Memory Care in Council Bluffs, IA

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.

Libby Hiers originally joined the CountryHouse team in August 2020, and was promoted to Senior Living Consultant in 2022. She works closely with prospective residents and families considering CountryHouse as their loved one’s next home. 

Libby’s experience with dementia is personal as well as professional. After her own mother was diagnosed, Libby helped her father make decisions that were often overwhelming. She now helps families going through the same challenges with empathy and understanding.

Libby earned an Associate’s Degree from Iowa Western Community College, where she focused on Marketing and Journalism. Prior to CountryHouse, she worked as a Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Warren Distribution for eight years, was an Assistant Sales Director at another senior living community and was an Account Executive at IGT for a decade. 

A Council Bluffs native, Libby and her husband, Bob, have been married since 2005. They’re proud pet parents of two rescue yorkies, Sunny and Ryleigh. She enjoys reading, fishing, and camping in her spare time.

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.