James Kates

Director of Operations

Email: jameskates@comfortkeepers.com

James Kates is a dedicated leader in business operations and employee management, with a proven track record of optimizing processes, enhancing workforce performance, and driving organizational success. With extensive experience across healthcare, service operations, and military leadership, he brings a results-driven approach to operational efficiency and professional development.

Currently serving as the Director of Operations at Comfort Keepers, James oversees business functions to ensure top-tier service delivery in home care. His previous roles include Lead Director of Service Operations at CVS Health and a distinguished career as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army, where he honed his leadership, logistics, and strategic planning expertise. His professional background also includes contributions to CVS Healthcare, Aetna Healthcare, and the U.S. Army, reinforcing his deep understanding of structured operations and people-focused leadership.

James holds an MBA from Arizona University, an MA from American Military University, and a BS from Troy University. He is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, with additional Green, Yellow, and White Belt certifications, showcasing his commitment to process improvement and operational excellence. His skills extend across data analytics, lean business management, and professional career development, all of which have contributed to his reputation as a strategic problem-solver and mentor.

Recognized for his academic and professional achievements, James is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, Pi Gamma Mu Social Science Honor Society, and Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society. His expertise has been highlighted in the National Distribution of GI Jobs, and he has contributed to global discourse through his published article, China’s Foreign Aid, featured in Global Review.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James is passionate about giving back to the community and has dedicated years of volunteer service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). A lifelong learner and advocate for personal and professional growth, he finds fulfillment in mentoring others and celebrating their success. When he's not leading operations or volunteering, he enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his favorite MLB team—Go Stros!

Scott Van Duinen

President and Administrator

Email: scottv@comfortkeepers.com

Scott Van Duinen is the President and Administrator of several locally owned and operated Comfort Keepers offices in North Texas and Oklahoma, bringing a strong business background and a deeply personal commitment to improving the lives of seniors and their families.

After a 20-year career in investment management, Scott became a small business owner in 2018 with the goal of making a more meaningful impact in the lives of others. Personal experiences with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions affecting loved ones led him to explore the home care industry and ultimately to Comfort Keepers.

A CPA with a master’s degree in entrepreneurial finance, Scott combines his business and financial experience with a passion for health, wellness, and helping older adults remain active, connected, and independent. He was especially drawn to Comfort Keepers’ approach to caregiving and its focus on helping seniors live their best lives at home.

A Texas native, Scott has called North Texas home for more than 30 years. He and his wife, Christy, are raising three sons and share strong values centered around faith, family, education, and community.

As President and Administrator, Scott is committed to building strong teams, supporting caregivers, and ensuring the seniors and families served by his Comfort Keepers offices receive compassionate, uplifting care that helps them maintain independence and quality of life at home.

Jamie Barter

Community Liaison

Email: JamieBarter@comfortkeepers.com

Jamie Barter is an experienced Community Liaison with a strong background in senior care, community outreach, dementia education, and family support. She is known for her warm communication style, her ability to build meaningful relationships, and her dedication to helping seniors and their families feel supported and informed throughout their care experience.

Jamie previously served as a Community Liaison with BrightStar Care, where she created and led a dementia education series in partnership with the Benbrook Public Library. She completed support group facilitator training through the Alzheimer's Association and co-founded a Dementia Caregiver Support Group at Benbrook United Methodist Church. She also developed interactive cognitive engagement programs, including senior pop trivia and memory-stimulating activities, which became popular in senior living communities.

Before entering senior care, Jamie spent 14 years as President of the Benbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. She later stepped away from the Chamber to care for her mother who was diagnosed with cancer. After her mother's passing, she cared for her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's for six years. Jamie helped maintain his independence at home for as long as possible through her support and home care services. As his condition progressed, Jamie and her husband moved him into their home, where she cared for him full-time during the final year of his life. She describes this time as a blessing and honors the role she held, while also understanding firsthand the emotional and physical challenges that come with being a caregiver.

This personal experience is at the heart of Jamie's commitment to serving seniors. She connects deeply with families navigating the complexities of care and understands the uncertainty, decisions, and emotions they face. Her passion for dementia education is rooted in both her personal journey and her professional work alongside dementia educators and specialists.

Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family, especially in her new role as grandmother. She likes reading, crocheting, being outdoors, and cheering on the Texas Rangers. She is part of a proud military family that includes her father, husband, daughter, and son-in-law, who have all served in the United States Armed Forces.

Dallas Farrell

HR Generalist

Email: DallasFarrell@comfortkeepers.com 

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Dallas earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Family and Gender Studies and a minor in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University in 2008. Although she initially planned to pursue a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, her interest in human behavior and workplace dynamics ultimately led her to the field of Human Resources.

Coming from a family of musicians and educators, Dallas likes to say that she began her career teaching preschool and now has the opportunity to teach, guide, and support her colleagues in the workplace. She brings more than 12 years of HR experience across a variety of industries, including home health and hospice, utility services, digital and physical collectibles, and outdoor living products. What Dallas values most about Human Resources is the opportunity to serve as a trusted ally to both new and existing employees. Being able to provide meaningful support and make a positive impact in the workplace is what truly brings her joy. She is excited to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and people-first approach to the Comfort Keepers culture.

Dallas now lives in Argyle, Texas, and is part of a blended family that includes three sisters, one brother, three nephews, and one niece. Being an aunt is one of her favorite roles, and she loves spending time with her nieces and nephews. Outside of work, Dallas enjoys playing with her cat, Gunther, pet-sitting, listening to live music on a patio, visiting farmers' markets with her mom, and catching up on the latest Taylor Sheridan series.

Kelly Brooks, CNA, CDP

Sr. Client Care Coordinator

Email: kellybrooks@comfortkeepers.com

After 17 successful years in sales, primarily in the automobile industry, my journey took an unexpected but meaningful turn. Known for my ability to "sell snow to an Eskimo," I thrived in building relationships rather than just marketing. However, in 2008, as my children grew more independent and following the financial downturn, I began searching for greater purpose and a way to give back.

That search led me to Comfort Keepers, where an inspiring conversation with the owner, Mike Chapman, drew me to their mission. I transitioned into a caregiver role, which became the most rewarding chapter of my career. Working closely with an extraordinary client, Gracie, for over three years and more than 40 hours a week, I experienced the transformative power of home care. Witnessing how aging in place could enhance and even prolong life inspired me to earn my certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP).

In 2011, I joined the office team part-time while continuing my caregiving duties at night. After Gracie's passing, I committed to a full-time role in the office. Now, nearly 16 years later, I serve as General Manager, overseeing daily operations, including customer service, payroll, and billing. Comfort Keepers has truly become my home, and I take immense pride in the work we do to enrich the lives of our clients and their families.

Under the leadership of our current owner, Scott, our team continues to operate with dedication and compassion. Each member—caregivers, administrative staff, clients, and their families—is valued and essential to our success. I am loyal, trusted by many, and deeply passionate about my work. At Comfort Keepers, it's not just about providing care; it’s about building relationships and making a lasting impact on lives.

I love what I do, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to grow and serve in this incredible organization.