Our Team
Will Haase
CEO, Founder
Will founded Certus in 2009, having managed or advised on over $7.5 billion of assets throughout many industries. Certus has developed a core practice in the senior care industry through a variety of engagements including owner’s representative, management, turnaround advisor, and development/expansion.
Certus prides itself as being a creative, all-in-one source for the operational and financial improvement of senior care communities.
Jeff Amann
COO, President
Jeff has led a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years in the senior care industry. Prior to joining Certus, he held a variety of executive roles for several national healthcare firms. In addition to executive leadership, Jeff is a licensed nursing home administrator and has served as HR manager and VP/regional director of operations.
Throughout his career, Jeff has led the improvement of hundreds of communities across all key functions—clinical, cultural, financial, physical, and operational.
Alice Marie Danks
Chief Financial Officer
Alice Marie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Chief Financial Officer, with a distinguished career spanning over several decades in the senior living and healthcare industries. She began her career as a CPA for a regional public accounting firm in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before embarking on a formidable 7-year tenure at Life Care Centers of America, the largest privately-held nursing home company in the country. Her journey continued with key positions as CFO and VP of Acquisitions for three other senior living management companies.
Alice Marie’s accomplishments are numerous and impactful. She created an electronic cost reporting platform for 40 facilities in Tennessee, earning the Corporate Employee of the Year award for her contributions. As CFO for a startup, she oversaw its growth from 10 to 41 facilities, achieving $250 million in revenues. In her role as VP of Acquisitions, she secured the purchase and financing of a $200 million acquisition, including four continuing care retirement centers and one home health agency. During the COVID pandemic, she served as CFO for another startup, guiding its expansion from three to 20 communities.
Her strategic initiatives have included developing dashboard reporting and trending for census, labor, and rehab productivity with ASP assistance, achieving a remarkable $16 million (85%) reduction in a Department of Justice settlement, and implementing cost-segregation studies that significantly reduced tax liabilities for 14 communities.
Alice Marie holds a degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a major in French and a minor in Business Administration. She earned her CPA and is an active member of the Tennessee and American Societies of CPAs, as well as the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
Beyond her professional achievements, Alice Marie is dedicated to community service, volunteering on the Board of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association. She and her husband Barny reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they are actively involved in local initiatives.
Alice Marie believes deeply in the principle that “how we treat people matters,” emphasizing that delivering the best outcomes is rooted in service from the heart. Her extensive experience, strategic vision, and compassionate approach make her an invaluable asset to our leadership team.
Jamie Maddeaux
Sales & Marketing Director
Jamie Maddeaux is the Director of Marketing and Sales for Certus Living. Jamie is a results-driven and performance-oriented professional with over 25+ years of experience in healthcare organizations. She has a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, oversee marketing programs, build strong client relationships, and drive business growth. Jamie specializes in implementing turnaround management processes, including data-driven strategic plans to transform operational losses into six-figure growth. Additionally, she is an expert at diversifying business portfolios, managing fund-raising efforts, and entering new markets to facilitate business development.
Prior to Certus Living, she served as the Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations & Sales at large senior care community located in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Jamie spearheaded the company’s multi-channel marketing programs to maintain or exceed budgeted occupancy rates, facilitate community outreach efforts, and build a significant brand presence. Jamie expanded market share and established positive community relationships by contributing to the development, implementation, and evaluation of all PR and marketing initiatives.
Additionally, she served as the Vice President of Business Development & Sales/Marketing at Health Dimensions Group/Health Service Innovations & Welcov in Minneapolis, MN. Jamie partnered with C-suite executives, physicians, and medical practice owners to achieve desired business development objectives and increase overall sales through several channels. She also provided strategic oversight and training to a sales staff of 10 throughout a 3-state region while creating a brand image emphasizing delivering accountable care. They achieved a 13% boost in overall profitability and business growth by implementing data-driven strategies and enabled an $825K rise in additional sales through effective management and consulting in less than 6 months.
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and has a certification as a laser coach. She has served as a guest lecturer for marketing and sales training at Globe University and is actively involved in several healthcare organizations, including JFS of St. Paul, Leading Age of Minnesota Technology Committee, and Care Providers of Minnesota Business Partnerships Committee.
Christian Schlecht
Marketing Coordinator
Christian Schlecht serves as Certus Living’s Marketing and Sales Coordinator. Christian is a results-driven professional with expertise in driving business growth, managing teams, and building strong client relationships. He has a proven track record of success in developing and implementing effective marketing strategies to expand market presence and achieve sales targets.
As the Manager of Sales & Marketing at a large senior care community in Minnesota, he has played a key role in expanding market share and establishing positive community relationships. He was actively involved in developing, implementing, and evaluating various PR and marketing initiatives. By assessing consumer needs, he has been able to create differentiated and impactful marketing strategies that have strengthened the organization’s market position.
Christian’s digital marketing proficiency has been instrumental in enhancing senior living communities’ online visibility and image as a service provider. He has designed, developed, and maintained digital marketing campaigns, effectively utilizing various communication channels to increase visibility, engagement, and conversions. He has also managed social media campaigns, strategically positioning organizations as a trusted and reliable brand in the digital community.
In addition to his marketing expertise, Christian demonstrates strong leadership and management skills in overseeing sales systems and processes. He has spearheaded the design, development, and maintenance of sales onboarding, training, and outreach systems. By implementing sales analytics and reporting data, he consistently driven growth and success of senior care organizations.
Christian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Marketing and a minor in Psychology from Augsburg College and possesses a solid educational foundation to complement his practical experience.
Val O'Reilly
Wellness & Marketing Specialist
Val O’Reilly is Certus Living’s Wellness and Marketing Specialist. This unique role brings Val’s many years of marketing experience, including several in senior care, and her passion for holistic health and elder care together to create programs to serve residents at the communities Certus Living manages. As a life-long athlete, yoga instructor, one committed to healthy eating, brain health, and spirituality, Val is uniquely suited to develop comprehensive wellness programs that encompass physical fitness, mental well-being, nutritional guidance, social engagement, and more.
Val’s approach is rooted in the belief that wellness is a multifaceted concept based on the pillars of healthy aging and the belief that people thrive when they have meaning and purpose. She collaborates closely with healthcare professionals, fitness trainers, nutritionists, mental health experts, and others to create individualized wellness plans that can be tailored to communities and the unique needs of residents. Her programs often include yoga and tai chi sessions, cognitive stimulation activities, and workshops on healthy eating habits, all designed to promote active aging and holistic well-being.
With a warm, energetic, and empathetic demeanor, Val has a knack for building strong relationships with team members, residents and their families, ensuring they feel supported, inspired, and understood. Her ability to listen and respond to the unique concerns of each individual has earned her the trust and respect of those with whom she works and engages.
In addition to her professional skills, Val is passionate about lifelong learning and regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay updated on the latest advancements in senior wellness. In her spare time, Val enjoys being outdoors in nature, cooking, gardening, volunteering, and spending time with her family. Her dedication to fostering a vibrant and nurturing environment makes her an invaluable asset to the senior living communities she serves.
Angela Kotschi
Memory Care Program Director
Angela Kotschi has a comprehensive background spanning long-term care, hospice, memory care, and independent living. In addition to care focused efforts, she also has a proven track record of leading the successful stabilization of communities as an Executive Director at Certus Living. Her leadership is marked by a deep dedication to enhancing the lives of residents and ensuring their environments are imbued with purpose, joy, and dignity.
As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Angela’s approach to memory care is both compassionate and innovative. She is a passionate advocate for creating supportive and enriching environments, where residents can thrive holistically. Angela emphasizes not only the safety and care of residents but also their overall well-being, promoting physical, emotional, and mental health. Her commitment to excellence extends to supporting both staff and families with love, compassion, and clear guidance, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and understood.
Before joining Certus Living, Angela held various leadership roles in the senior living industry, where she consistently demonstrated her ability to drive improvements in care quality and operational efficiency. She has a proven track record of developing and implementing successful memory care programs, enhancing resident engagement, and building strong, cohesive teams. Her efforts have led to significant improvements in resident satisfaction and staff retention rates, underscoring her effectiveness as a leader.
Outside of her professional achievements, Angela is actively involved in community outreach and advocacy for senior care issues. She volunteers with several local organizations, providing support and resources to families navigating the complexities of aging and memory care. Her commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her professional life, reflecting her deep-seated belief in the value and dignity of every individual.
Sheryl Thornberg
Graphic Designer
Sheryl Thornberg is a seasoned graphic designer with over 25 years of experience with promoting senior care, ad agencies, and publishing houses. Sheryl excels in creating a wide range of design materials including marketing and sales collateral, promoting lifestyle and products, trade show displays, merchandising, packaging, window and vehicle wraps, and magazine and book designs. Her strong print background ensures seamless guidance through the entire print process, from initial design to final production.
Sheryl’s portfolio consists of a wide variety of industries including senior living establishments, executive services, large churches, health and wellness companies, and publishers. She contributed to television and radio commercial productions, handling copywriting, voiceover talent hiring, narration editing, art direction, and sound management for live bands. Her versatile skill set extends to Adobe Creative Suite, covering print materials, web and social media graphics, signage, PowerPoints, Doodly animation, audio editing, art direction, photography, copywriting, blogging, feature articles, editing, and proofreading.
Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Missions from Bethany Global University, where she also completed a 4-year graphic design work program with Bethany House Publishers. She is an active member of the Lions Club, providing adaptive vision equipment and services for the blind, and has a deep commitment to senior care, having served as a caregiver for multiple seniors, including her parents. Additionally, Sheryl has participated in humanitarian field service in Hong Kong, Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii.
Becky Maddalozzo
Director of Clinical Services
Becky Maddalozzo brings over 35 years of invaluable experience in long-term care and post-acute rehabilitation to her role as Director of Clinical Services. Her career, marked by extensive expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and staff leadership, has seen her excel in various capacities, from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). This journey underscores her comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry and her commitment to excellence.
Becky is renowned for her excellent communication skills and vast knowledge of Federal Regulations. She has a proven track record of maintaining compliance and minimizing liability, consistently demonstrating her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Her dedication to empowering clinical teams is evident in her focus on providing the necessary tools, education, and leadership to ensure accountability and uphold high standards in healthcare operations.
Becky’s leadership philosophy centers on honesty, transparency, and integrity. She believes that these core values are essential to fostering a culture of trust and excellence within healthcare teams. Her approach ensures that clinical staff are well-equipped to deliver the highest quality care to residents and patients, while also maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards.
Throughout her distinguished career, Becky has been a beacon of leadership, guiding her teams with a steady hand and an unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes. Her extensive experience and strategic vision make her an indispensable asset to our leadership team, driving forward our mission to provide exceptional care and support to those we serve.
Joanne Ludes
Clinical Specialist
Joanne Ludes brings 19 years of dedicated healthcare experience to her role as Clinical Specialist at Certus Living. With a strong background in provider relations, public health administration, and risk management, Joanne has consistently demonstrated her ability to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Her expertise encompasses direct patient care, nursing supervision, wound care, and infection control, making her a vital asset in ensuring high standards of patient safety.
Joanne’s healthcare journey began at Montgomery Hospital, where she excelled in providing direct patient care and supervising nursing staff. Her clear and compassionate communication has been a hallmark of her career, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health. Before transitioning to healthcare, Joanne honed her operational and analytical skills at AT&T/Lucent, managing inventories, maintaining equipment, and ensuring quality control.
A graduate of Reading Area Community College with an LPN certification and a 3.8 GPA, Joanne was honored as Class Representative and speaker at her graduation. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development has been a driving force throughout her career.
At Certus Living, Joanne is dedicated to leveraging her extensive experience and skills to enhance clinical support services. She excels in collaborating with healthcare teams to develop effective treatment plans and maintain the highest standards of care for residents. Her leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence make her an invaluable member of the Certus Living team, ensuring that residents receive the highest quality of care.
Brenda Clark
Regional Controller
Brenda Clark brings over two decades of financial expertise to her role as Regional Controller at Certus Living. Known for her strategic leadership in Financial Planning & Analysis, Brenda has built a distinguished career managing comprehensive finance, accounting, and administrative functions across diverse organizations.
Before joining Certus Living, Brenda served in pivotal financial roles, including Chief Financial Officer at the Community Action Partnership Agency and Regional Finance Director at Cumulus Media, Inc. Her tenure in these positions showcased her ability to drive cost-saving initiatives, improve EBITDA, and manage complex projects, such as software conversions and due diligence for acquisitions.
Brenda holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s University, Minneapolis. Her robust skill set includes proficiency in GAAP, forecasting, and financial management systems, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Great Plains Accounting, ADP Payroll Management, and more.
Beyond her professional achievements, Brenda is deeply committed to community service. She has been an active board member for several organizations, including the MN Indian Women’s Resource Center and the Mixed Blood Theater. At Certus Living, she aims to leverage her extensive experience to enhance financial operations and support the company’s strategic goals.
Brenda’s approach to financial leadership is characterized by her dedication to excellence and her strategic vision. She believes in the power of effective financial management to drive organizational success and is committed to using her skills to support the mission and goals of Certus Living. Her extensive experience and strategic insights make her an invaluable asset to our leadership team, ensuring that our financial operations are both robust and forward-thinking.