Shelly Kirk is a dedicated and passionate professional with a proven track record in senior care and facility management. After college, she began a career in hospice care as a Marketing Director. This role ignited a deep passion for working with seniors, leading to a transition into becoming a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. 

Over the next six years, Shelly excelled in this capacity, demonstrating exceptional skills in managing overall operations, optimizing efficiency, and developing the effective processes that enhanced the quality of care and life for residents. Shelly’s leadership and innovative approach contributed significantly to the success and reputation of the communities she managed. Currently, she is excited to embark on a new chapter as the Executive Director at Solstice Senior Living at Lee’s Summit. In this role, Shelly looks forward to bringing her expertise and vision to further enhance the lives of the residents and the operational excellence of the community. 

Outside of professional endeavors, Shelly finds joy and fulfillment in family time. Her 9-year-old daughter is the greatest gift in her life, providing endless inspiration and happiness. In her spare time, she enjoys home projects, traveling and cherishing moments with family. 

Shelly is driven by a commitment to excellence in senior care and a dedication to creating thriving, supportive communities for residents and staff alike. 

Susan Smith is our Sales Director. She has three children and three grandchildren and loves spending her time with them. She has worked in senior living communities throughout her 25-year career. “Working with seniors and their families is the most fulfilling career I have ever had,” she says. “I truly love what I do.” 

Amy Johnston has been an accomplished activity director for the past 10 years, bringing energy, creativity and compassion to her role. With a strong foundation as an activities director, she has developed programs that enrich the lives of residents, fostering social connection, mental stimulation and joy in every activity. 

At home, Amy has been happily married to her husband, Michael, for 25 wonderful years. She is the proud mother of two: Zachary, a GIS specialist, and Gabrielle, who is working toward her master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Family time is central to her life, and she treasures her time with her three grand-dogs—Winston, age 3, Teddy, age 2, and Franny, age 1, all lovable Cockapoos. 

In her free time, Amy enjoys staying active through bike riding and taking long hikes. She also loves crafting and can often be found exploring antiques shops in search of hidden treasures, always on the lookout for unique pieces to add to her collection.  

What truly drives Amy though, both professionally and personally, is her desire to connect with people and make meaningful and engaging experiences to uplift people by creating joy and purpose every day. Her compassion and enthusiasm for helping others are at the heart of her work each day.  

Chef Daniel Nava, hailing from El Paso, Texas, a vibrant border town rich in Mexican heritage, has had a passion for cooking from an early age. At just 16, he became the Executive Chef at his father’s restaurant, an experience that ignited his lifelong dedication to the culinary arts. Chef Daniel pursued his culinary education at Le Cordon Bleu, where he honed his skills under the guidance of internationally renowned chefs. 

A proud member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), Chef Daniel’s career has taken him around the world, competing in prestigious culinary competitions. His classical training, combined with experience working at 5-star hotels, fine dining establishments, country clubs and universities, has given him a diverse and well-rounded culinary background. 

Today, Chef Daniel is dedicated to making a difference in the senior living community. He finds deep satisfaction in creating dishes that not only nourish but also evoke fond memories for residents, enriching their lives with flavors that connect them to cherished moments from their past. 

When he’s not in the kitchen, Chef Daniel enjoys spending time with his wife and their five beautiful children, teaching them how to cook and bake. Family is at the heart of everything he does, and he cherishes the opportunity to pass on his culinary knowledge to the next generation. 

Stacy McCormack brings a decade of experience in skilled nursing to her role as Business Office Director. With a proven track record in managing complex operations and supporting high-quality care, Stacy is now embracing an exciting new chapter in independent living. She is passionate about fostering a positive environment for residents and staff and ensuring excellence. 

Outside of work, Stacy enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves relaxing at the lake and riding motorcycles, embracing the joy of adventure and connection. 

Theo Drewlo is originally from Minnesota. He served seven years’ active duty in the United States Army from 2004-2011. He started as a Maintenance Director for long-term care buildings in 2018. When he got out of long-term care in 2023, he went to be a Plant Operations Director for independent living. Theo enjoys assisting the residents at Solstice at Lee’s Summit in any way possible and helping make the community a better place to live. In his free time, he enjoys going for motorcycle rides and golfing.