Tammy Minuhin, Executive Director
Raised as part of an extended family in Pueblo, Tammy had a close relationship with her grandparents, who lived well into their nineties. She graduated university with a degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice, but in the early 1990s jobs were scarce. Tammy answered an ad for a nursing home position, which set her on a course to serve in senior care.
Now with over 35 years in the field, Tammy has worked in nursing home administration, as regional vice president of operations for a large senior living provider and as a turnaround specialist for a struggling senior community, among other positions.
Tammy finds managing a single close-knit community non-stressful and enjoyable. “I love being in the community and spending time getting to know Springbrooke residents and staff,” she said. “I find the residents exceptionally friendly, outgoing and genuine. And the owners are really responsive because they’re in the building every week.”
“Springbrooke’s activities, BBQs and happy hours draw a crowd. This is an active retirement community in a great location. You don’t really understand that until you visit!”
Melia Yelverton, Health & Wellness Director, LPN
Melia entered nursing on a dare. When watching TV with her sister, Dr. Yelverton popped up as a character. What were the odds? Right then, they dared each other to follow in his footsteps, whoever he was. Today, all three Yelertons – two sisters and mom – are all working in Denver’s senior living field. We can only imagine what their Sunday-night dinner conversations are like!
Melia comes to Springbrooke with seven years of experience in skilled nursing, memory care and assisted living. “The executive director and I share the same vision: to instill a love of healthcare in our staff. Our focus is on providing the very best care for residents, which includes expanding our staff’s skills so that they can confidently meet resident needs.”
A Denver native, Melia is mom to four school-aged kiddos. In her precious free time, she explores nearby trails with a child or two in tow.
“I love Springbrooke’s family atmosphere. The residents literally welcomed me with open arms. They make every day a treat.”
Lisa Link, Life Enrichment Director
Lisa is no stranger to Springbrooke. Her mother resided first in our assisted living community and then in The Lane memory care. Lisa found that joining in on activities and games was an effective way to connect with her mom during the final stages of Alzheimer’s. When Lisa’s mother passed in 2016, she left her daughter with a passion for enriching seniors’ lives through creative activities.
Lisa’s monthly calendars are filled with engaging, fun and surprising activities, many of which are suggested by residents. Judging by the smiles and healthy turnout, our residents approve!
At home, Lisa’s constant companion is her beloved springer spaniel, Wayne. Her home is dotted with all kinds of crafting projects: quilting, needlepoint and cross-stitch. When her fingers tire, Lisa reads mysteries, craft books and party-planning how-tos.
“I find Springbrooke residents sweet, kind and up for almost anything. And I couldn’t be happier with our activities team.”
Ruth Springer, Associate Director
If there is a North Star at Springbrooke, it’s Ruth. She first entered our doors in 1998 as our front desk concierge while earning an Associate of Arts Behavioral Science degree. Her subsequent experience as a mortgage loan processor gave her a strong foundation in accounting. She has been Springbrooke’s associate director since 2008.
When Ruth is not deep into the tasks of balancing Springbrooke’s finances, you’ll find her playing bartender at happy hours, chatting with residents and occasionally serving meals in the dining hall if we are particularly busy. Ruth seems everywhere at once, so it’s no wonder she’s the go-to for our executive director.
“I try to get to know everyone,” she said. “I take care of the staff so that they can take care of our residents.”
Ruth and her husband are the proud parents of three rambunctious dogs, who take them on long walks in the park. The couple also likes to try adventurous restaurants.
“I love the residents, the owners and the staff. It’s a pleasure to work here. Springbrooke is like family.”
Keith Lommatsch, Culinary Director
Keith has been preparing delicious fare for our residents almost from day one. He came to Springbrooke after 25 years in the hotel, restaurant and catering industries. “Because I’m not limited to the confines of a corporate menu, I’m free to be creative in the kitchen,” he said.
A Denver native, Keith fell into cooking while washing dishes as a college student. Soon the restaurant had him prepping for meals. Keith quickly decided that becoming a chef suited him better than an accounting degree. He went on to graduate from culinary school in Portland, Oregon, before returning home to Colorado.
Keith is known as a cut-up in the kitchen as well as with the residents. You’ll often find him in the dining room telling jokes and laughing with residents and their families.
Outside Springbrooke, Keith applies his creativity to playing the guitar and keyboards, and to experimenting with new recipes. He’s also a big Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche and Nuggets fan.
“It’s like cooking for family at Springbrooke. I know the likes and dislikes of nearly every resident, so I know how to make them smile.”
Karim Aouinat, Maintenance Director
Before joining the Springbrooke team in 2018, Karim ran his own maintenance firm for two decades. He’s well-versed in keeping the infrastructure of what is essentially a small city up and running smoothly.
Springbrooke feels like family to Karim; he loves the company of our residents as well as his work. Equipped with a degree in electronics, Karim often goes beyond his role as maintenance director to help residents with their home technologies. Just as important, Karim truly listens to our residents. “I take good care of them and meet their expectations,” he said. “I love what I’m doing.”
You’ll find Karim on site at Springbrooke every weekday, and available 24/7 in case of emergencies.
Outside of work, Karim enjoys hiking and camping in the mountains, vacation travel and watching movies with his spouse.
“Because Springbrooke is owner-owned, I can get things maintained or fixed quickly, without red tape.”
Erica Rodriguez, Marketing Director
Erica has worked in senior living since 2004, starting in the business office and finding her niche in sales and marketing. Her sunny personality makes her a favorite with residents. Her experience makes her a valuable resource for those searching for the right retirement community.
“After starting my career at a national chain, I migrated to privately owned communities, which deliver a more personalized, flexible living environment,” she said. “Springbrooke really feels like home in part because of the lack of red tape.”
Erica is the proud mom of two young children and a long-term Colorado resident. She also operates a special events company in her spare time.
“Springbrooke is small, friendly and feels like home. No wonder residents are happy here!”
Shaun Scarlett, Resident Care Coordinator
Originally from Jamaca, Shaun often helped his elderly grandparents. When the family made the move to the U.S., caregiving came naturally to him. He began his career in senior living in 2017 and landed in Springbrooke in 2025.
In a field dominated by women, Shaun brings a male perspective that both coworkers and residents appreciate. “Springbrooke residents are calm and friendly. They can come to me with any anything and know I’m open to listening to their concerns and life experiences,” he commented.
Outside of work, Shaun enjoys a good movie, hanging out with friends and travel.
“I love doing what I do – taking care of people.”
Blair Miller, Marketing Assistant
Blair comes to us after careers as a preschool teacher, nanny and property management specialist. “At Springbrooke, I’m able to blend my care-giving nature with my ability to make people comfortable in new surroundings,” she said. You’ll find Blair exploring every corner of Springbrooke, conducting tours and following up with prospective residents.
Originally from Kansas City, Blair spent time with her grandmother there, who was part of a retirement community. “Like Springbrooke, the residents and staff were treated as family. I love that.”
Blair claims that the best part of her role is getting to know people on a personal level. “Residents’ life stories are fascinating. I look forward to hearing them all!”
Blair’s home life revolves around a love of photography, cooking, thrift shopping, rooting for her alma mater (KU Jayhawk’s basketball) and playing with her young nephew.
“Springbrooke is a wonderful place to come to every day. The staff respects each other and every resident.”