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!

Jamie Foust

RN Supervisor

Email: JamieFoust@902.comfortkeepers.com

Jamie is an experienced nursing professional currently serving as the RN Supervisor at Duncan. With over three decades of expertise, she has built her career specializing in long-term care, public health, and home health. Jamie’s deep understanding of state and federal healthcare regulations, combined with her leadership skills, has consistently set her apart in the nursing field.

Throughout her career, Jamie has held pivotal roles, including Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), and long-term care surveyor for the State of Oklahoma. She has worked with reputable organizations such as Meridian Nursing Home, McMahon Nursing Home, and the State of Oklahoma, demonstrating her ability to lead teams and ensure the highest standards of care. As a DON and ADON, Jamie has played a vital role in enhancing care quality, ensuring compliance, and achieving supervisory excellence.

Jamie earned her LPN credential in 1991 and became a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1994. She also holds certifications as a Home Health Care Administrator and in Basic Life Support (BLS). Her core professional skills include nursing supervision, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to delivering patient-centered care. Guided by her values of honesty, reliability, and respect, Jamie approaches her work with unwavering dedication and integrity.

In addition to her professional achievements, Jamie is passionate about giving back to her community and supporting charitable initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys watching true crime documentaries, spending time with her family, and embracing her spirituality. Her well-rounded perspective and dedication to both her profession and personal values make her a respected leader in the healthcare industry.