Vicki Monaco - President
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 - Vice President
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.
Tisa Johnson - Secretary
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 - Treasurer
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.
Sarah Baker
Sarah, aka Sarah the Tech Tutor, teaches monthly technology classes around the Des Moines metro as well as working one-on-one with individuals. Sarah created Sarah the Tech Tutor, LLC in 2022 after recognizing the need for technology help specifically tailored to the needs and priorities of older adults. Sarah the Tech Tutor, combines her experience leading senior living activity programs, implementing HR software programs and teaching to create an accessible and engaging learning experience.
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.
Shannon Heinen
Pre-Arrangement Coordinator
Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory
(515) 276-0551
Shannon Heinen is a Pre-Arrangement Coordinator with Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory, where she has dedicated the past ten years to helping individuals and families plan ahead with confidence and peace of mind.
Shannon graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Services. Her education and experience have strengthened her passion for working with people and families, listening to their needs, and providing compassionate guidance during important life decisions.
Shannon believes that pre-planning a funeral is one of the most thoughtful gifts a person can give their family. She takes the time to listen to each individual’s wishes, answer questions, explain available options, and help families make informed decisions without pressure. Her goal is to make the planning process simple, comfortable, and meaningful while ensuring that important decisions are made before a crisis occurs.
In addition to helping families create personalized funeral plans, Shannon provides guidance on funeral costs, payment options, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning considerations, and the many choices available for burial and cremation. She is passionate about educating seniors and their families so they can understand their options and make decisions that are right for them.
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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.
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.
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.
Keli Robinson
Keli is a trusted Senior Living Placement Advisor dedicated to helping older adults and their families navigate one of life's most important transitions. With extensive knowledge of local senior living communities and the resources available throughout the continuum of care, she provides personalized guidance tailored to each family's unique needs.
Grounded in faith, integrity, and compassion, Keli believes every family deserves honest guidance, clear communication, and an advocate who puts their best interests first. She understands that choosing the right senior living option can feel overwhelming, and she is committed to making the process more manageable, informed, and hopeful. Her placement services are provided at no cost to the families she serves.
As a speaker and advocate, Keli is passionate about educating families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations about senior living, care options, and navigating the placement process. Her mission is to bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to every conversation while empowering families to make informed decisions for their loved ones' next chapter.
Lisa Yegge
What Does “Certified Senior Housing Professional” Mean for You?
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.
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?
I’m here to guide you.
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.
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.
Let’s talk about your next step—on your terms.