Our Community

Shelly Otten brings a wealth of experience in long term care, occupational health and acute care and as 11 years as Director of Nursing in a dementia care community to CountryHouse in Council Bluffs.

An RN with additional certification as a Geriatric Nurse, she also holds certification as an Iowa Assisted Living Management Professional. Her combined experience serves her well as Executive Director of our community.

“I wanted to work for Agemark and specifically CountryHouse because I have a great love for helping individuals with cognitive impairment. This work has helped me grow both personally and professionally. As I learned more about Agemark, I found the company exemplified the values I have held close to my heart when working with residents, families and staff. It feels like coming home!”

Born and raised in Blackwater, Missouri, Shelly moved to Council Bluffs her senior year of high school and has lived there ever since. She and her husband, Jerry, have been married for more than 20 years and have a blended family of eight children. They also have nine grandchildren, one of whom they are raising in their home.

Lindsay Petersen, LPN, has been CountryHouse of Council Bluffs’ Director of Nursing since October 2021. Before that, she was Agemark Senior Living’s (parent company of CountryHouse) float nurse, where she served multiple CountryHouse communities. In her role, she ensures the physical wellness of all CountryHouse Council Bluffs residents.

She began her career in senior living as a dietary aide, a CNA and later as an LPN, after earning her degree from the College of Saint Mary. She also worked at Methodist Physicians Clinic as a Triage Nurse before joining Agemark and CountryHouse. Lindsay truly enjoys working with seniors, and considers the residents she cares for her family.

“I enjoy coming to work every day. I love our staff and resident engagement and I value the relationships I’m able to build with families. We have a wonderful atmosphere here!”

Lindsay also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthy Lifestyle Management from Creighton University. Her future career goal is to become a Registered Nurse. She is a native of McClelland, Iowa, and now calls Council Bluffs home. She is a dog mom to Rex, a Boston Terrier/Bischon Frise mix. In her free time, she enjoys reading, binge watching TV and spending time with her family.