Exceptional service is provided by exceptional people. At Sagewood, our dedicated staff brings passion, expertise, and years of experience to deliver unmatched, personalized service each and every day. Our goal is to work together to serve your individual needs and exceed your expectations. We’ll make sure you have the independence, flexibility, and options to live the life you want to live, to thrive, every step of the way.
Meet Our Team
Ed has been with Sagewood since 2018, with over 19 years of experience in the industry. Ed is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and a Certified Assistant Living Manager in Arizona. He is passionate about perfecting best practices and continuously improving the quality of care for residents. As Executive Director of Sagewood, his role is focused on assuring resident satisfaction and managing the operations of this Life Plan community in a financially sound and efficient manner.
Matt joined the Sagewood team in June 2023, bringing over a decade of experience in management and operations of senior living communities with Life Care Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise and wellness with a concentration in health promotion and pre-medicine from Arizona State University. He also holds additional certificates including Nursing Home Administrator licenses in Texas and South Carolina, and remains an active member of state and national associations. Matt assists the Executive Director in managing the overall operations at Sagewood, with an additional focus on supporting Food and Beverage, Community Life Services, Plant Operations, Environmental Services, Security and Residential Health Services.
Susan backs up the executive director and supervises the concierge services provided toSagewood residences. She leads the business office and IT staff and functions. The administrative functions of Sagewood are facilitated with her talent.
David has worked with Life Care Services, as a partner and manager of Sagewood, for 13 years. He understands the complexity and details of Sagewood’s Life Plan Community residency agreement and frequently meets with prospective residents to review their financial questions. David is supported by a sophisticated financial team at Life Care Services to ensure the financial stability and strength of the community.
Michael joined Sagewood in August of 2019 as Director of Community Life Services, transitioning into the role of Director of Marketing and Sales in March of 2023. With over 10 years of direct marketing and sales experience, in conjunction with an organic career path focused on high level customer service and relationship management, Michael is excited to bring his outside expertise and his intimate knowledge of Sagewood, and its residents, to his new role in the community. The Marketing team’s primary responsibility is helping prospective residents and their advisors understand their options so they can best select a Life Plan Community that offers an incredible lifestyle and comfortable financial fit.
Michael joined Sagewood in the summer of 2015. With 12 years in the hospitality industry, he has served as food and beverage manager at Talking Stick Resort of Scottsdale and Troon North Golf Club. The execution of both high-quality service and superior culinary experiences for residents in multiple dining venues at Sagewood requires professional experience and high energy. Michael is dedicated to achieving and exceeding residents’ expectations.
Vincent also joined Sagewood in the summer of 2015. He has more than 15 years of culinary experience and trained at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. He served as executive chef at a local Life Plan Community for six years and sous chef for nine years. He brings a refreshing finesse of flavors to the dining experience for the residents at Sagewood. Working with his culinary staff, the menus he and Michael create reflect a wide range of choice and tastes.
Desiree Cogley joined Sagewood in August of 2023 as the Director of Human Resources. She has 20+ years of Human Resources and Management experience and is excited to bring this to her role at Sagewood. She holds an MA in Organization Management and has both her SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications. Desiree is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to recruit and retain qualified, hospitality-driven staff to provide exemplary services to the residents of Sagewood. Desiree and her team will ensure that staff have the training and development opportunities to grow and succeed, as well as competitive benefits and compensation.
Iveta has been with Sagewood since before its opening in 2010. Her experience in the resort industry includes director of housekeeping and environmental services with a host of well-known resort hotels in the Phoenix area. Sagewood residents enjoy weekly housekeeping and flat laundry services which, under Iveta’s direction, are done expertly and responsively to residents’ wishes.
With over 26 years of nursing experience, Lesley is dedicated to caring for people. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and is Wound Care Certified. Lesley first joined Sagewood November 2018. As the Director of Nursing Service, her responsibility is to ensure that the services provided comply with the highest standards of quality care and that Sagewood residents benefit from the training and guidance she provides her nursing staff.
Laura has been with Sagewood since the fall of 2017 with more than 25 years in residential health services. Laura is responsible for evaluating residents’ needs and assisting residents in navigating the available services that create the bridge between independent living and assisted living. As the “go-to” person and health care navigator for independent living residents, she strives to support and coordinate the medical care needed for Sagewood residents. It is her responsibility to promote each resident’s physical, mental, and psychological well-being, thus enhancing their quality of life.
Holly has been with Sagewood since 2021, starting as the Community Life Services Manager and moving into the Director role in 2023. She has over 20 years in operations and events management as well as a strong background in hospitality services. Holly has a passion for creating purposeful living experiences that engage and bring joy to the Sagewood community. She leads a team of talented activity coordinators and is responsible for the oversight of the transportation team, fitness center and salons.
Jennifer has been at Sagewood since 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in the Skilled Nursing and retirement community industry. As the Director of Business Development, she is dedicated to ensure the highest quality of care for Acacia Health Center residents.
Sandi joined the Sagewood team summer of 2023. He has a strong background in construction, facility management and technology integration. Sandi retired from the Navy in 2007 and moved to the Phoenix area in 2013 with his daughter. Sandi serves as the leadership for the maintenance team. He is responsible for all the systems that provide a comfortable and safe environment for Sagewood residents. Sandi is also responsible for ensuring all the residences, grounds and the clubhouse are immaculately maintained and function flawlessly.
Gina is serving as the Director of Assisted Living & Memory Care at the Acacia Health Center in the Sagewood Community. Gina brings her experiences as a Registered Nurse for over 25 years in various health care settings. She is committed to provide excellent care for our residents in Desert Willow, Cottonwood and Rosewood.
Tom joined Sagewood in the fall of 2021. As a retired US Army Military Police Investigator and a retired New Mexico Sheriff’s Lieutenant, he brings more than 45 years of law enforcement and security experience to Sagewood. As the Director of Sagewood Security, Tom is responsible for a security staff of 15 dedicated security officers who provide 24 hour 7 days a week coverage responding to medical emergency calls when necessary, or the occasional lost cat case, and anything in between. Tom’s goal is to make Sagewood a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents and employees, no matter where they may be on the property.
Misti holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Science degree from Bellevue University also in Healthcare Administration with emphasis in leadership. Misti is actively involved in various healthcare associations and programs, including the Arizona Health Care Association Emerging Leaders Program, and is a Public Policy Committee Member with the Arizona Health Care Association. She is currently the Chair of the ACHCA AZ. Chapter, State of Arizona AIT Program and proud member of the American College of Healthcare Administrators.