Scott Van Duinen

President and Administrator

Email: scottv@comfortkeepers.com

Scott Van Duinen is the President and Administrator of several locally owned and operated Comfort Keepers offices in North Texas and Oklahoma, bringing a strong business background and a deeply personal commitment to improving the lives of seniors and their families.

After a 20-year career in investment management, Scott became a small business owner in 2018 with the goal of making a more meaningful impact in the lives of others. Personal experiences with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions affecting loved ones led him to explore the home care industry and ultimately to Comfort Keepers.

A CPA with a master’s degree in entrepreneurial finance, Scott combines his business and financial experience with a passion for health, wellness, and helping older adults remain active, connected, and independent. He was especially drawn to Comfort Keepers’ approach to caregiving and its focus on helping seniors live their best lives at home.

A Texas native, Scott has called North Texas home for more than 30 years. He and his wife, Christy, are raising three sons and share strong values centered around faith, family, education, and community.

As Owner and President, Scott is committed to building strong teams, supporting caregivers, and ensuring the seniors and families served by his Comfort Keepers offices receive compassionate, uplifting care that helps them maintain independence and quality of life at home.

James Kates

Director of Operations

Email: jameskates@comfortkeepers.com

James is a dedicated leader in business operations and employee management, with a proven track record of optimizing processes, enhancing workforce performance, and driving organizational success. With extensive experience across healthcare, service operations, and military leadership, he brings a results-driven approach to operational efficiency and professional development.

Currently serving as the Director of Operations at Comfort Keepers , James oversees business functions to ensure top-tier service delivery in home care. His previous roles include Lead Director of Service Operations at CVS Health and a distinguished career as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army, where he honed his leadership, logistics, and strategic planning expertise. His professional background also includes contributions to CVS Healthcare, Aetna Healthcare, and the U.S. Army, reinforcing his deep understanding of structured operations and people-focused leadership.

James holds an MBA from Arizona University, an MA from American Military University, and a BS from Troy University. He is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, with additional Green, Yellow, and White Belt certifications, showcasing his commitment to process improvement and operational excellence. His skills extend across data analytics, lean business management, and professional career development, all of which have contributed to his reputation as a strategic problem-solver and mentor.

Recognized for his academic and professional achievements, James is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, Pi Gamma Mu Social Science Honor Society, and Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society. His expertise has been highlighted in the National Distribution of GI Jobs, and he has contributed to global discourse through his published article, China’s Foreign Aid, featured in Global Review.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James is passionate about giving back to the community and has dedicated years of volunteer service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). A lifelong learner and advocate for personal and professional growth, he finds fulfillment in mentoring others and celebrating their success. When he's not leading operations or volunteering, he enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his favorite MLB team—Go Stros!

Kelly Brooks, CNA, CDP

Sr. Client Care Coordinator

Email: kellybrooks@comfortkeepers.com

After 17 successful years in sales, primarily in the automobile industry, my journey took an unexpected but meaningful turn. Known for my ability to "sell snow to an Eskimo," I thrived in building relationships rather than just marketing. However, in 2008, as my children grew more independent and following the financial downturn, I began searching for greater purpose and a way to give back.

That search led me to Comfort Keepers, where an inspiring conversation with the owner, Mike Chapman, drew me to their mission. I transitioned into a caregiver role, which became the most rewarding chapter of my career. Working closely with an extraordinary client, Gracie, for over three years and more than 40 hours a week, I experienced the transformative power of home care. Witnessing how aging in place could enhance and even prolong life inspired me to earn my certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP).

In 2011, I joined the office team part-time while continuing my caregiving duties at night. After Gracie's passing, I committed to a full-time role in the office. Now, nearly 16 years later, I serve as General Manager, overseeing daily operations, including customer service, payroll, and billing. Comfort Keepers has truly become my home, and I take immense pride in the work we do to enrich the lives of our clients and their families.

Under the leadership of our current owner, Scott, our team continues to operate with dedication and compassion. Each member—caregivers, administrative staff, clients, and their families—is valued and essential to our success. I am loyal, trusted by many, and deeply passionate about my work. At Comfort Keepers, it's not just about providing care; it’s about building relationships and making a lasting impact on lives.

I love what I do, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to grow and serve in this incredible organization.

Jen Weldon, CNA, CDP

Community Liaison

Email: jend@comfortkeepers.com

In 2014, she began her journey with Comfort Keepers as a dedicated caregiver. By 2020, she transitioned into the office, where she took on a variety of responsibilities and eventually served as a Client Care Coordinator for two years. Today, she brings her experience and passion for senior care to her current role as a Community Liaison.

One of the most meaningful chapters of her caregiving career was the five years she spent with a single client. Their deep bond left a lasting impression and reinforced her belief that everyone deserves to experience that kind of connection and care. For her, caregiving has always been about more than just tasks—honoring dignity, offering companionship, and truly elevating the human spirit.

Her personal values are deeply aligned with those of Comfort Keepers, a company rooted in the mission of making a positive impact each day. “Elevating the human spirit” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a principle she strives to embody in every interaction.

She remains deeply grateful for the caregivers who answer the call to serve and for the families who entrust Comfort Keepers with their loved ones. Whether supporting mobility, daily routines, or simply being present, she considers it an honor to be part of a team devoted to ensuring every client receives the exceptional care they deserve.

As Senator John Hoeven once said, “Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.”

Jamie Barter

Client Care Coordinator

Email: JamieBarter@comfortkeepers.com

Jamie Barter is an experienced Client Care Coordinator with a strong background in senior care, community outreach, dementia education, and family support. She is known for her warm communication style, her ability to build meaningful relationships, and her dedication to helping seniors and their families feel supported and informed throughout their care experience.

Jamie previously served as a Community Liaison with BrightStar Care, where she created and led a dementia education series in partnership with the Benbrook Public Library. She completed support group facilitator training through the Alzheimer's Association and co-founded a Dementia Caregiver Support Group at Benbrook United Methodist Church. She also developed interactive cognitive engagement programs, including senior pop trivia and memory-stimulating activities, which became popular in senior living communities.

Before entering senior care, Jamie spent 14 years as President of the Benbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. She later stepped away from the Chamber to care for her mother who was diagnosed with cancer. After her mother's passing, she cared for her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's for six years. Jamie helped maintain his independence at home for as long as possible through her support and home care services. As his condition progressed, Jamie and her husband moved him into their home, where she cared for him full-time during the final year of his life. She describes this time as a blessing and honors the role she held, while also understanding firsthand the emotional and physical challenges that come with being a caregiver.

This personal experience is at the heart of Jamie's commitment to serving seniors. She connects deeply with families navigating the complexities of care and understands the uncertainty, decisions, and emotions they face. Her passion for dementia education is rooted in both her personal journey and her professional work alongside dementia educators and specialists.

Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family, especially in her new role as grandmother. She likes reading, crocheting, being outdoors, and cheering on the Texas Rangers. She is part of a proud military family that includes her father, husband, daughter, and son-in-law, who have all served in the United States Armed Forces.

Jessie Cottrell

General Manager

Jessie Cottrell brings over 15 years of hands-on leadership in senior living to her role as General Manager at Comfort Keepers. With a strong background in memory care and dementia support, she is passionate about providing compassionate, client-focused care and building dedicated caregiving teams that make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and their families.

Before joining Comfort Keepers, Jessie served as Memory Care Director at several respected senior living communities, including Bethesda Gardens, Sagora Senior Living, and Brookdale. Her work has spanned care coordination, team development, scheduling, and resident engagement, always with a focus on dignity, safety, and quality of life.

Jessie is a Certified Assisted Living Manager (CALM) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and she continues to lead with empathy, integrity, and a deep understanding of the needs of aging adults and their families.

Originally from Montana, Jessie now lives in Palo Pinto County with her husband and two children. When she’s not at work, she enjoys life on her ranch raising chickens, goats, cows, and even a pig and a donkey. She’s also a beekeeper, avid reader, and loves camping with her family.

Jessie is proud to be part of the Comfort Keepers team and is committed to ensuring every client receives the highest level of care with dignity, respect, and a personal touch.

Cherilyn Tran, LVN

Client Care Coordinator

Email: cherilynly@comfortkeepers.com

With over eight years of experience in the healthcare field, I am a dedicated and compassionate professional committed to providing exceptional patient care. My background spans various settings, including med-surg, skilled nursing, and home health, where I have developed expertise in patient assessment, care planning, medication management, wound care, and patient advocacy. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of not only caring for patients directly but also training nurses internationally, spending five years in Vietnam helping improve patient care and outcomes.

As a Client Care Coordinator at Comfort Keepers, I bring my clinical knowledge and deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of those I serve. My professional journey has been guided by cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a strong belief in personalized, high-quality care. I take pride in developing and implementing care plans that improve patient satisfaction and overall quality of life.

Beyond my career, I am a proud mother to two spirited 2.5-year-old twins, and I love spending time outdoors and staying active with them. My personal and professional philosophy is rooted in perseverance, kindness, and the belief that small acts of care can make a lasting impact. I live by the words, “Never stop, one day you will become someone's hope, someone's hero.”

Dallas Farrell

HR Generalist

Email: DallasFarrell@comfortkeepers.com 

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Dallas earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Family and Gender Studies and a minor in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University in 2008. Although she initially planned to pursue a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, her interest in human behavior and workplace dynamics ultimately led her to the field of Human Resources.

Coming from a family of musicians and educators, Dallas likes to say that she began her career teaching preschool and now has the opportunity to teach, guide, and support her colleagues in the workplace. She brings more than 12 years of HR experience across a variety of industries, including home health and hospice, utility services, digital and physical collectibles, and outdoor living products. What Dallas values most about Human Resources is the opportunity to serve as a trusted ally to both new and existing employees. Being able to provide meaningful support and make a positive impact in the workplace is what truly brings her joy. She is excited to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and people-first approach to the Comfort Keepers culture.

Dallas now lives in Argyle, Texas, and is part of a blended family that includes three sisters, one brother, three nephews, and one niece. Being an aunt is one of her favorite roles, and she loves spending time with her nieces and nephews. Outside of work, Dallas enjoys playing with her cat, Gunther, pet-sitting, listening to live music on a patio, visiting farmers markets with her mom, and catching up on the latest Taylor Sheridan series.