Kaplan University and graduated with her Masters Degree in Marketing and Sales in 2012.
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Maria's passion to help those in need and her love of seeing older adults thrive led her to the senior care industry nearly 22 years ago. She began her career as an activities coordinator at an independent and assisted living community and eventually ventured into Home Health, Hospice, and Private Duty Care as a Liaison and Marketing Director. Maria's leadership and experience make her a valuable resource for clients who want to age in place, wherever they call home.
Joel Hjelmass
Attorney
Pearson Bollman Law
P: 515-727-0986 | F: 866-836-7223
Joel was born in Mason City and raised in North Iowa. After graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law, Joel was a Judicial Clerk for Justice James Andreasen of the Iowa Supreme Court and then worked as an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, DC. Joel and his wife returned to Iowa to raise their family, and he was a corporate attorney and business leader with Farm Bureau, Principal Financial, and Wells Fargo. Prior to attending law school, he served as an Army officer, including a three-year tour of duty in Europe. Joel served again after law school as a Judge Advocate in the Army Reserve, including a deployment in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Joel was also an Adjunct Professor at Drake University Law School. He and his wife Rachele live in Johnston where they raised four sons.
Joel’s practice focuses on estate planning, business planning, elder law, probate, and trust administration. Joel also represents beneficiaries in disputes involving probate and trust matters. Joel is licensed in Iowa.
Professional Affiliations
Iowa State Bar Association; WealthCounsel; ElderCounsel.
Joel is a board member with CISEN, who’s main goal is to provide education and resources to the community aimed at helping seniors thrive.
Lisa Yegge
What Does “Certified Senior Housing Professional” Mean for You?
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As a REALTOR® and Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP),
I help guide individuals and families navigate major life transitions by
being a trusted resource—whether downsizing, relocating, healthcare
decisions, and more—with clarity and compassion.
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If you’re overwhelmed by questions like:
• Where do I even start downsizing?
• What do I do with decades of belongings?
• Where should I move?
• Who can help with this process?
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I’m here to guide you.
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With experience in real estate, finance, and healthcare, I offer tailored advice based
on understanding your unique situation—health, finances, personal goals, and
family needs.
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Specializing in the Des Moines metro area, I help you plan ahead, avoid surprises (or
help minimize), and reduce stress during life’s transitions. My approach is personal,
empathetic, and informed by real-world experience.
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Let’s talk about your next step—on your terms.
