Meet The Team

Amber Cox

VP OF SALES

Amber has been in sales, marketing, and nonprofit experience since 2010. She specializes in creating high-performing sales teams and shortening sales processes to accommodate how seniors buy following Covid. She was a featured speaker for LeadingAge Texas Panhandle in 2017 and an ambassador for the Bridge The Gap Living Podcast in 2023. Amber holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication & Broadcasting Studies from Eastern New Mexico University.

Andrew Chauncey

VP OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Andrew started his career in 2007, working in Treasury and Cash Management. In 2016, he moved into a role supporting organizational management, where he worked closely with C-Suite executives on critical operational matters, leading process analysis and improvement efforts. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree in business management, with additional emphasis on vocal performance and piano. He is also an accomplished musician.

Ashley Papendick

VP OF OPERATIONS

Ashley has been working in the healthcare industry since 2009 as a healthcare executive. Her focus is on company strategic planning, which includes culture initiatives and organizational growth plans. She has extensive experience in the industry, having worked in multiple roles such as VP of Strategy & Development, Corporate Director of HR, Regional Director of Operations and Business Development, and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Ashley holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Denise Munion

VP OF CULINARY SERVICES

Denise became a Registered Dietitian in 1985 and earned a master’s degree in food service management in 1990. Her first job as a dietitian was at a small hospital in Miami, Oklahoma, where she worked as a clinical dietitian and assistant dining director. From 1988 to 1991, she spent three years at a software company developing menus and operational tools for nursing communities. In 1990, she entered the senior living dining services industry with the Buckner Communities and worked as a consultant dietitian for senior living communities for 15 years. In 2013, she transitioned to a staff dietitian for three years before taking a corporate position with Seniority Healthcare in December 2016. She moved to Christian Care, a company she had consulted with for 14 years, as the company dietitian and Area VP of Culinary Services, and joined Oakdale on September 1, 2023.

Kelly Wetzel

VP OF HR AND COMPLIANCE

Kelly Wetzel has been working in compliance since 2013, with a specific focus on human resources compliance and risk management across various organizations. She started her career in senior living in 2018 and has since provided support to communities across the entire continuum of care. Kelly specializes in designing compliance programs that enhance organizational efficiency and establish the organization as a leader in the industry. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Colorado State University and is dual certified by the Society for Human Resources Management and HR Certification Institute. Kelly currently resides in beautiful Colorado and enjoys exploring the outdoors.

Kevin Hatch

VP OF ENGINEERING 

Kevin has over 35 years of experience in designing, programming, and installing building and facility control systems. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Alfred University. Kevin’s career began in HVAC service before he founded a controls department that designed and installed all the remote building controls for AT&T in the southeastern region. He then worked for B&W and RJ Reynolds for over 10 years as an Engineer, managing 70+ electronic technicians and overseeing capital projects. In his role as Director of Engineering for JA King/Cross Co. for over 10 years, he led a team of 10+ multifaceted engineers who designed and installed control systems and quality control instrumentation to ASTM specifications. On a personal note, Kevin is currently building his own house. He also built an H1 Hummer with a Duramax engine and Allison transmission and enjoys rebuilding old construction equipment.

Marty Layman

VP OF FINANCE

Marty began his career in the senior living industry in 1996 and has since held primarily C-Suite roles. His extensive experience is focused on financing, acquisition, management, and accounting services within various senior living areas, including skilled nursing facilities, independent living, hospitals, pharmacies, physical therapy, and physician services. Marty is a native of Tennessee and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

Patti James

VP OF CLINICAL & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Patti began her nursing career in 1984 and has since worked closely with several leaders in long-term care to promote resident-centered care. She graduated from Moberly Area Community College with an Associate’s degree in Nursing and has obtained various certifications in Gerontology, Dementia, Critical Care, and Emergency Medicine. Her specialties include Clinical Programming, Medicare Reimbursement, and Teaching and Training for regulatory compliance.