Robert F. Drew - Board and Team Member
Over the last 20 years, Bob has been involved creating opportunities for individuals with a range of needs starting with affordable housing. Then he focused on food and clothing for Ogalala Native Americans on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. And finally, dementia care in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Bob has a passion for helping the diseased and less fortunate.
Bob is a founding Partner and officer in 3 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care facilities located in Summerset SD (2 years), Sioux Center, Iowa (4 years) and Broken Bow, NE (9 years). These are specialized 14-16 bed facilities using an assisted living model. They have developed a unique approach to Alzheimer’s care in small facilities that are dedicated to a close family model. As a former practicing CPA with Deloitte, Bob demands reporting accuracy.
To help less fortunate families in Rapid City, Bob developed an affordable housing apartment complex with 156 apartments. Their tenants’ incomes range 50 to 60 percent of the average median income. This is a tax credit project. He wrote and received a funding grant for $1 million as part of its funding and he is currently the managing general partner.
Recently, Bob worked with First Families Now, a Non-Profit 501(C)3. They provide food and clothing for Native Americans. Unfortunately, they had lost their nonprofit status. Bob helped them regain their tax exempt status and reorganized the reporting and accounting system. Bob gained a working knowledge of nonprofits in this mission of mercy for Native Americans on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Bob has worked for 23 years in the real estate industry. Helping clients in all parts of the real estate experience has been fulfilling and gratifying for him. Bob was also involved with Commercial Properties, completed valuations, ROI & debt/cash leverage analysis.
Bob became a Certified Public Accountant in 1979 and served two years in public practice with Touche Ross now known as Deloitte where Bob served as an auditor. Bob is home grown in South Dakota and attended the University of South Dakota where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a minor in Economics.
As Past President of Rushmore Rotary Club, Rapid City, SD, Bob was involved with spearheading a golf tournament for The Children’s Home Society that continues to be successful after 20 years.
Merlin Brenden - Board and Team Member
Merlin Brenden has over thirty years of experience in the construction industry, working on projects ranging from $10,000 to $80,000,000. He has recently completed the development of Village at Skyline Pines, a Quality Senior Village in Rapid City, SD, with a total cost of $19,000,000. He was also involved in the Tower Road Reconstruction project in Rapid City, providing project management services for the $4,000,000 development of land adjacent to Tower Road.
Merlin Brenden has built and served as the General Contractor for Alzheimer's Care Centers in Broken Bow, Beatrice, Sioux Center, and Summerset. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Throughout his career, Merlin has held management positions in various construction companies with annual revenues exceeding $10,000,000. He is also the owner of E & A Property Management.
Dan McHolm - Team Member
Dan McHolm brings nearly two decades of experience in business administration, leadership, and operations management to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care Centers of America (DACCA). With his strategic and innovative approach, Dan has successfully led numerous cross-functional teams to achieve impactful results for clients across various industries.
His expertise lies in developing and implementing comprehensive business strategies, rooted in leadership principals based upon market research and brand positioning to digital campaigns and social media management.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for staying ahead of industry trends, Dan is dedicated to delivering superior solutions that drive brand visibility and growth for DACCA. Dan combines analytical thinking with creativity to create dynamic and effective business strategies resonating with target clients, ultimately helping DACCA thrive in today's dynamic marketplace.
Dan’s focus on creating breakthrough environments specific to dementia and Alzheimer’s care continues to evolve through his commitment to continuously develop and set new industry standards. From his success and experience leading and managing teams for one of the world’s top 10 most admired companies, coupled with administrating memory care facilities, helps him to continuously adapt and surpass standards while creating revolutionary dementia and Alzheimer’s care environments.
Dan’s truly unique perspective and his ability to develop and implement viable memory care programs centered around customer-driven quality, integrity, and people-focused leadership make him an invaluable asset to DACCA’s management team.
Dan is also an advocate for local community engagement by supporting local education and a continued devotion to developing higher standards for dementia and Alzheimer’s care. He is raising expectations for a more dynamic care system for vulnerable adults. His deep understanding and commitment to individuality, quality of life, and dignity are the foundations of his philosophy. His many business successes are a direct reflection of this understanding.
Jassiel Garcia - Team Member
Jassiel Garcia is the Program Administrator for the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care Centers of America’s (DACCA) Sioux Center, Iowa Friendly Horizons facility.
He is an exceptional and compassionate professional in the senior living industry, leading with 10 years of management experience. Jassiel is a trusted leader known for his commitment to providing outstanding care for seniors, coaching and mentoring team members, and driving results in senior living.
Jassiel's family history with dementia and Alzheimer’s care has ignited a deep understanding of the disease, allowing him to empathize and care for the individuals under his care who are struggling through this journey.
Jassiel currently serves on the board of directors for the Iowa Assisted Living Association where he assists the board in empowering assisted living providers to advance the ideals of independence, choice and wellness through education, advocacy and resources.
Kenton D. Shaw - Team Member
Kenton D. Shaw is a highly experienced and dedicated professional with more than 32 years of experience in the field of geriatrics. With a passion for providing exceptional care to the elderly, Kenton has spent the last nine years as an assisted living administrator, managing and overseeing the daily operations of a senior living facility.
In addition to his role as an administrator, Kenton also serves as a consultant for the development and launch of new memory care facilities, drawing on his extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry. He holds certifications as a Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional, further demonstrating his commitment to staying at the forefront of his field.
Kenton is a certified MA CNA and a strong advocate for government support for underfunded facilities, working tirelessly to ensure all seniors receive the quality care they deserve. He also shares his wealth of knowledge by training staff in dementia care, equipping them with the necessary skills to provide compassionate and effective care to their residents.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kenton finds joy in spending time with his four children and exploring the great outdoors. With a strong work ethic and a heart for serving others, Kenton is a valuable asset to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care Centers of America.
Natalie Drew - Team Member
Natalie Drew is bookkeeper for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care Centers of America. She manages all bookkeeping functions including: accounts payable, cash, donor accounts, fixed assets, foundation accounts. She reconciles all bank statements using Quickbooks.
She also handles the preparation of all financial statements and the integration of donation receipts from cash, PayPal and credit cards, while handling all donation follow-ups. She also handles the website updates when necessary.
In addition to her duties at DACCA, Natalie is also a bookkeeper for Rensch Law Firm in Rapid City, SD, where she handles accounts payable and receivable, reconciles bank statements, billing and payroll.
Earlier in her career, Natalie kept the books for First Families Now, a non-profit 501c3 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation serving the Native Americans there.
Using QuickBooks, she managed accounts payable and receivable, reconciled bank statements and payroll, prepared financial statements and worked with receipt of donations through PayPal, credit cards and cash.
She also prepared the necessary documents for the tax accountant to protect the organization’s non-profit status. And, she updated their website when necessary.