“Senior living is the most rewarding career. Every day, I’m allowed the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life. It brings me so much joy.”

Abby Bruce joined CountryHouse in Cedar Rapids in January 2022. Prior to that, she spent 17 years at another local senior living community, where she served in a variety of administrative roles, including Director of Administrative Services, Resident Services Director and Associate Executive Director.

Abby earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Dubuque. She also took courses in gerontology. She has completed the Assisted Living Management Certification Program and holds a Nursing Home Administrators license.

Originally from Eastern Colorado, Abby has been a resident of Cedar Rapids for 17 years. She has triplet adult daughters: Baylea, Amery, and Kyra. Abby and her significant other, John, live on a farm just outside Cedar Rapids. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, antiquing and spending time outside.

Katelyn is the HR Assistant at CountryHouse, where she uses her background in business and human resources to create a welcoming environment for both residents and staff. She graduated from Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids in 2022 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in Human Resources, Business Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility. In her role, she plays a key part in the recruiting process, ensuring new team members feel valued and supported from day one.

Katelyn joined the Agemark family because of its friendly, supportive atmosphere and its mission to treat every resident like family. She truly appreciates the care and dedication that goes into making each resident feel at home. One of her favorite experiences so far has been joining residents on a scenic bus ride, an activity they always look forward to and one she’s come to love as well.

Outside of work, Katelyn enjoys watching movies and has a secret talent for sewing. She loves to travel, with Europe being her favorite destination, and she’s always looking forward to her next adventure.

I’m thrilled to work with a wonderful team and residents who I truly see as family.”

Rachel Zeiger serves as CountryHouse’s Life Enrichment Coach, and helps ensure resident wellness through the community’s robust life enrichment program.

She started at CountryHouse in June of 2021, first in an assistant role, prior to earning her current position in February of 2022. Before joining CountryHouse, Rachel worked in family and child services, at a domestic violence shelter and in home care. Throughout her career, Rachel has valued serving others. She particularly enjoys making connections with residents and their families.

Rachel feels strongly that Life Enrichment at CountryHouse brings so much to residents in our care – joy, laughter, a sense of accomplishment and most crucial, a wonderful daily routine to help manage the progression of dementia.

Rachel earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University. She and her boyfriend, Thomas Hiley, III, share a son, Thomas IV. 

Shannon is the Director of Nursing at CountryHouse in Cedar Rapids and has spent over 20 years in healthcare. She began her journey as a CNA and, through hard work and dedication, earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Kaplan University in Cedar Rapids. Throughout her career, she has gained diverse experience, working in areas like Med Surg, Wound Care, Urgent Care, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab, Infection Prevention, and Clinical Informatics.

Shannon has always had a deep passion for caring for the elderly and those who need extra help due to physical or mental limitations. She loves building relationships with the residents, seeing their smiles, and knowing she’s made a positive impact on their day. Each day in memory care presents new challenges, but Shannon is always there to provide the support and compassion that makes a real difference.

In her free time, Shannon volunteers at Camp Courageous of Iowa, a cause close to her heart. She enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s boating, kayaking, or just relaxing by the river. Traveling with her husband and cherishing moments with their nieces and nephew are also highlights of her life.

A fun fact about Shannon: she has an impressive ability to recall movie quotes, is an excellent speller, and speaks almost fluent Spanish! Shannon is proud to be part of the Agemark community, where she can contribute to creating a home-like atmosphere for memory care residents.

“I chose CountryHouse and Agemark because I could clearly see their compassion for their residents. In my role here at the community, I believe that my passion for cooking will only add to the amazing experience for residents in their new home.”

Brett Heikkila joined the CountryHouse team as Director of Dining in October 2021. He serves delicious meals to the delight of residents of CountryHouse, who sometimes are even treated to cooking demonstrations or even pitch in in preparation.

His experience includes 12 years in the hotel industry, where he traveled extensively, serving as an operations manager. He was previously the Director of Food and Beverage for the Cedar Rapids Kernels for nearly 10 years. Brett holds a ServSafe Certification.

“CountryHouse is more like a family than a company. I feel like I matter, I’m not just a number, and best of all, we get to help and serve others.”

As maintenance coordinator for CountryHouse, Brett Taylor ensures the community is always in working order. A handyman with a heart for seniors, Brett was inspired make a career switch and begin serving seniors following the loss of his grandparents and parents. 

In addition to his work in senior living, he was previously employed at Anamosa State Penitentiary for more than 20 years. He is a graduate of Olin High School and Upper Iowa University. 

Brett and his wife enjoy life in small town Iowa. They have three children and two grandchildren. In his spare time, Brett enjoys riding motorcycles and is a proud member of the RedKnights motorcycle club. He is also passionate about helping children who have suffered burn injuries, and assists with benefits for that cause.