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 President and Administrator, 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 Kates 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!

Lisa Patterson

General Manager

Email: LisaPatterson@607.comfortkeepers.com

Lisa Patterson serves as General Manager of Comfort Keepers Mid-Cities, bringing nearly a decade of home care leadership experience and expertise in operations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, workforce management, and client service.

Prior to joining Comfort Keepers, Lisa held leadership roles with Visiting Angels in Colorado and Texas, most recently serving as Executive Director and Administrator of its Fort Worth agency. Throughout her home care career, she has led agency operations, caregiver recruitment and retention, client care, QAPI initiatives, compliance, financial performance, and strategic growth.

Before entering senior care, Lisa worked in economic development and spent seven years with Vail Resorts supporting Global Mountain Development and executive operations.

Lisa is passionate about serving seniors and their families, developing strong teams, and creating an exceptional experience for clients and caregivers. A Texas native originally from Irving, she is a proud mother of three and grandmother of ten and also enjoys horticulture.

As General Manager, Lisa leads the Comfort Keepers Mid-Cities team with a focus on operational excellence, sustainable growth, and delivering the uplifting care Comfort Keepers is known for.

Vicky Whitington

Client Care Coordinator

Email: VickyWhitington@comfortkeepers.com

Vicky Whitington brings over ten years of experience in the senior care field, backed by a strong foundation in customer service and a heartfelt commitment to serving others. As a dedicated healthcare professional, she is passionate about supporting families and building meaningful, lasting relationships with both clients and caregivers.

In her role as Client Care Coordinator, Vicky takes a personalized, whole-person approach to care — listening closely to what matters most to each individual and collaborating with her team to meet their unique needs. She treats every client with the same dignity, respect, and compassion she extends to her own loved ones.

Her work is deeply informed by personal experience. Having cared for her father through ALS and her grandmother through dementia, Vicky understands firsthand the emotional and practical challenges families face. These experiences have shaped her empathetic approach and strengthened her dedication to ensuring that every client and caregiver feels genuinely supported.

Outside of her professional life, Vicky is a proud mother of three daughters and a grandmother. She is also a licensed minister and has traveled multiple times to Latin America to serve in ministry. Raised for much of her youth in South Africa, Vicky brings a global perspective, deep faith, and a servant’s heart to everything she does.

Brittney Wallace, MBA

HR Generalist

Email: brittneywallace@607.comfortkeepers.com

With a strong background in client relations, project management, and technical support, I bring a wealth of experience in ensuring seamless business operations across various industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and customer service. My expertise spans account management, training and development, scheduling, and problem-solving, allowing me to build effective teams and optimize organizational success. Throughout my career, I have been committed to fostering positive workplace environments and implementing strategic initiatives that drive efficiency and enhance client satisfaction.

I hold a Master of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration – Management, equipping me with the knowledge and leadership skills to excel in human resources and business operations. My passion for professional development and continuous learning has enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the organizations I serve, ensuring that employees are supported, engaged, and positioned for success.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply involved in my community as a Track & Field Coach for the Arlington Elite Wolves, where I mentor and inspire young athletes. I also bring a competitive spirit and discipline from my experience as a former professional women's tackle football player, where I played as a defensive tackle. These experiences have shaped my leadership style and reinforced my belief in teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.

Guided by the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent," and inspired by Francis of Assisi’s philosophy, "Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly, you're doing the impossible," I approach every challenge with determination and a commitment to excellence.