Scott Van Duinen

Administrator / Owner

Email: scottv@comfortkeepers.com

In early 2018, I left a 20-year investment career to become a small business owner and operator. I wanted to focus my time & attention on serious illnesses and chronic conditions that affect older adults, and have more of an impact on others’ lives. A search led me to Comfort Keepers. Diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have touched me personally, taking the lives of my grandmother, mother-in-law and two aunts, which is why I decided to evaluate the home care field carefully and assess how it fits into the healthcare services continuum. While I’m a "business guy" – I was trained as a CPA and hold a master’s degree in entrepreneurial finance – I have always been interested in health & wellness and am a big proponent of staying active, eating healthy. CK’s interactive style of caregiving and our role in the home does just that, ensuring folks live their best life. In terms of background, I appreciate the power of faith, the need for social & family connections, and the importance of education and strive to lead a balanced life. I’m a Texas native who lived in Kingsville and Tyler as a child, then returned to the DFW Metroplex some 30 years ago to go to college at SMU. I met Christy (an Arlington resident and Baylor grad) in 1995, we got married in Arlington, celebrated with family & friends at The Colonial, and then we started a family here in North Texas. We are raising three boys now and proud to call Texas 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!

Sarah Mann

HR Generalist

Email: SarahMann@comfortkeepers.com

Sarah Mann is an accomplished Human Resources Generalist with experience in payroll, benefits and leave administration, employee relations, engagement, recruiting, and compliance. She currently serves in HR roles with ENT Specialty Partners and Monticello Health Services, where she is known for her approachable and service-driven demeanor and her strong commitment to creating positive employee experiences.

During her time with Monticello, Sarah played a key role in helping the organization earn recognition as one of the Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare in 2022. She has also led impactful initiatives such as implementing a company’s first-ever HRIS system and developing a streamlined, fully online orientation experience for new employees.

Sarah earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and holds both the PHR and SHRM-CP certifications. Her professional milestones include making the Dean’s List and achieving dual HR certifications through HRCI and SHRM.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys watching horror movies, boxing, baking, gardening, and learning French. These hobbies reflect her curiosity, discipline, and creativity.

Jamie Barter

Community Liaison

Email: JamieBarter@comfortkeepers.com

Jamie Barter is an experienced Community Liaison 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.

Taylor Mooney

Community Liaison

Email: TaylorMooney@comfortkeepers.com

Taylor Mooney is driven by a clear purpose: to help seniors live safely, confidently, and independently at home. With 15 years of experience as a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Taylor has supported older adults across a wide range of care settings, always with a focus on independence, safety, and quality of life. This background continues to guide her approach as she connects families with the right care, resources, and education to support aging in place.

Taylor is married to Trenton Mooney, a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) who shares her commitment to serving seniors and their families. Together, they are dedicated to helping older adults plan ahead and make informed decisions about where and how they want to age.

They are parents to two daughters, Elaina and Ember, who already display a natural compassion for others. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors, going on walks and hikes, watching movies, sharing good meals, and being playful together. These moments reinforce the importance and meaning of home.

Credentials:
• Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)
• Executive Certificate in Home Modifications (ECHM)
• Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant

Taylor’s passion is to be a trusted resource for seniors and their families by helping them plan ahead, remain safe, and access the right support at every stage of aging.