Juniper Springs Senior Living
Our Team

Melissa started working in healthcare in 1996, after obtaining her CNA license. At that time, she worked as a certified nursing assistant at a local skilled nursing facility and immediately knew that she was passionate about providing care. In 2015, she reentered the healthcare field, after spending time at home raising her three children. That year, Melissa took on the role of caregiver in an assisted living community where she was able to continue her love for providing care, while also developing a love for working with seniors. Since that time, she’s increased her knowledge by challenging herself to take on other roles including medication technician, house manager, activities director, assistant administrator, resident care coordinator and now Memory Care Administrator. “Working with seniors has given me a sense of purpose. Knowing that I was able to truly help them, care for them or just be able to spend time visiting with them is truly rewarding.”

When not at work, you’ll find her spending time with her husband, three children, one grandchild and three dogs. Melissa loves the outdoors and enjoys camping, hiking, and fishing as much as possible. She loves to take vacations with her family and enjoys exploring new restaurants and doing new activities. In the colder month, you’ll find her at home enjoying family movie nights and relaxing.

Jen started working in senior living in 2016 with a background in customer service, project management and sales. In 2018, after a recent move to Bend, she accepted the role of Community Relations Director at Juniper Springs. Jen has been a part of our team from, the early days, when the community was still under construction. She speaks highly of those times, learning about the local community, meeting future residents, and helping to shape what Juniper Springs would become. Jen finds nothing more rewarding than making connections with future residents and their families. "Moving and making a life transition can feel like an overwhelming process. I want nothing more than to help future residents and their families simplify the transition and create the best solution for each unique situation."

As an outdoor enthusiast, Jen moved from Wisconsin to Oregon in 2011 to enjoy a milder climate and be in closer proximity to the mountains and ocean. In her free time, you will find her weightlifting, hiking, and exploring Oregon with her family and two dogs, Olive and Fern.

Shadow, a central Oregon native, joined the Juniper Springs team in May of 2022 when she accepted the role of receptionist. She brought tons of knowledge and experience to the team with a background in sales, customer service, and accounting. In Fall of 2022, she was promoted to the role of business office manager, and we’re thrilled to have her on the management team. She enjoys building relationships with residents and hearing their stories. “Juniper Springs is my first experience in senior living, but I quickly realized how much I love the people and environment here.”

Outside of work you’ll find Shadow enjoying the outdoors as much as possible and spending time with her family and close friends. Shadow loves camping, fishing, riding motorcycles, and working in the yard. She also enjoys painting and DIY project when she’s able to find the time.

Avra started at Juniper Springs in 2021, working as a care partner in both our assisted living and memory care communities. At that time, she already had five years of experience working at other central Oregon communities, but nothing felt quite like home until she started at Juniper Springs. Avra has a drive to keep learning and growing and says, “My favorite part about working in senior living is getting to grow and make a difference in other’s lives.” In 2022, She was promoted to Lead Med Tech, and in 2023 she joined the management team after accepting the position of Resident Care Coordinator. Avra describes her strengths to be empathy, kindness, and her outgoing personality. These strengths accurately shine through, as she helps to make the staff, residents, and their families feel at home and welcome in our community.

When not at work, you can find Avra at home reading a book surrounded by her three cats (Dobby, Dior, and Tiny Cat). Avra also enjoys the outdoors and spending time in the sun. She loves to garden, and truly enjoys tending to her many house plants and garden.

Ashley started in senior living in 2010, when she took a job as a caregiver in assisted living. She spent only a few months in assisted living before moving over to the memory care side of the community. It was then that she developed her love for memory care and found her passion in caring for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In the years following, she challenged herself and took on the role of both med tech, and lead med tech. In 2022, Ashley accepted a caregiver position at Juniper Springs and with all of her knowledge and experience, was quickly promoted to resident care coordinator in memory care. She describes herself to be caring, compassionate and empathetic. Ashley states, “I have always loved working with elders, seeing all their different personalities and learning their life stories.”

When not at work, you’ll find Ashley spending time with her family and friends. Ashley has a fiancé, four children and four dogs too. She loves anything outdoors and enjoys both camping and hunting. Most of all she loves watching her family race at the Madras Speedway.

When he is not working, you can find Zachary snowboarding, skateboarding, and enjoying the vast hiking trails that Central Oregon has to offer. He also enjoys reading, soccer and disc golf--really anything that sets the mind free. Away from the outdoors, he spends his time with his two nephews, parents, and sister that all live here in Central Oregon.

In 2013, Karrie graduated at the top of her class from the Cascade Culinary Institute, and shortly after accepted her first cooking position at a local senior living community. It was there that she truly found her passion for senior living and a new career path that wasn’t quite as planned. “Working with the senior population wasn't necessarily my goal after graduating, but it quickly became my passion! I very much enjoy communicating with seniors and listening to their stories.” Karrie has held several titles throughout her career, including Lead Cook, Kitchen Manager, and Dining Services Director. In fall of 2022, she accepted a cooking position at Juniper Springs, and soon transitioned to our Executive Chef in Spring of 2023. With many years of experience already, there is no doubt that Karrie has strong skills in both senior living and culinary work. “I love what I do, which is why you’ll find me in the kitchen before you’ll find me in my office!”

Outside of work, you’ll find Karrie spending time with her husband, children, and Shih-Poos. She enjoys reading, gardening, and camping.

Anna has been with us since the very beginning, starting her journey as a med tech in 2019 when the community first opened. She later transitioned to receptionist in 2020, and Life Enrichment Assistant in 2022. In January of 2025, she accepted her current role as Life Enrichment Director. No matter what role, it’s clear that connecting with residents has always been a meaningful part of her time at Juniper Springs. She states, “I truly enjoy making a positive impact in residents' lives by fostering social connections and enhancing their well-being through meaningful activities. Hearing their life stories and sharing their experiences is something I cherish most.”

In her free time, you’ll find Anna spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, and gardening.

Cherie started in senior living in 2021, with a bachelor’s in psychology and an extensive history working in client relations and event planning. At that time, she had just moved to Redmond from the Portland area and took a Life Enrichment Director position at a local assisted living community. In that position, she developed a passion for working with seniors and states, “One of my favorite things about working in a senior community is hearing all the life stories of the residents. I enjoy being able to make a difference in someone’s day, no matter how great or small.”

When she’s not working, you’ll find Cherie spending time with family, cooking, baking, and enjoying the outdoors in her new home, central Oregon.

Zachary began working in senior living in 2015 as a caregiver, the same year he started his college career at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. In 2019, he took a job as the community bus driver and maintenance assistant at Juniper Springs while continuing his studies in Kinesiology at Oregon State. In the Spring of 2021, Zachary graduated earning his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Following his studies, Zachary changed roles from maintenance assistant and became our Maintenance Director at the start of the 2021 Fall season. His dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and staff stems from his compassionate heart. “I truly love doing what I can to help our community and it goes past just general maintenance. Developing relationships with our residents and helping them on a day-to-day basis is what gets me up in the morning. I am here for them, so the least I can do is bring a smile to their face and to keep them safe.”

When he is not working, you can find Zachary snowboarding, skateboarding, and enjoying the vast hiking trails that Central Oregon has to offer. He also enjoys reading, soccer and disc golf--really anything that sets the mind free. Away from the outdoors, he spends his time with his two nephews, parents, and sister that all live here in Central Oregon.