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!

Leann Heath, RN

Supervising Nurse for OKC & Enid

Email: leannheath@902.comfortkeepers.com

Leann Heath brings over 15 years of diverse nursing experience to her role as Supervising Nurse for the Oklahoma City and Enid territories. With a strong background in critical care and hospice nursing, she has honed her expertise through roles such as Critical Care Nurse at Oklahoma Heart Hospital-South and Integris Edmond, and Hospice Admissions Nurse for Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care.

Leann earned her RN degree in Nursing Science from Rose State College in 2011 and holds a Multistate (Compact) RN License. Her journey in healthcare began with earning her CNA license in 2009, followed by her LPN license from Metro Technology Center in 2010. Her extensive clinical experience includes ICU/CCU care, medication and IV administration, titrating vasoactive drugs, phlebotomy, case management, and a deep understanding of Medicare guidelines. She is also skilled in employee orientation and proficient in multiple EMR systems.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Leann is deeply involved in her church in Harrah, OK, where she actively organizes and participates in numerous community events. She balances her career with a rich family life, cherishing her 8-year marriage to her husband, Bobby, and their shared passion for home remodeling. She is the proud mother of two adult sons—one excelling in the service industry and the other as a welder.

Leann's compassionate nature extends to her personal life as she helps care for her father, who is navigating the challenges of advanced dementia. Her two Yorkies, who rule the house with their charm, bring constant joy to her family.

With her dedication, clinical expertise, and commitment to both her profession and community, Leann is a trusted leader and advocate for compassionate, high-quality care.