Meet the Staff

Mary Jo Pipkin, Executive Director

“I truly believe that senior living communities are today’s answer for the elderly.  For years I visited my own family in nursing homes and wished for better way of life for them. Times sure have changed! When Keystone Senior arrived in Cedar Rapids back in 2003 they had a vision that exceeded my wildest dreams.  I love what I do for a living and feel blessed each day to come to work at Keystone Cedars and Keystone Place.  This is the most rewarding career I could have ever chosen. I believe we should provide our residents with a lifestyle that is happier, healthier and more fulfilling than before they came to us. It should be a positive lifestyle choice.  Instead of isolation and upkeep of a home, new friends and activities await you! I welcome you to our home and encourage you to visit us soon.” – Mary Jo Pipkin -

Director of Marketing – Lisa Cleland

I absolutely love working with seniors and their families & I couldn’t imagine doing anything else! As the Marketing Director & Social Worker I have the opportunity to help new residents and their families learn about Keystone and assist them with the transition of making it their new home.  We do have a beautiful community to live and work in, however it’s really the residents and staff that make it such a great place.

Community Manager – Emily Jo Hayes

“I’ve been with the Keystone family since 2005.  I had previously worked as a C.N.A and activity director.  Over half my life has been working with seniors!  Keystone has been such a great place to work for me.  I have learned so many valuable life lessons and skills from both residents and staff that I will carry with me the rest of my life.  Independent living provides a much needed service to seniors looking for a place to fit in, find friends and gain back some of the independence that chores and caring for a home can sometimes take away.  It’s very rewarding to work with residents and families see the positive changes independent living gives them.” – Emily Jo Hayes-

Office Manager – Donna Paxton

“I truly love my job at Keystone. It is an amazing community to work in.  I have been at The Keystones since2004 as the Office Manager for both communities.  We have beautiful buildings to work in.   We also have a great family of residents and staff here.  It seems that Keystone has grown a lot over the last few years. We have many Activities going on all the time that seems to keep everyone busy and interacting with staff and other residents.  This is truly a beautiful place for seniors to live and enjoy a warm family like community.” -Donna Paxton-

Director of Health Services–Tracey Martin, RN

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work at Keystone Cedars?

“Having the opportunity to not only care for my residents’ healthcare needs but also having the chance to share in part of their lives on a daily basis.” -Tracey Martin-

Dia Potter – Activities Coordinator

I love people in general, but have a heart for working with seniors.  I am very excited to be a part of the Keystone team.  I bring experience in human services and marketing from my previous positions.  I love to stay active, and am looking forward to “aquacize” in the pool and the wide variety of activities that will keep me on my toes.  I am so thankful to have a rewarding career, it is truly a blessing.-Dia Potter-

Lisa, Gary, Peg & Darcie – Activity Team

These four have all been with us for several years now! Lisa previously worked as a caregiver, Gary also works as a driver to Dr. appointments, Peg began here career at Keystone as a caregiver as well, and then there’s Darcie;) Darcie previously worked in activities before coming to Keystone as well. Together this team has added a wide variety of music, creative crafts, outings, one on one time and so many more countless activities! All four have such wonderful qualities and talents that enrich the lives of our residents every day!

Julie O’Connor – Director of Food Services

I have not been working at Keystone Cedars for a long time but I wish I had been. It is so pleasant here at Keystone. Everyone is so close and caring; it’s like having your own grandparents with you every day. I only hope I can begin to give back to the residents some of the sheer joy that they bring to my life. I love to hear a resident reminisce about an old family favorite recipe and then try to Surprise them by making it!  Stop by any day for lunch, we always have an open chair for new friend. – Julie O’Connor-