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!

Dara Ryan

Area Manager

Email: dararyan@comfortkeepers.com

With over 15 years of experience in Property Management and Multifamily Housing and 16 years in Healthcare, Dara Ryan is a dedicated leader with expertise in sales, marketing, and business development. She has held key roles, including Director of Sales and Marketing and Business Development, working with Brightstar Care, Sagora, Lifecare Centers of America, and Advanced Healthcare Solutions.

Dara specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice, home health, skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Her deep understanding of these areas allows her to support families in making informed decisions while helping their loved ones maintain independence for as long as possible.

She earned her Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) credential through specialized training and is committed to continuous learning in her field. She studied at the University of North Texas and actively expands her knowledge to serve those in need better. Her philosophy is rooted in being a trusted resource for families—whether directly assisting them or guiding them toward the right solutions. She views every family she works with as an extension of her own.

Beyond her professional life, Dara is deeply involved in her community, volunteering at her church, local organizations, and her kids’ school. In her personal time, she loves cooking and spending time in the kitchen with her family, cherishing the moments that bring everyone together.

Kristina Woodahl

Community Liaison

Kristina is the visionary behind Project DESIGNATE 988, a national movement that played a critical role in transforming the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from a 10-digit number to the more accessible 988. As a Field Advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, she continues to champion mental health awareness and legislative change. Her work in this space exemplifies her deep commitment to purpose-driven initiatives and conscious capitalism.

Over the years, Kristina has led award-winning campaigns, developed innovative content strategies, and built strong partnerships for organizations like Careington International, Randstad, Dell Technologies, and numerous nonprofit foundations. She brings a unique blend of creativity and strategy to every project, with a focus on storytelling, community impact, and brand authenticity. Her achievements have been recognized nationally, including receiving the Presidential Silver Award for Community Service from President Obama.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kristina is a certified Bikram Yoga instructor and a proud mother of three grown daughters, all thriving in their own careers. They share a close bond and love spending time together—especially on the yoga mat. Whether she’s leading a campaign or volunteering in the community, Kristina leads with heart, purpose, and an unwavering passion for making a difference.

Yakia Miles

Administrative Assistant

Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of administrative capacities, including as an Administrator for A Mile of Comfort, LLC, where she managed staffing coordination, client communication, and regulatory compliance in a private duty care setting. She has also worked in healthcare offices and educational environments, where her roles included managing front-office operations, supporting intake processes, handling scheduling, and assisting with patient or student records.

Yakia's strengths lie in her ability to stay organized under pressure, communicate clearly, and create a welcoming experience for clients and staff alike. She is proficient in handling day-to-day office functions such as data entry, filing, answering phones, and coordinating internal communication—all with a high level of professionalism and care.

Her educational background includes an Associate of Arts degree and a Certificate in Social Work from Tarrant County Community College, as well as two years of completed coursework in Social Work at Alcorn State University. These academic experiences have helped shape her compassionate approach to client service and her understanding of the healthcare field.

Outside of her professional work, Yakia is committed to personal growth and community involvement. She regularly volunteers with educational initiatives and enjoys mentoring others. She brings a strong sense of integrity, service, and reliability to every environment she supports.

Brittney Wallace, MBA

HR Generalist

Email: brittneywallace@comfortkeepers.com

With a strong background in client relations, project management, and technical support, I bring a wealth of experience in ensuring seamless business operations across various industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and customer service. My expertise spans account management, training and development, scheduling, and problem-solving, allowing me to build effective teams and optimize organizational success. Throughout my career, I have been committed to fostering positive workplace environments and implementing strategic initiatives that drive efficiency and enhance client satisfaction.

I hold a Master of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration – Management, equipping me with the knowledge and leadership skills to excel in human resources and business operations. My passion for professional development and continuous learning has enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the organizations I serve, ensuring that employees are supported, engaged, and positioned for success.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply involved in my community as a Track & Field Coach for the Arlington Elite Wolves, where I mentor and inspire young athletes. I also bring a competitive spirit and discipline from my experience as a former professional women's tackle football player, where I played as a defensive tackle. These experiences have shaped my leadership style and reinforced my belief in teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.

Guided by the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent," and inspired by Francis of Assisi’s philosophy, "Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly, you're doing the impossible," I approach every challenge with determination and a commitment to excellence.